Best Car Battery Tester

Ensuring the Spark Doesn’t Die

Knowing which is the best car battery tester can save you both time, money and headaches. The issue is, there are so many on the market it can be tough to choose the right one.
But, just before I get down into the detail, let me put something to you.

If you’re looking for a tester to test your camera batteries or other household batteries, check out this page the best household battery tester.

If you’ve ever owned a car, at some time or another you will have experienced the dreaded dead battery. You expect your car to fire into life, yet all you hear as you turn the ignition is a “click” sound. That’s it.

Not only is this annoying, but it can also ruin your plans and possibly involve a considerable expense.

Car battery testers can, in many cases, prevent this occurring. They give you the peace of mind that your car is going to start and can indicate whether the battery is beginning to fail.

This article will take you through the best car battery testers available. It will also give you some useful information on the key features you should be looking for.

The Foxwell BT705 Battery tester is, in my opinion, the best car battery load tester for the money. Click the link to read our review.

Foxwell BT 705 Battery tester Review

Solar BA327 Electronic Battery
and System Tester

One of the most comprehensive and accurate battery testers on the market, made by the renowned Solar brand.

Solar BA327 Review

This tester is suitable for either six-volt or 12-volt batteries. Making it suitable for those with a 2018 car model, a classic auto, or a vintage vehicle.

If you’re lucky enough to have an absolute beast of a machine in your driveway, then you will not be disappointed. With an operating range of 40 through to 2000 cold-cranking amps, this tester is adequate for even the largest of batteries.

Furthermore, it doesn’t matter what type of battery you have in your vehicle. It easily switches between testing AGM flat plate, standard acid, gel cell, and spiral wound batteries.

The display is large and easy to read. A blue-backlit screen provides clear data, whether in dark or brightly-illuminated environments. What’s more, contrast can be adjusted to provide the perfect resolution. This is a useful feature if the unit is to be used in a variety of locations.

Additionally, testing information is displayed over four separate lines. You don’t have to flick between screens to see all the relevant information. It’s all there at once.

It’s constructed from molded plastic, which should help to prevent damage if the tester is dropped. The cables are 10 feet long, allowing you to access even the hardest to reach battery terminals.

For those who need documentation, an inbuilt printer allows testing data to be produced at the press of a button. As it uses standard thermal paper (cashier rolls), there are no expensive bespoke extras to buy.

Additionally, each test is individually recorded, numbered and given a specific tracking code. This is particularly appealing if the tester is to be used in a commercial context. Documentary proof can be provided simply and accurately.

A nice feature is the “intelligent” testing system. The user is guided on the screen through each stage of the analytic process. This ensures nothing is missed and the results are as accurate as possible.

Large buttons enable the menus to be clicked through easily, even when wearing gloves.

Solar BA327 Specifications

Size	14.5 inches by 10 inches by 3.3 inches
Weight	5 Pounds
Power	2 x Lithium cells included
Battery Testing Voltage	6 Volts and 12 Volts
Operating Range	1.5 Volts to 30 Volts
CCA Range	40-2000 CCA
Battery Types	Std, gel cell, spiral wound, flat plate
Cable Length	10 feet
Printer	Inbuilt

What Are the Benefits of the Solar BA327?

• Large CCA capacity.
• Suitable for both six and 12-volt batteries.
• Easy-to-read backlit adjustable display with four lines of information.
• 10-foot cable length.
• Printing facility providing testing documentation.
• “Walk-through” testing by following on-screen instructions.
• Multilingual facility.
• Temperature compensation allowing for more accurate reporting.
• Rugged construction.

What Are the Drawbacks of the Solar BA327?

• A premium price for a premium product.
• May have unnecessary features for those wanting a simple tester.

Final Thoughts on the Solar BA327

A powerful machine that is equally suited for the serious enthusiast or the professional. Wide CCA and voltage range means that virtually all ratings of the battery can be tested and readings recorded through the printer. The only downside is that some features may be “overkill” for basic users.

Schumacher BT-100 Battery Load Tester

Schumacher has been associated with automotive electrics since 1947. Their innovative products continue with the BT-100 tester.

Schumacher BT-100 Review

Although at first glance it doesn’t look as versatile as the Solar or Foxwell, the Schumacher tester still delivers. Being able to test six volt and 12-volt batteries (at 50 and 100 amps respectively), this unit is ideal for the modern or vintage car enthusiast.

It can test batteries from 100 through to 1000 cold-cranking amps, making it suitable for most standard-sized cars. It would be insufficient for use on heavy-duty trucks, though.

Information is relayed through the large analog needle display face. A clean, white background enables the data to be easily read. Although, if you are visually challenged, much of the text may be too small to read.

The casing is made from steel and is shock-resistant. While this should prevent any damage to the internal components if dropped, scratches and dents are a strong possibility. If you don’t mind a “well-used” appearance, this shouldn’t be a negative.

Large vent holes in the steel case prevent the tester from overheating. These protect the electrical system, while also providing more accurate battery-health readings.

A nice feature is the spring-loaded “on” switch. The tester only works while it is depressed, springing back to the “off” position when released. This prevents the tester overheating—should the user forget that it is still connected. Great if you are somewhat absent-minded.

The cables are only two feet long, so the unit needs to be located close to the battery terminals. The tester can be held with the attached handle, which is covered in rubber, for both safety and comfort.

This machine can be used for load testing, battery health and draw of the starter motor. Therefore, providing a complete diagnosis of the charging system.

Schumacher BT-100 Specifications

Size	15.1 inches by 7.5 inches by 3.6 inches
Weight	2 Pounds
Power	None-direct from car battery
Battery Testing Voltage	6 Volts and 12 Volts
Operating Range	6 Volts to 12 Volts
CCA Range	100-1000 CCA
Battery Types	Std, gel cell, spiral wound, flat plate
Cable Length	2 feet
Printer	No

What Are the Benefits of the Schumacher BT-100?

• Hardened shock-absorbing steel case.
• Large ventilation holes to prevent overheating.
• Spring-loaded on/off button to prevent accidental prolonged testing.
• Safety conscious rubber handle.
• Suitable for both six and 12-volt batteries.
• Very simple to use.
• Large analog needle display.

What Are the Drawbacks of the Schumacher BT-100?

• Short cables mean the unit has to be located close to terminals.
• Small handles on the clamps could be awkward for larger hands.
• The text is small on display face.

Final Thoughts on the Schumacher BT-100

A nice unit for those people who aren’t interested in digital readouts and want a more “traditional” tester. A wide range of applications means it is perfect for the home user. But the short cables may be problematic in some circumstances.

Suner Power AE300 Digital Tester

A robust tester that provides digital battery features in a lower-priced unit.

Suner Power AE300 Digital Tester Review

While the digital display on this tester may not provide as much comprehensive information as the Foxwell and Solar models, it still has some nice features.

Designed for 12-volt batteries, with a range of 100 to 995 cold-cranking amps, it is a nice unit for the home user. Especially those who have no requirement for the extra capabilities of much more expensive machines.

The display is clear and backlit. With extra-large LCD digits, it’s easy to read, even for those people whose eyesight isn’t what it used to be. Possibly a good choice for the senior market.

Battery health is indicated by a status bar, which extends across the full length of the display. Again, this makes reading the tester simple.

A rugged, rubberized casing protects the unit from damage, particularly useful for the more clumsy car enthusiast. Although, the bright yellow coloring and somewhat dated-looking buttons may not appeal if you’re looking for more “techy” aesthetics.

Five feet of cable provides a nice balance between comfort and having to store large lengths of lead. For most standard-sized cars, this should enable the unit to be used inside the vehicle.

These cables culminate in over-large handled clamps. While this may make them awkward if the battery is in a tight position, it does have some advantages.
Their large size provides easy handling and increases leverage when opening. Hence, for the strength challenged among us, they may be a good option.

This tester has the capability to check for battery-life percentage, cold-cranking amps, current battery voltage, and battery resistance.

For people who are concerned about safety when working on their cars, this could be a good choice. It has numerous features to protect the user. This includes prevention of reverse polarity, voltage surges, and “beeps” to remind you it’s still in use.

Suner Power AE300 Specifications

Size	10.5 inches by 7.5 inches by 2.5 inches
Weight	One Pound
Power	Lithium batteries
Battery Testing Voltage	12 Volts
Operating Range	7 Volts to 15 Volts
CCA Range	100-995 CCA
Battery Types	AGM, gel cell, flood, marine deep cycle
Cable Length	5 feet
Printer	No

What Are the Benefits of the Suner Power AE300?

• One of the more economical digital battery testers.
• Large digits make it very simple to read, even from a distance.
• Lightweight.
• Large clamp handles make opening the clips easy.
• Numerous safety features for peace of mind.

What Are the Drawbacks of the Suner Power AE300?

• Basic—may not deliver enough data for the serious user.
• For a simple machine, the instructions are difficult to read.
• Appearance—looks more like an LCD gaming console than a serious tester.

Final Thoughts on the Suner Power AE300

An ideal machine for those who need a digital tester, but don’t want the larger price and extensive detail of more professional models. With the lightweight unit, massive LCD digits and easy-opening clamps, it could be an option for the senior market.

OTC 3180 Battery Tester

Part of the Bosch brand, OTC is both a manufacturer and supplier of diagnostic equipment for automotives. The 3180 tester is a no-frills, yet highly-accurate, product.

OTC 3180 Review

One of the most initially striking features of this tester is the extra-large display. Cased in heavy-duty plastic, the needle is clear and easy to see. The printed scales inside the casing are mostly in large text—useful if you struggle with smaller typefaces.

A six and 12-volt capacity makes it useful for those with modern cars, or you may be lucky enough to have access to a 6-volt golf buggy. The cables are just less than two feet long, meaning that this may not suit if your battery is not easily accessible.

While this product lacks some features that the top models in this list possess, it still provides sufficient diagnostics for the home user. This includes the charge status, charging volts and cranking. Furthermore, a clear indicator illustrates whether the battery is “bad” or “good”.

For a basic tester, the build is quite attractive. The heavy-duty steel case is chrome covered, providing a sleek appearance. However, I would suggest that this chrome would not remain so appealing after extensive garage use.

Large ventilation holes reduce the possibility of overheating. A safety switch prevents arcing, which could otherwise cause fire or explosions.

If this tester is to be used intermittently on just one battery it could suit. However, if numerous batteries are being tested often, it may prove a little disappointing. The 10-second test process is quite long.

In addition, it will require a few minutes of “cooling-down” time after testing just two batteries. Not ideal for the heavy user.

OCT 3180 Specifications

Size	14 inches by 7.4 inches by 3.6 inches
Weight	10.4 Ounces
Power	Direct from car battery
Battery Testing Voltage	6 Volts and 12 Volts
Operating Range	Zero to 16 Volts
CCA Range	100-1000 CCA
Battery Types	Standard, gel cell, spiral wound, and flat plate
Cable Length	22 inches
Printer	No

What Are the Benefits of the OTC 3180?

• Extra-large needle display.
• Simple to understand good/bad battery status indicator.
• Hardened steel chrome casing with large ventilation holes.
• Anti-arcing feature for safety.
• Not overly complicated.

What Are the Drawbacks of the OTC 3180?

• Not suitable for heavy use—requires a “cooling-off” period.
• Short cable length.

Final Thoughts on the OTC 3180

A battery tester that is easy to read and operate. This unit is best suited for light use. It’s ideal for the person who is not interested in detailed diagnostics, but just wants to check their battery is healthy.

Why Does My Car Have a Battery Anyway?

Simply, without it, that automobile of yours isn’t going to start. The battery provides power to the starter, which in turn kicks the engine into firing up.

As you may be aware, it wasn’t always like this. The earliest cars were started with a manual crank. A guy, or girl, would make their way to the front of the car and repeatedly turn a handle until the engine started.

Since the Hudson Motor Car Company developed the first standard car battery in 1920, the days of using your servant to start the car are—thankfully—long gone.

However, whereas before, you could simply tell that your serf was in good working condition, just looking at your battery gives you no indication of its well-being.

Testing With A Multimeter

If you happen to own a multimeter, you can quickly test the voltage of your battery using a multimeter. It is not a reliable indicator of the condition of the battery. The best way is to use a battery load tester.

Prevents Explosions

Okay, this is pretty rare, but it does occur. Old lead-acid batteries, if damaged, can sometimes explode. Overheating cells can break, creating a domino effect throughout the other cells.

This can either lead to a fire or, in extreme cases, an explosion. Checking that your battery is in good condition will prevent movie-like pyrotechnics.

Just ensuring that the battery is working correctly is a common-sense approach. It alleviates being late for work, missing the school run or becoming stranded in the wilderness. Depending on the particular tester, they can give load tests, check current and voltage and indicate short circuits.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a safe, reliable and accurate car battery tester—all the above products fit these qualities. However, when it comes to the best, my personal tester of choice has to be the Solar BA327 Electronic Battery and System Tester. This is a machine with serious diagnostic properties.

Providing information on battery health, status, voltage, load capacity, and start-up testing—there is little more information you require. This makes it an ideal machine for both the professional user and the serious home enthusiast.

However, this attention to diagnostic data does not mean the unit is complicated to operate. The user is guided through the process by the digital display, ensuring accurate results.

Furthermore, the inbuilt printer means documentation or frequent battery monitoring is easy.I hope that this article has helped you. Using a car battery tester will mean those battery failures are a thing of the past. You can sleep easy, knowing the next morning your car is roaring to go—not dead on its wheels.

Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API