Top 10 Best Car Battery Load Tester 2021 – Product Reviews & Buying Guide
Car batteries are indisputably essential parts of any vehicle. Anyone who has faced a situation of a dead battery on a trip or in a cold winter morning can attest to that. Even the tiniest fault in the battery can negatively impact your trip. This is why you need the best car battery load tester to keep track of the car battery’s health and general condition.
The car battery load testers range from simple devices that monitor your battery’s life to more sophisticated devices that run several complicated tests on your battery and car systems. However, they all have the same role- to diagnose faults in your battery and car systems early.
When you find those faults on time, you save yourself the misfortune of having your car break down. You also preserve the life of your battery and keep it working at optimum capacity long after its guarantee period.
BEST PREMIUM
Clore Automotive BA427
- Tests 6 and 12V batteries and 12V and 24V systems
- Capacity: Up to 3000 CCA
- Comes with extra safety features
TOP PICK
Battery Tester FOXWELL BT705
- 12V and 24V battery tester
- Measurement capacity: 100 to 2000 CCA
- Uses multiple rating classifications
BEST value
Schumacher SC1281
- 6V and 12V Battery and alternator tester
- Measurement capacity: Up to 1000CCA
- Multistage charging function
best car battery load tester comparison
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Top 10 best car battery load tester
for the money
1. Battery Tester FOXWELL BT705
Foxwell’s BT705 battery load tester is a new and improved model that tests 12 and 24V batteries. The type of battery isn’t a problem because this tester works with most battery types, and it delivers accurate results within 3 seconds. Its hard outer casing protects it and prevents heat and sparks, making it safe to use even for beginners.
With this tester, you can measure your battery’s CCA, capability, and general health status. It also has tests that measure the cranking voltage, cranking time, output voltage, and charging current with its charging system test.
The best part is that you can use this load tester without disconnecting your battery. With the long cord, you can use it while inside your vehicle.
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Specification
- 12V and 24V battery tester
- Measurement capacity: 100 to 2000 CCA
- Advanced conductance testing technology
- Measures CCA, vehicle capability, and health of the battery
- Capable of measuring output voltage and cranking system
- Uses multiple rating classifications
- Automatic t emperature compensation
- Calculates aging status of the cells
- Bluetooth printing function
Pros
- Accurate and reliable results
- Provides results in seconds
- Safe for beginners and amateurs
- User-friendly interface
- 7.8-ft long testing cable
- Suitable for most battery types
Cons
- The cables don’t detach for easy storage.
2. Schumacher SC1281 6/12V Fully Automatic Battery Charger Load Tester
Schumacher makes some of the best car battery load testers in the market, and their SC1281 model is up there with the best. This model has innovative features and an equally impressive operation, which is safe for everyone to use. With its auto-voltage detector, you don’t have to calculate how much voltage your battery needs. The SC1281 identifies it instantly and provides the perfect amount your car needs.
One way people damage their batteries is by mistakenly reversing the clamps. The SC1281 ensures that that doesn’t happen to your battery with its reverse hook-up function.
This stops the charger from working as long as the clamps are not attached correctly. Anyone can use this tester because of its fluid and straightforward interface and clear display system.
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Specification
- 6V and 12V Battery and alternator tester
- Measurement capacity: Up to 1000CCA
- Quick boost and jump-start feature
- Multistage charging function
- Rocker switch
- Reverse hook-up protection
- Auto voltage detection
- Capable of load tests, battery health, and charging system diagnosis
Pros
- Suitable for most batteries, including those for large vehicles
- Easy to use and read
- Protects battery from damage if clamps are incorrectly placed
- Bright LCD display
- Powerful enough to jump-start large batteries
Cons
- The clamps are smaller and lighter than expected.
3. Midtronics PBT300 Battery charging starting system tester
The Midtronics PBT300 Battery Charging system tester supports a broad selection of 12V batteries because of its wide capacity range.
It performs accurate charging tests on batteries, which helps you maintain their health and quickly identify problems. You can also perform starter tests on your car’s starting system to diagnose any faults.
One great feature this battery tester has is its bad cell detection feature that discovers any bad cells you need to change in your battery.
All these results are displayed on its bright digital LED display using red, yellow, and green colors to notify you about the battery’s health. Its wide range of available tests, coupled with its high capacity, makes the PBT300 stand out.
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Specification
- 12V battery tester
- Capacity: 100 to 1000 CCA
- Bad cell detection feature
- Tests car starting system
- Suitable for most 12V batteries
- Runs tests on car charging systems
- LED light display with three notification signals
Pros
- Bright LED and digital display
- Extensive range of CCAs
- Performs a wide range of tests
- Gives accurate results
- The tester is easy to operate and read
- Detects bad cells in a battery
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a case, and this makes it hard to transport.
4. FOXWELL auto battery tester for 12V car battery load analyzer
The Foxwell battery tester is recognized for its quick, accurate results, and its user-friendly design. With its easy to hold outer casing, anyone can use and operate this tester regardless of their skill set.
It is portable and lightweight, with a cable that stretches long enough into your car during use and sturdy clips that stay put during operation.
If you want something durable, then the Foxwell may be the best car battery load tester for you. All its materials are high-grade, and it is well-built to last. It also has useful features like a multilingual menu, full-grip handle, and spark-proof clamps.
You can run a myriad of tests with this tester without having to do any heavy lifting. Also, its built-in printer allows you to print out your results on high-quality thermal printing paper.
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Specification
- 12V batteries, 12V and 24V battery systems
- Conductance and ripple voltage test available
- Capacity: 100 CCA to 1000 CCA
- Integrated thermal printer
- Spark, light, and heat-safe
- Suitable for all battery types
Pros
- Durable with a strong outer casing
- Ergonomic design with hand grips
- Safe to use
- Quick and accurate readings
- Performs a wide range of tests
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- The readings may be inconsistent with some AGM batteries.
5. Clore Automotive BA427 Colar Electronic Battery and system tester with printer
The BA427 of the Clore Solar electronic battery tester boasts a fast and easy analysis of your battery and car system. It works on 6V and 12V batteries, but you can also test 12 and 24V systems with the tester.
Its operation is so easy that both amateur and professionals can do it. It also delivers your results within a short time on its bright display.
Additionally, its integrated printer prints out your results clearly and quickly. It even saves your previous test results so you can always check back on them.
The printer’s cable is almost 10 feet long, so you don’t have to pause your work to print. The BA427 has an interactive design with large buttons, and its casing is easy to grip and carry around.
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Specification
- 1.3V to 30V testing range
- Capacity: Up to 3000 CCA
- Tests 6 and 12V batteries and 12V and 24V systems
- Additional accessories
- Built-in printer
- Comes with extra safety features
Pros
- It covers a wide range of tests.
- Comes with a built-in printer
- Portable and easy to use
- Suitable for a wide range of batteries
- Comes with long cables
- High CCA capacity
Cons
- You may experience some faults in its readings after some months.
6. ANCEL BST500 12V/24V 100-2000 CCA Automotive Battery Load Tester
The Ancel BST500 tests 12V batteries of all sizes, including marine, motorcycle, and truck batteries. Not only that, but it also tests 12V and 24V charging and starting systems to diagnose faults and mechanical issues.
It is suitable for most battery types, including AGM spiral and flat plate batteries, flooded cells, and deep-cycle batteries. It also covers most battery rating standards and ratings.
This tester comes in a hard shell casing with ridges for better gripping, and a clear display screen for the results. Within 2.5 seconds, the Ancel BST500 shows you the results, which identifies the battery’s health status and notifies you when the battery needs a charge.
You can also print out the results on its built-in printer, which uses a good-quality thermal printer paper.
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Specification
- Ideal for 12V batteries; 12V and 24V systems
- Displays results in 2.5 seconds
- Capacity: 100 to 2000 CCA
- Sturdy outer casing for more durability
- Backlit digital display screen
- Inbuilt printer
- Follows all battery ratings and standards
- Suitable for most battery types
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Comes with a printer
- Clear display screen for lowlight conditions
- A durable and ergonomic outer case
- Works on most battery types and follows all battery testing standards
Cons
- The cables are not long enough.
- It makes a loud, beeping noise whenever a button is pressed.
7. Clore automotive 1874 500 amp carbon pile battery load tester
With a variable load capacity of up to 500 amps, the Clore Automotive carbon pile load tester is one of the more powerful load testers on this list. It has a cold-cranking amps capacity of up to 1000 CCA for heavy-use batteries and battery service vehicles.
You can test for battery capacity, charge state, starter draw, and charging system productivity, and get the results in record time.
All results are boldly displayed on the large screen voltmeter and ammeter displays, notifying you of any failures in the system. The results are easy to read, so there is no need for an expert’s input, and the tests are easy to perform.
The tester also has large, heavy-duty clamps that are capable of piercing through battery corrosion to take readings.
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Specification
- Tests 6V and 12V batteries
- Capacity: up to 1000 CCA
- Variable load capability: 500 amps
- Corrosion-penetrative heavy-duty clamps
- Performs alternator and starter analysis
- Effortless load control
- Analog display with easy to understand dual gauges
Pros
- Quick and easy to use
- Offers carbon pile tests
- Detailed menu
- Performs a wide range of tests
- Suitable for a wide range of batteries
- Results are accurate and consistent
Cons
- Its cables are too short.
8. Automotive battery tester 12V/24V car battery system tester
The Duoyi battery tester is different from the other testers on this list. It runs more advanced tests. The battery tester can diagnose problems for 12V car, motorcycle, boat, UPS batteries, and electric car batteries.
It diagnoses your battery, car starting, and charging systems without disconnecting the battery. This tester is reliable and accurate, and it displays your results in 3 seconds or less while following most battery rating standards.
The results of the tests show your battery’s health and status. It also lets you know when you need to charge or replace it. Its outer casing is sturdy and ruggedly built to withstand abuse and enable easy gripping.
It also has a printer that prints out your results on thermal printing paper after reading them on the display screen.
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Specification
- 12V lead-acid battery system tester
- Capacity: 100 to 1000 CCA
- Hard outer casing with ridges for easy gripping
- Integrated printer
- Backlit digital display screen
- Follows all battery rating standards
- Suitable for an electric car and UPS batteries
Pros
- Easy to read display
- Ergonomic design with hand grips
- Works without disconnecting the battery
- Built-in printer
- Versatile tester for an electric car and UPS batteries
Cons
- It makes a loud, beeping sound when testing the CCA.
9. KZYEE KS20 car battery load tester
The Kyzee K20 load tester is a versatile tester that diagnoses the faults on most 12V or 24V batteries. It can tell you the state of your battery and its CCA capability. However, it isn’t only used for testing batteries.
It tests your vehicle’s starting and charging systems. The results are produced quickly and accurately, so you can immediately locate and fix the problem.
This battery load tester tests batteries from 9V to 30V, and it has a testing range of 100 CCA to 1700 CCWith this tester. You can monitor your battery systems so every small fault is fixed before it becomes worse, thus saving you money.
It can notify you on the bright LCD screen, the moment your battery stops sending the correct amperage to the system, or the motor doesn’t work adequately.
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Specification
- 12V and 24V battery tester
- Capacity: 100 CCA to 1700 CCA
- Charging system and generator analysis
- Starter system analysis
- Suitable for motorcycle and car batteries
- Complete battery system diagnosis
Pros
- Clear LCD screen display
- Wide CCA capacity range
- Fast and accurate results
- Wide range of voltage testing
- Ideal for a wide range of vehicle batteries
Cons
- The menu guide may be a bit difficult to understand.
10. DY2015C automotive battery tester
The heavy-duty carrying case housing this tough battery tester keeps it from damage and abuse. It also has some ridges along its side to enable easy gripping during use. This DY2015C automotive battery tester carries out a wide range of tests, including CCA capability, battery life, voltage, battery resistance, and general battery analysis.
It also covers charging system tests to identify the total output of the charging system during work.
Other tests carried out by the DY2015C include a maximum load test and a start-upstart-up system test. It strengthens input protection inside the testing unit to prevent accidents caused by polar reversals or bad clamp contact.
While it only works on lead-acid batteries, it is one of the best car battery load tester.
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Specification
- 12V and 24V automotive battery and system tester
- Capacity: 100 CCA to 1700 CCA
- Performs charging, starting system, tests
- Uses 4-wire Kelvin test connection
- Integrated printer with thermal printing paper
- Input protection feature
- Engine activation and maximum load tests
- Comes with a carrying case
Pros
- Affordable
- Integrated printer
- Quick and accurate results
- Comes with input protection feature for safety
- Performs a variety of tests
Cons
- The tester’s menu doesn’t have flexible language options.
car battery load tester
Buying Guide
Once you’re on your way to buy a battery load tester, you need to consider certain factors to ensure that you don’t make a costly mistake.
There are so many options to choose from, and if you’re careful enough, you will find the best car battery load tester for your car. The following features are not all-inclusive, but they can set you on the right path to buying a perfect battery load tester for your car.
1. Battery Type
You first have to consider the type of battery you want to test. Most testers work on a limited battery voltage, i.e., 6V and 12V, or 12V and 24V. You don’t want to buy a tester that is more compatible with a different battery voltage to avoid damaging your battery.
Some testers have a wide range of voltages that cover several battery types, but they might be more expensive.
Also, some battery testers only work on select battery types, like wet cells, flooded cells, and AGM batteries. However, you can find good-quality testers that work on several types of batteries.
Those types are best, especially if you want to test several batteries. The vehicle using the battery is also important to note as some testers don’t work on a motorcycle, marine, or truck batteries.
2. Type of tests
The types of tests you want to perform on your battery and car system matter when choosing a battery tester. That’s because some are specifically for battery analyses, battery charge, voltage, and general health. While some testers can also run tests on your vehicle’s starting and charging systems.
Other tests run by testers include engine system load test, maximum load test, and start-upstart-up system tests. You can find a tester that runs many tests, but not likely all of them. So, you have to pick what tests you need and choose accordingly.
3. Clamps
Clamps are often overlooked, but they play a role in how well a battery tester works. A lot of testers use the 4-wire resistance test to check the battery voltage, and without the right clamps, you may get incorrect measurements.
The best clamps are heavy-duty copper-plated clamps that are corrosion-resistant. They should also be able to penetrate any corrosion that may accumulate on your battery terminals for the best connection. You also need them to stay in place during the tests. However, ensure that you place them correctly to avoid damaging your battery.
4. Cold Cranking Amps capacity
Cold-cranking amps measure the starting power of your battery, and the higher it is, the stronger your battery. For this reason, you need a battery tester that operates with a wide range of CCA capacity. If you have a 12V battery, your tester should have a range that reaches at least 850 CCA to test the battery properly.
5. Ease of Use/ Portability
The purchase of a battery tester eliminates the need to visit the mechanic now and then. Hence, you need a battery tester that doesn’t require a degree to use. It has to be small and lightweight enough to carry around, yet sturdy enough to hold up to frequent use.
You also need one with an ergonomic design and a wide and clear screen to read the results. Some testers are so small that you can carry them around in your bags and pockets, so you don’t get stranded in the middle of a car trip.
6. Safety
Apart from making sure that you’re safe while using battery tester, you need to protect your battery also. A useful safety feature like the reverse hook-up protection feature keeps your battery from damage. The input protection feature also protects you and your battery from sparks caused by incorrect clamp placement.
7. Additional features
The additional features on a battery tester can improve your experience with your tool. An extra carrying case aids portability and storage, while a printer gives you the option to keep hard copies of your results.
Some testers have signal lights that represent your battery’s state, or a backlight for reading your results in low light. These accessories may increase a tester’s price, so you shouldn’t get carried away with something you don’t need.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does a fully charged 12V battery read?
When a fully charged 12V battery is at rest, it should read anything from 12.6V and above. However, when the engine is running, it should read at least 13.7V and up to 14.7V.
2. Do I need to test my battery even when it’s not showing any bad signs?
Yes. A battery load tester runs tests on your batteries, whether they are showing signs of damage or not. This way, you can identify any faults that may come on time.
3. How do I run a load test?
You run a load test with a car battery load tester. The steps of running this test depend on the tester you have, but they are usually stated clearly on their menus.
4. How do I know when my battery is bad?
There are various reasons why a 12V battery can be dead. If the voltage readings are at 0V, then it is entirely dead. If it has a maximum reading of 10.5V while charging, it may have a dead cell.
5. How does a battery fail a load test?
If the battery is flat dead, it will read 0V from the beginning of the test. But, a battery may start well and suddenly start dropping. This is an issue. Sometimes a battery can read fully charged when it is at rest, but fail when put under a load test.
6. How many CCA do I need to start my 12V battery?
Cold-cranking Amps rate is starting power, but it alone doesn’t determine when or how your car will start. A good CCA rating for a car is 300, but this can change in colder or warmer temperatures. Thus, a good CCA rating is not set in stone.
Our top pick
The search for the best car battery load tester can be more trouble if you don’t go about it the correct way. There are several options you can choose from. However, your battery and car will determine the right option.
Each product comes with its own set of features and accessories that aid in making its operation run better. However, note that not every one of them is necessary, so you have to choose which one you want.
Our overall best product is Battery Tester FOXWELL BT705. It come with accurate and reliable results in seconds. The system is user friendly and safe to use for beginner and amateurs.
The most value choice among users is Schumacher SC1281. When using this device, the measure capacity can reach up to 1000CCA. It comes with multiple charging function and quick boost and jump-start feature.
If you have more budget to spare, the premium choice would be the Clore Automotive BA427. We love the fact that it comes with extra safety features for user assurance. It also cover a wide range of tests with high CCA capacity.
All the car battery load testers listed in the article are worth their prices, so any of them will make the right choice. However, you need to ensure that they are compatible with your battery and car systems first. As long as the detailed buying guide in this article is followed, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding your perfect fit.
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