DMM vs Battery Tester - What Is The Best - Topdon BT200 Battery Tester

[@snocrushr]

I used my carbon pile tester for years, now I have one of those electro gizmos.👍

[@SteveRobReviews]

They are cool or what eh :)

[@DIYVariety]

should test batteries every year around winter before the snow flys, i use a load tester but there are lots of gadgets out there steve, thanks steve for the video

[@SteveRobReviews]

Yes exactly Jason 👍

[@PinetreeLine]

That’s some quality time out of that battery. This looks like a very helpful specific inexpensive tool Steve. Thanks Buddy 🍻

[@SteveRobReviews]

Hi Doug How to test and what to test with is key .

[@RustyGlovebox]

I like using a battery tester for testing a battery. I have the same tester and been real happy for the most part with it. On something that sets a lot I like using a trickle charger to help extend the life of a battery. Cheer Steve

[@SteveRobReviews]

Hi Lloyd Knowledge is a good thing when testing a battery .

[@OpenAirOutdoors]

A good practice to test in the fall! And would add also a good practice to disconnect and clean your terminals at the same time! A multi meter just can't perform the same, especially when applying a load tells the truth on a battery. Good over view Steve✌

[@SteveRobReviews]

Thanks Marc 👍

[@phillyfathead]

Informative video on a side note I used those fly traps that you suggested on my “ cabin “ windows and they worked great, thanks for the TIP!!

[@SteveRobReviews]

Yes absolutely, I changed them out before closing the camp , awesome strips.

[@phillyfathead]

@@SteveRobReviews absolutely!!!! Great tip!

[@Erated78]

Thanks Steve - totally agree that these units are the better choice to test batteries - a multi meter is good to check if the alternator is charging - for $40 CDN / $4.99 USD it’s a smart buy. - cheers

[@SteveRobReviews]

HAHAHA the exchange rate is spot on Ed.

[@OpenAirAdventure]

Morning Steve. I like that tester and its options.

[@SteveRobReviews]

Hi Kenny Testing stuff is so much easier with the right tools.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Steve the battery tester you have seems to be a good one. I have had battery problems before. They are not that easy to find. Like you showed, the multi meter will show a good voltage but the battery can't produce current due to other factors. A load test is the only way to really test the battery. A 7 year old battery is decent for sure!! Thanks for this vid. Take 'er easy!!

[@SteveRobReviews]

Hi Mike Testing a battery can get adventurous for sure :)

[@wtbm123]

Nice that one can see the internal resistance . Mine is about the same thing but different brand . Main thing with any of those , try to hook directly to battery terminal as a dirty connection can show as bad battery if hooked to battery cable terminal. . Well worh the money .

[@SteveRobReviews]

@wtbm123 Hi Terry Yes absolutely following the instructions are a must .

[@Sylvan_dB]

I've had a battery tester for a few years now, and it is great. I compare it with my other methods and I get the same results, but the tester is quick and easy. Necessary? Not at all. It's a convenience, and everyone needs to decide for themself if that convenience is worth the cost and having yet another gadget around the place. I got by for a lot of years with a DMM (and analog meter before that). If you suspect the battery but the initial measurement is about 12.6v, then turn on the high beams for 30 seconds to a minute (engine not running!) and then measure voltage again. If it has dropped below 12v your battery is suspect. Below 11v it is almost certainly bad. With a helper you can watch the voltage while you try to crank the engine, or at least try to crank then immediately check the meter. You want at least 8v while cranking, and preferable 10v. Several years ago I got a load tester (steel box with heat coils in it). It's another gadget, but it can beat around in a box under the bench and likely not be damaged, unlike an electronic tester. This is easier than using the headlights and a bit faster and more reliable. As a heavier load it more closely simulates cranking compared to headlights. If your vehicle has LED headlights then this might be more important but in all my testing, this load tester didn't change the outcome.

[@SteveRobReviews]

@Sylvan_dB Great suggestions Sylvan 👍

[@gatorsworld]

I have an old resistive toaster and a digital but I think you got me convinced to shop for something else, Steve. It’s time before them terrif start kicking in so cyber Monday is go time…..CHEERS

[@SteveRobReviews]

Good idea Gator 👍

[@ChevyCitation]

Hello Steve Cheers 👍

[@SteveRobReviews]

Hello there!

[@CampingNstuff]

Set it on min/max , crank the engine and it will capture the lowest voltage. General rule of thumb below 10.5V needs further investigation. I use clear flood mode (if available) and crank the engine for 5 secs for better results.

[@SteveRobReviews]

@CampingNstuff Yes absolutely but if the engine starter does not crank over is where many do a lot of guessing :)

[@CampingNstuff]

@@SteveRobReviews the voltage will drop dramatically, let’s say you have a OCV of 12.6V but theres lots of sulfation on the plates . When you attempt to crank the engine the demand of the relay and solenoid alone will cause a major drop in voltage.

[@PaiviProject]

Ahaa. Wow. I think that is a good investment ! 👍👋

[@SteveRobReviews]

Hi Paivi You definitely need one eh :)

[@PaiviProject]

@@SteveRobReviews Heh hee. Probable not but Hubby might need one 😁

[@BruceLyeg]

That's a pretty good lifetime for a battery! I'm lucky if I get five years out of a battery, usually less

[@SteveRobReviews]

Bruce I found plugging my vehicles in when not in use to an onboard battery maintainer works great.

[@Gooditalian]

Battery tester

[@SteveRobReviews]

👍