{"id":110004,"date":"2024-07-05T05:24:47","date_gmt":"2024-07-05T12:24:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=110004"},"modified":"2025-04-11T18:42:26","modified_gmt":"2025-04-12T01:42:26","slug":"why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is There a 14-Volt Reading For Your Car Battery?"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 7<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column110004_ea5718-32 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column110004_ea5718-32 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column110004_ea5718-32 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column110004_ea5718-32 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column110004_ea5718-32 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column110004_ea5718-32 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column110004_ea5718-32{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column110004_ea5718-32 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column110004_ea5718-32 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column110004_ea5718-32 inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-e6432c  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-dd1632\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading110004_1b444a-c8, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading110004_1b444a-c8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading110004_1b444a-c8\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading110004_1b444a-c8 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading110004_1b444a-c8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading110004_1b444a-c8\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading110004_1b444a-c8 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading110004_1b444a-c8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading110004_1b444a-c8\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading110004_1b444a-c8 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading110004_1b444a-c8\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Factors like battery charge, alternator voltage, surface charge, and high temperature contribute to high car battery voltage readings.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conversely, electrical load and low temperature lower the voltage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Most alternators generate at least 14 volts because their voltage must exceed the battery&rsquo;s voltage to overcome the latter&rsquo;s internal resistance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Lead-acid car batteries have a voltage of 12 volts. But when you measure the voltage of your vehicle&rsquo;s battery with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/multimeter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"multimeter\">multimeter<\/a>, the device often shows higher voltage readings. In many cases, the multimeter will show 14 volts instead of 12 volts. Is there something wrong with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/battery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"battery\">battery<\/a> or your vehicle? Or do you have a 14-volt car battery instead of a 12-volt one?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Does the Multimeter Show 14 Volts In Your Car Battery?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A typical lead-acid car battery is made up of half a dozen cells arranged in series. Each battery cell is rated for 2 volts. Thus, the combined voltage of a battery with six cells is 12 volts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, a fully charged battery will show more than 12V. Its battery cells will also display higher voltages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several reasons for the discrepancy between manufacturer-claimed voltage and voltage readings. Let&rsquo;s look at each factor that makes it seem like you have a 14-volt car battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fully Charged Car Battery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First things first: Is the battery fully charged? A fully charged car battery will show higher voltage because of a phenomenon called surface charge. We&rsquo;ll go over surface charge later, but essentially it&rsquo;s excess voltage that the multimeter can detect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recent Battery Charging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-does-a-car-battery-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"car battery\">car battery<\/a> isn&rsquo;t completely topped off, it will show higher-than-expected voltage if the engine has been running recently. A battery that has recently charged will have lower voltage than a fully charged one, but the reading will still exceed 12V<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The voltage changes according to how much the car battery has charged. The closer the battery is to a full charge, the higher its voltage. As the state of charge goes up, the voltage reading rises more rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternator Voltage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/alternator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"alternators\">alternators<\/a> generate at least 14 volts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Likewise, on hybrid and electric vehicles, the 12-volt battery will receive 14.5 volts from the high voltage battery through the DC-to-DC converter. That&rsquo;s more than the 12V stated for lead-acid car batteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, this is normal. The alternator&rsquo;s voltage must exceed the battery&rsquo;s voltage to overcome the latter&rsquo;s internal resistance. A 12-volt car battery is composed of six 2 volt cells, thus the &ldquo;12 volt&rdquo; designation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The electrical current flows through the battery&rsquo;s cells, charging the battery. However, the battery&rsquo;s internals offer resistance that impedes the current&rsquo;s flow. A current with insufficient voltage can&rsquo;t pass through the battery, preventing it from charging the device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A battery with sulfated plates (coated with sulfur) will have higher resistance and will require higher voltage to charge. When using a heavy duty shop battery charger on medium or high charge, if the voltage required to &ldquo;push&rdquo; a charge into the battery exceeds 15.6 volts, the battery is sulfated, and that&rsquo;s a go-no-go test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The alternator&rsquo;s charging is directly tied to what the battery voltage reading is. The alternator&rsquo;s target voltage is usually between 14 and 14.5 volts. The voltage regulation system built into an alternator&rsquo;s field control circuit measures battery voltage and regulates the alternator&rsquo;s field strength accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The alternator&rsquo;s target voltage is usually between 14 and 14.5 volts.<\/p>\n<cite><em>&ndash;&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\">Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>So, the alternator must produce enough voltage to simultaneously overcome the car battery&rsquo;s internal resistance while also powering myriad parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, the alternator isn&rsquo;t limited to charging the car battery. It also powers various electronics and electrical parts while the engine is running. Some of these systems, such as the HVAC, are power intensive.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column110004_4f0f2f-84 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column110004_4f0f2f-84 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column110004_4f0f2f-84 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column110004_4f0f2f-84 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column110004_4f0f2f-84 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column110004_4f0f2f-84 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column110004_4f0f2f-84{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column110004_4f0f2f-84 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column110004_4f0f2f-84 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column110004_4f0f2f-84 kb-section-dir-vertical kb-section-sm-dir-vertical inner-column-1 pro-tip-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;padding-right:32px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 .kt-row-layout-top-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id110004_df8d12-d3 alignnone pro-tip-wrap wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-mobile-layout-right-golden kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;}.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:0px;column-gap:0px;}.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column110004_1097f4-9a kb-section-dir-horizontal kb-section-md-dir-horizontal inner-column-1 pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image110004_4ea5cb-b7.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image110004_4ea5cb-b7 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image110004_4ea5cb-b7.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image110004_4ea5cb-b7 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image110004_4ea5cb-b7 figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image110004_4ea5cb-b7 .image-is-svg, .kb-image110004_4ea5cb-b7 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image110004_4ea5cb-b7 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image110004_4ea5cb-b7\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column110004_3748ed-5c > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column110004_3748ed-5c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column110004_3748ed-5c > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column110004_3748ed-5c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column110004_3748ed-5c > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column110004_3748ed-5c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column110004_3748ed-5c{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column110004_3748ed-5c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column110004_3748ed-5c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column110004_3748ed-5c inner-column-2 pro-tip-item2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\n            The vehicle won&rsquo;t run well (or at all) without a battery. Disconnecting the battery while the engine is running can create voltage spikes that will destroy vehicle electronic modules. You might get away with it once, but it&rsquo;s like Russian Roulette. Sooner or later you&rsquo;re going to lose.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-data443-irp-shortcode irp-shortcode\"><div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:1em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-tell-positive-and-negative-terminals-on-a-car-battery\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"ue6caae47ff46585582188873325950d9\"><style> .ue6caae47ff46585582188873325950d9 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .ue6caae47ff46585582188873325950d9:active, .ue6caae47ff46585582188873325950d9:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .ue6caae47ff46585582188873325950d9 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .ue6caae47ff46585582188873325950d9 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .ue6caae47ff46585582188873325950d9 .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .ue6caae47ff46585582188873325950d9:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">See also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">How to Tell Positive and Negative Terminals on a Car Battery<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Battery Surface Charge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The alternator can cause a phenomenon called surface charge while charging the battery. Surface charge is one of the reasons for the higher voltage readings in the battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the charging process, the lead-acid battery needs time to turn lead sulfate into lead and lead dioxide. Thus, most of the charging happens on the surfaces of the battery plate. The battery&rsquo;s exterior ends up with a state of charge that&rsquo;s higher than that of its interior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Surface charge slightly increases the battery&rsquo;s voltage. More importantly, it gives a false voltage reading on how much charge the battery contains. Thus, professional grade battery testers will tell you to turn on the headlights or some accessory to remove the surface charge before completing the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, there are ways to minimize surface charge&rsquo;s effect on voltage readings. One way is to switch on an electronic or electrical part, such as the headlights or tail lights. The resulting electrical load uses up some of the battery&rsquo;s capacity and removes most of the surface charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another way to remove surface charge is to let the car battery rest. Turn off the engine and leave your car alone for several hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Temperature is another factor that can affect the car battery&rsquo;s voltage. If it gets hot, the battery will show a higher voltage. Conversely, cold weather will lower the voltage. A discharged battery runs the risk of freezing in extremely low temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And again, some professional battery testers will have an infrared measuring device built in for non-contact measurement of the battery temperature while the battery is being tested before the test can be completed accurately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of a multimeter, some mechanics recommended using a hydrometer to measure the battery&rsquo;s charge state. The hydrometer measures a liquid&rsquo;s density or specific gravity. It can determine the amount of sulphuric acid in battery fluid. The higher the sulphuric acid percentage, the higher the battery&rsquo;s state of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, this approach only works with older car batteries that you can open to extract samples of their battery fluid for testing. Many modern batteries are sealed, preventing you from opening them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you start your vehicle when it&rsquo;s cold, the alternator will initially send a high-voltage current to the car battery. The powerful current can overcome the high resistance of a cold battery, charging it faster. That&rsquo;s why if the alternator belt is a little loose it will squeal for a few seconds when the engine is first started and then the squealing will stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the early surge, the alternator will reduce its current output based on measured battery voltage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Electrical Load<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it&rsquo;s a part as simple as the headlights or a system as complex as the HVAC, your vehicle has many electronics and parts that run on electricity. When you switch them on, they impose an electrical load on the alternator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Electrical load reduces the car battery&rsquo;s voltage. It can be bad because the battery requires a certain voltage level to charge, and if for some reason the alternator can&rsquo;t keep up with the electrical load, the battery will be drained even as the vehicle is being driven.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column110004_7f890d-23 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column110004_7f890d-23 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column110004_7f890d-23 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column110004_7f890d-23 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column110004_7f890d-23 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column110004_7f890d-23 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column110004_7f890d-23{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column110004_7f890d-23 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column110004_7f890d-23 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column110004_7f890d-23 kb-section-dir-vertical kb-section-sm-dir-vertical inner-column-1 pro-tip-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;padding-right:32px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 .kt-row-layout-top-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}.kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id110004_87deca-e8 alignnone pro-tip-wrap wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-mobile-layout-right-golden kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;}.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:0px;column-gap:0px;}.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column110004_a3a886-08 kb-section-dir-horizontal kb-section-md-dir-horizontal inner-column-1 pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image110004_83e946-0e.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image110004_83e946-0e .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image110004_83e946-0e.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image110004_83e946-0e .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image110004_83e946-0e figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image110004_83e946-0e .image-is-svg, .kb-image110004_83e946-0e .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image110004_83e946-0e .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image110004_83e946-0e\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column110004_2d52c7-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column110004_2d52c7-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column110004_2d52c7-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column110004_2d52c7-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column110004_2d52c7-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column110004_2d52c7-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column110004_2d52c7-91{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column110004_2d52c7-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column110004_2d52c7-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column110004_2d52c7-91 inner-column-2 pro-tip-item2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\n            The alternator has a small pulley so it can spin about 3 times as fast as the engine all the time.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The next time you take a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-test-a-car-battery-with-a-multimeter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"multimeter voltage reading of your car&rsquo;s battery\">multimeter voltage reading of your car&rsquo;s battery<\/a> and wonder why it&rsquo;s more than 12V, it doesn&rsquo;t mean your vehicle has a 14-volt car battery. It&rsquo;s normal for the battery to show a voltage reading that exceeds 12 volts, and you can lower the voltage to get more accurate readings with a multimeter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some commonly asked questions about car batteries and voltage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many volts should my car battery be reading?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your car battery voltage should typically have a voltage reading between 12.6 volts and 14.4 volts. With the engine off, the resting voltage should measure 12.6 volts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can you tell if the car battery is weak?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Common signs your car battery is weak or dying include corroded connectors, slow engine cranking, dim headlights, a swollen battery case, electrical issues, and a clicking sound when you turn on the ignition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should you replace a car battery?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s a good idea to replace your vehicle&rsquo;s car battery when it shows signs of damage, failure, or tested bad. Typically, this component needs to be replaced every three to five years, though taking good care of your car battery can prolong its life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get a New Car Battery Shipped to Your Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While a 14-volt reading often doesn&rsquo;t prove there&rsquo;s a problem with the car battery, you might come across other indicators of a bad battery. Since you can&rsquo;t start your car without a functioning battery, we recommend replacing the part immediately. Good thing CarParts.com expedites repair by delivering replacement car batteries to your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/carparts.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"CarParts.com\">CarParts.com<\/a> positioned its distribution centers throughout the US for the widest coverage and fastest delivery times. When you purchase a car battery from our online store, our nearest warehouse processes your order and ships the on-hand part. You can expect the new battery to arrive after several business days if you live anywhere in the continental US and order by noon ET.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can easily order a replacement car battery from the comfort of your home. Visit our easy-to-access website on your mobile device. Enter your vehicle&rsquo;s details into our search engine to find the best car battery available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make CarParts.com your first and only stop for high-grade replacement parts. Browse our selection of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/battery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"car batteries\">car batteries<\/a> and get big savings today!<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 7<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Lead-acid car batteries have a voltage of 12 volts. But when you measure the voltage of your vehicle&rsquo;s battery with&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":110096,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[52,3744],"tags":[73],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-110004","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-diy","8":"category-ignition-system","9":"tag-battery","10":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Why Is There a 14-Volt Reading For Your Car Battery? - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is your car&#039;s battery voltage reading coming out as 14 volts instead of 12 volts? Learn why your multimeter readings show different voltages.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Why Is There a 14-Volt Reading For Your Car Battery? - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Is your car&#039;s battery voltage reading coming out as 14 volts instead of 12 volts? Learn why your multimeter readings show different voltages.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-07-05T12:24:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-12T01:42:26+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/14-volt-battery-reading.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"4\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"jobTitle\":\"Expert Automotive Writer\",\"description\":\"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com&#039;s thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.\",\"knowsAbout\":\"Auto Repair, Car Maintenance, Auto Parts, Car Reviews\",\"publishingPrinciples\":\"\\\/blog\\\/our-team\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/thecpteam\\\/\",\"sameAs\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/carpartscom, https:\\\/\\\/twitter.com\\\/CarPartscom, https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@CarPartscomOfficial\\\/, https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/carpartscom\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"4\",\"name\":\"Richard McCuistian\",\"jobTitle\":\"ASE Master Automobile Technician\",\"description\":\"Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.\",\"knowsAbout\":\"Auto Repair, Car Maintenance, Auto Parts, Car Reviews\",\"publishingPrinciples\":\"\\\/blog\\\/our-team\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/richardmccuistian\\\/\",\"sameAs\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/in\\\/richard-mccuistian-2681891b\\\/, https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/user\\\/McCuistian\"}],\"headline\":\"Why Is There a 14-Volt Reading For Your Car Battery?\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-07-05T12:24:47+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-04-12T01:42:26+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1740,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/14-volt-battery-reading.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"battery\"],\"articleSection\":[\"DIY\",\"Ignition System\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\\\/\",\"name\":\"Why Is There a 14-Volt Reading For Your Car Battery? - In The Garage with CarParts.com\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/14-volt-battery-reading.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-07-05T12:24:47+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-04-12T01:42:26+00:00\",\"description\":\"Is your car's battery voltage reading coming out as 14 volts instead of 12 volts? Learn why your multimeter readings show different voltages.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/14-volt-battery-reading.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/14-volt-battery-reading.jpg\",\"width\":1500,\"height\":1000,\"caption\":\"14 volt battery reading\"},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/cp-itg-logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/cp-itg-logo.png\",\"width\":2048,\"height\":398,\"caption\":\"CarParts.com\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/carpartscom\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/carpartscom\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/carpartscom\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@CarPartscomOfficial\\\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Why Is There a 14-Volt Reading For Your Car Battery? - In The Garage with CarParts.com","description":"Is your car's battery voltage reading coming out as 14 volts instead of 12 volts? Learn why your multimeter readings show different voltages.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Why Is There a 14-Volt Reading For Your Car Battery? - In The Garage with CarParts.com","og_description":"Is your car's battery voltage reading coming out as 14 volts instead of 12 volts? Learn why your multimeter readings show different voltages.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/","og_site_name":"In The Garage with CarParts.com","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom","article_published_time":"2024-07-05T12:24:47+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-04-12T01:42:26+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1500,"height":1000,"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/14-volt-battery-reading.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@carpartscom","twitter_site":"@carpartscom","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/"},"author":[{"@type":"Person","$id":"4","name":"CarParts.com Research Team","jobTitle":"Expert Automotive Writer","description":"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com&#039;s thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.","knowsAbout":"Auto Repair, Car Maintenance, Auto Parts, Car Reviews","publishingPrinciples":"\/blog\/our-team\/","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/thecpteam\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom, https:\/\/twitter.com\/CarPartscom, https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@CarPartscomOfficial\/, https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/carpartscom\/"},{"@type":"Person","$id":"4","name":"Richard McCuistian","jobTitle":"ASE Master Automobile Technician","description":"Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.","knowsAbout":"Auto Repair, Car Maintenance, Auto Parts, Car Reviews","publishingPrinciples":"\/blog\/our-team\/","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/richard-mccuistian-2681891b\/, https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/McCuistian"}],"headline":"Why Is There a 14-Volt Reading For Your Car Battery?","datePublished":"2024-07-05T12:24:47+00:00","dateModified":"2025-04-12T01:42:26+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/"},"wordCount":1740,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/14-volt-battery-reading.jpg","keywords":["battery"],"articleSection":["DIY","Ignition System"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/","name":"Why Is There a 14-Volt Reading For Your Car Battery? - In The Garage with CarParts.com","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/14-volt-battery-reading.jpg","datePublished":"2024-07-05T12:24:47+00:00","dateModified":"2025-04-12T01:42:26+00:00","description":"Is your car's battery voltage reading coming out as 14 volts instead of 12 volts? Learn why your multimeter readings show different voltages.","inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/14-volt-battery-reading.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/14-volt-battery-reading.jpg","width":1500,"height":1000,"caption":"14 volt battery reading"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/","name":"In The Garage with CarParts.com","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"CarParts.com","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cp-itg-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cp-itg-logo.png","width":2048,"height":398,"caption":"CarParts.com"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom","https:\/\/x.com\/carpartscom","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/carpartscom","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@CarPartscomOfficial\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/14-volt-battery-reading.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/14-volt-battery-reading.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-a-14-volt-reading-for-your-car-battery\/"},"authors":[{"term_id":2607,"user_id":1651,"is_guest":0,"slug":"thecpteam","display_name":"CarParts.com Research Team","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thecpteam.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thecpteam.jpg"},"0":null,"1":"","2":"","3":"","4":"","5":"","6":"","7":"","8":""},{"term_id":2985,"user_id":1646,"is_guest":0,"slug":"richardmccuistian","display_name":"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png","url2x":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png"},"0":null,"1":"","2":"","3":"","4":"","5":"","6":"","7":"","8":""}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110004","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=110004"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110004\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/110096"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=110004"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=110004"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=110004"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=110004"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}