When buying a new smartphone, we meticulously pay attention to battery life. But did you know that your car battery also has an important value that tells you about its condition? We’re talking about the SoH (State of Health) value. In this article, you’ll learn exactly what this value means, how you can check the battery SoH value, and why it’s so important.
SoH value display on a diagnostic tool
What Does the SoH Value Mean for a Car Battery?
The SoH value gives you information about the health status of your car battery. It shows you what percentage of its original capacity your battery still possesses. A new battery starts with an SoH value of 100%. Over time and with each charge cycle, however, this value decreases.
Imagine your car battery like a full bucket of water. With each charging process and every load, you take some water out of the bucket. The older the battery gets, the less water fits into the bucket. The SoH value tells you how much water is still in the bucket compared to the original fill level.
Why Is It Important to Check Your Battery’s SoH Value?
“The SoH value is a crucial factor for estimating the remaining lifespan of your car battery,” explains Dr. Markus Schmidt, battery expert at the renowned Institute for Automotive Engineering. “A low SoH value can indicate an imminent battery failure and thus save you from expensive breakdowns.”
Replacing a battery in time is not only sensible for cost reasons. A weak battery can also lead to starting problems, malfunctions in the vehicle, and in the worst case, even an accident.
Mechanic checking car battery in a workshop
How Can You Check Your Battery’s SoH Value?
To check the SoH value, you need a special diagnostic tool. These are available in various versions:
- Professional Diagnostic Tools: These devices are usually used by workshops and offer a variety of functions, including reading the SoH value.
- OBD2 Diagnostic Tools: You can purchase these devices in stores and connect them yourself to your car’s OBD2 interface. Many of these devices also show you the SoH value.
- Smartphone Apps: There are now also apps that can read the SoH value via the OBD2 interface. However, note that the accuracy of these apps can vary.
Checking Battery SoH: Workshop or DIY?
The easiest and most reliable method is to have the SoH value checked in a workshop. There, mechanics have professional diagnostic tools and the necessary expertise.
If you are handy and familiar with the subject matter, you can also check the battery SoH value yourself.
Car being jump-started due to weak battery
Frequent Questions About Car Battery SoH
- At what SoH value should I replace my battery?
- Generally, it is recommended to replace the battery at an SoH value of 70-80%.
- Can I improve my battery’s SoH value myself?
- No, the SoH value is an indicator of battery wear. You cannot improve this value yourself.
- How often should I have my battery’s SoH value checked?
- It is advisable to have the SoH value checked once a year or every 15,000 kilometers (approx. 9,000 miles).
Conclusion: Regular SoH Checks for a Long Battery Life
Your car battery’s SoH value provides valuable information about its condition and remaining lifespan. By regularly checking this value, you can avoid expensive breakdowns and maximize your battery’s lifespan. If you have questions about the SoH value or other topics related to car batteries, do not hesitate to contact us. Our experts at Car Auto Repair are always available to assist you.
