I'm beginning to question my battery's integrity. I have a Power Force battery, which is a discount brand that I bought from Discount Auto Parts before Advance bought them out. I've had it tested and was told it was in good shape. I tested it myself with a voltmeter and it reads 12.5V with the engine off and 13.8V with it on. But I notice that the slightest things like using the turn signals will make the battery voltage level needle on my dash move with every blink. Other stuff like having the windshield wipers on will do it too. I'm about to add an amp and I'm starting to think that battery might not be up to par. Am I just being paranoid or do I need to look for a better battery?

 

Should be more like 14.4v when the engine is on...it could be your alternator starting to go (correct me if I'm wrong) if you get 12v when the car is off and only 13.8 when it's on....anyway, batteries are cheap, get a decent one at Wal Mart or whatever.

 

Los Gatos? is correct, your voltage should be higher. But even with a new alternator and battery you will see the voltmeter move when you turn things on and off, even more so when you are stopped at the light and are just living on the battery. Wait till it gets hot and the A/C is on.

How old is the battery? Advance might cover the warrantee.
Take it to them they can test your battery and your alternator.

 

I had the battery tested by Advance and was told it was fine. They tested the alternator too and said no problems there. I'm beginning to think they didn't do that good of a job and I should go elsewhere. I'll probably just wind up replacing the whole deal.

Would I benefit more from a gel cell battery such as an Optima or an Exide Orbital? Or should I stick with the regular type batteries and just get a good one?

 

Unless you have a special need (i.e listening to the radio for long periods with the truck off), go to Costco or Walmart and get a direct replacement battery. I just bought a Kirkland battery from Costco for $36. I think my motorcycle battery cost more than that!

Mike