What is a battery tester? Why should you consider owning one right away? Most car owners today know what an OBD II code reader or scanner is. As a result of this wide scale adoption, the bulk of users who buy vehicle scanners and code readers are regular vehicle owners and passionate DIYers. Subsequently, diagnostics companies are now focusing on making tools for vehicle owners and DIYers as against making professional mechanics their primary focus.
However, in this ‘great enlightenment’, there’s one very important auto diagnostic tool that though central, remains largely unknown…
…it’s the battery tester.
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Article Outline
What Is a Battery Tester?
A battery tester, traditionally, functions in the same manner an OBD II code reader/scanner does. However, instead of reading engine and tranny codes, the tester focuses on the battery, determining its state of charge, capacity, and overall health.
Generally, battery testers do not have their independent batteries. To perform their job, they rely on the power the batteries they are testing offer them.
Most battery testers like the Ancel BA101 and the Foxwell BT705 also offer functionality to test the starter (and alternator), besides testing the battery itself.
If you’re working with any such units, you get to test the entire starting/charging system of your vehicle, usually, in a few minutes.
So, why should you own your battery tester?
Why Should You Own One?
Most parts stores, dealers, and mechanics own battery testers and will be happy to test your starter battery for free (or, for a small fee – in the worst-case scenario).
So, why should you buy – and own your battery tester – when you can get your battery tested for free?
Here are the most convincing reasons I can think of, right away.
1. It’s Very Cheap
Most times, the determining factor for the things we buy (and the ones we don’t) is their price tags.
You find something impressive either physically (or online) and fall in love with it only to see that the price tag is well beyond what you’re comfortable paying for such a thing.
If you’ve ever abandoned something at the point of checkout (when the attendant mentions the price), you’re definitely not alone.
Battery testers, generally, are exceptions to this rule. They are usually available for cheap and with a little change in the wallet (or purse), can be afforded – without any sticker shocks.
For instance, the Ancel BA101 battery tester is super reasonable and does a lot of things well. Even the mid-level Foxwell BT705 isn’t likely to shock any college student on a budget.
For this type of deal, ownership makes way more sense than hiring (or even getting the service for free/cheap), especially when the next point is considered.
2. Pays for Itself After a Few Uses
It doesn’t make sense buying most things: expensive things that you only need to use occasionally. A great example is setting up a spray booth – even when/if you have spray painting expertise (and would love to handle your auto spraying needs directly).
On the other hand, there are a few things that ultimately pay for themselves, after a few uses; things that you find around years after the purchase and suddenly, realize what a great purchase it was that you made.
A battery tester is one such purchase: you take a look at it years after, smile, and suddenly realize that the unit paid for itself after the first few uses (and you’re still actively using it, after, maybe, the 300th or 1000th time).
3. Gives You the Freedom to Do Things Properly
There’s a reason most vehicle owners decide to change their oil themselves and most car owners are ignoring mechanics and opting for auto DIY: the freedom and ultimate satisfaction that comes from doing things properly and knowing that things were fixed the way they should – with love (and not the poor inspiration that a meal ticket brings).
Granted, most lube shops or dealerships will be happy to test your battery either for free or for a fee. The challenge, usually, is this: how well will they end up doing it? Can you honestly trust their conclusions?
If most of these folks can’t be trusted to change the oil they say they’ll change, why should you trust them with something, capable of getting you stranded as a starter battery?
Why not simply go DIY?
Which Battery Tester Should You Settle For?
This depends – on many factors.
If you’re a casual user, the Ancel BA 101 is all that you need: it’s simple, easy to use, and will get you all the important battery metrics you need tested, easily and conveniently: battery, starter, and alternator.
The best part? It’s reasonably priced and solidly built for the price point at which it retails.
On the other hand, if you’re looking at something on the professional side (or a little upscale), the Foxwell BT 705 is a nice, sturdy unit that comes in a case and importantly, ticks most boxes, including fitness for heavy-duty use and ease of taking the unit around.
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Throttle Lan
DIY Mechanic and Freelance Auto Writer