If something requires care in the fall, it’s the car battery. At least it suits her charge to fullit is even better to have its condition checked. That’s what we did, using one of the cheaper car battery testers he offers on his website Lidl.
The tester carries a brand and logo Ultimate Speedwhich is a relatively well-known brand of car accessories. After unpacking, it turned out that the device is larger than one would expect, on the other hand, it is not a problem, and the buttons can be pressed without problems even in work gloves.
Great for that price
The large color display, which we would have liked in the tester, is also pleasing 749 crowns (on sale, usually for 999 crowns) they didn’t expect. However, the entire device is relatively light and nothing professional. Don’t expect a rubberized body and super quality cables with textile braid. On the other hand, we don’t have anything to complain about, we didn’t notice any major flaws in the processing or the quality of the materials.
After connecting to the car battery, the device turns on by itself, the display lights up and after a few seconds the “system starts up”. I note that it is possible to test the accumulators for voltage 6 V, 12 V and 24 V. During the measurement, it is not necessary to remove the car battery from the vehicle, and even for some measurements it is outright excluded, but we will get to that later.
Classic can be tested lead accumulators, AGMale i gel car batteries. It works quite normally, nothing new under the sun – the voltage and resistance between the poles are measured, from which, after entering the values of a particular accumulator, its condition is calculated, but the current charge level is also shown.
Localization falters
We come to the first minor criticism, namely k localization. Unsurprisingly, in the settings menu, where I went to turn off the annoying beep every time I press a button, there is also an option to change the language. To my surprise, she was the presence of Czech. The translation is not very confusing, but it is clear that its author did not have a complete command of Czech and translated using a classic online translator.
Car battery condition test
The basic test requires entering the type and starting current of the car battery. This is the data that you will find on the label or somewhere on the package together with the capacity. The output is two basic values, viz SoHi.e. the state of the overall, say, health of the accumulator, and then also SoCwhich is the charge value of the given car battery. We tested two, one that has already done something and then a car battery that has been in service for three years, but still has most of its useful life ahead of it and receives excellent care (regular charging with a charger). The data written by the device more or less corresponds to the real state.
Starter test
A little misleading test in which the tester from Ultimate Speed measures starting time and voltage drop. However, both values are largely dependent on how good the condition of the battery is. So if we want to have an objective test of the starter, we need the car battery to not be completely useless.
In our case, again two cars, two attempts, two exits. A diesel Škoda Fabia with a quarter of a million on its back isn’t much anymore, Toyota, although old, has proven that it has better starts.
Charging test
A somewhat longer and more complex testing process includes under-load and no-load charging. It is necessary to add gas for ten seconds and reach 2,500 to 3,000 revolutions per minute, then the engine must be allowed to idle and the user is prompted to turn on the lights and air conditioning at full power. As a result, they are values of the charging voltage and also its ripple. I really have no idea how relevant the results of this test are, but the device evaluated them for me, so everything is probably fine.
Car battery voltage measurement
What I liked was just the voltage measurement. I’ll explain right away. One of our other subjects of interest that day was the starter power bank. For this we needed to let totally blow up the car battery. In practice, this meant turning on the radio, fans, lights and leaving the car like that for a long enough time. We left the Ultimate Speed tester connected to the car battery, and instead of it, we selected an item from the menu with the somewhat confusing name “Wave Progress”, which is precisely a voltage measurement with a graphical representation of the progress. Then all you had to do was wait and continuously watch how the voltage drops. By the way, it picked up towards the end very fast fall and the decline accelerated quite substantially.
The greatest gadget
We don’t have a laboratory or advanced measuring devices at our disposal, but all the values more or less corresponded to reality. We verified the voltage with a voltmeter and the tester did not deviate by even a tenth. Battery tester So USBD1 A1 can be trusted for usalthough more expensive and more advanced devices will probably need to check the battery status a little further.
But what really surprised us about the device were the QR codes. Yes, the fact that it can save measurements is nice, because for example a car service will definitely use this and will be able to show the customer even after a few days what values his battery showed. But scan the QR code with your mobile phone and click through it to clearly created reportwhich can be downloaded or printed? Definitely a great thing for us. Sure, it’s not a professional diagnosis, more of an orientation, but for a smaller car service, this can also serve great.
Info source: Lidl.cz, Ultimate Speed.
Media source: Jakub Mokříš.
Zap Your Car Battery Troubles Away!
Ah, autumn! The time of falling leaves, pumpkin spice everything, and, of course, the dread of your car battery packing its bags and leaving you stranded like a lost tourist in a foreign city. If there’s something that deserves some TLC as the days get shorter, it’s that hunk of useless metal under the hood. Enter the Ultimate Speed car battery tester from Lidl! It’s cheaper than therapy, and trust me, when your battery woes hit, you’ll need it.
Great for that Price…and Maybe a Coffee Too?
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the price tag here. A whopping 749 crowns on sale, down from the usually outrageous 999 crowns. You might think you’re getting a bargain, but let’s face it—not everything that sings and dances in the auto world is a Picasso. This tester is light, it’s not about to win a bodybuilding contest, but no one expects a Michelin star from a roadside burger joint, right?
The big, vibrant display is a real treat! It’s a bit like finding that extra nugget in your chicken McNuggets. The buttons even work fine with gloves on—so there’s no excuse for frostbitten fingers while you’re checking the state of your glorious chariot!
Localization Has an Identity Crisis
Now, here’s where we hit a speed bump. The tester’s menu is all fun and games until you realize it’s as lost in translation as a tourist trying to order food in Paris. You see, the Czech language setting seems to have taken a back seat ride with a tourist who only knows how to say “hello” and “beer.” I mean, it’s endearing, but it makes you wonder if it’s actually a product for testing batteries or a game of “guess what I meant.”
Batteries Are Like Relationships—Know What You’re Working With!
The basic test requires you to know the type and starting current of your battery. It’s a bit like dating: you’ve got to know what’s in your hands, or it’ll all end in tears. Enter this data from the label, and boom! You’ll get a reading of the battery’s state of health (SoH) and state of charge (SoC). Yes, folks, we’re all just trying to see if we’re worth the charge!
Starter…and Maybe an Oral Test?
And oh boy, let’s talk about the starter test. It’s rather significant; think of it as the battery’s way of showing if it still has that new-car smell or if it’s just history’s forgotten relic. Two cars, two attempts… and let me tell you, one car could practically sneeze and start, while the other needed five cups of coffee just to consider it!
Charging Test—The Reluctant Wait!
This one’s a doozy, with a lengthy process that could make you feel like you’re back in school taking a test that you didn’t study for. You get to rev the engine to 2,500 RPM, then sit back and wait for the tester to do its thing while your car’s making more noise than a teenager at a rock concert!
Voltage Measurement—It’s Not a Magic Trick!
One of my favorites: voltage measurement. It feels like baking a cake—if you have the wrong ingredients, you’re toast! You can really dig into the volts while watching the numbers drop like the ratings of a bad sitcom. And you might just be left thinking, “Is my battery dying or just going through a rough patch?”
The Greatest Gadget—A Bit of a Fine Print Warning
While it’s not a lab-grade tool, the Ultimate Speed USBD1 A1 gets it right most of the time—a reliable sidekick in your pursuit of battery enlightenment! And the fancy QR codes? They’re the cherry on top! You can scan and access a report that’s neater than a details-obsessed aunt at a family gathering.
So, in summary, if you’re looking for a user-friendly gadget that gets the job done without breaking the bank, Grab the Ultimate Speed tester and give your battery the check-up it deserves. It may not be the flashiest thing on the market, but it’ll certainly save you from a world of inconvenience. And that’s a message worth charging up for!
Info source: Lidl.cz, Ultimate Speed.
Media source: Jakub Mokříš.
If there’s one thing that deserves attention as the fall approaches, it’s the car battery. Beyond simply ensuring it is charged to full capacity, it’s wise to evaluate its overall condition. This is exactly what we set out to do, utilizing one of the affordable car battery testers available on the Lidl website.
The tester features the brand and logo of Ultimate Speed, a brand known for its reliable car accessories. Upon unpacking, we discovered that the device is surprisingly larger than expected. However, this isn’t an issue, as the buttons are easy to press, even when wearing work gloves.
Great for that price
The large color display, which we had hoped the tester would include, was a delightful surprise considering the price of 749 crowns (discounted from the usual 999 crowns). The device is relatively lightweight, but it should be noted that it lacks the ruggedness of professional equipment. Don’t expect a rubberized body and super quality cables with textile braid. Nonetheless, we found no major flaws in its construction or material quality.
Upon connecting the device to the car battery, it powers on automatically. The display activates, and within seconds, the “system starts up.” It’s important to note that this tester can evaluate batteries with voltages of 6 V, 12 V, and 24 V. Crucially, you do not need to disconnect the battery from the vehicle for the testing process, and in fact, for certain measurements, removal is explicitly discouraged.
The tester is compatible with various types of batteries, such as lead accumulators, AGM, and gel car batteries. The mechanism operates as anticipated; it measures the voltage and resistance between terminals, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the battery’s health and current charge level. This functionality proved effective during our evaluation of two batteries: one which had seen considerable usage, and another that had been well-maintained and in service for three years.
Localization falters
A point of minor criticism arose regarding localization. Interestingly, in the settings menu—which I accessed in an attempt to disable the irksome beep accompanying each button press—there was an option to adjust the language settings. To my astonishment, I discovered the presence of Czech. The translation was somewhat clumsy, suggesting it was produced via an online translator by someone with limited proficiency in Czech.
Car battery condition test
To conduct the basic test, one must input the type and starting current of the car battery, information readily available on the battery label or packaging. The tester then produces two critical values: SoH, representing the state of health of the battery, and SoC, which indicates the charge level. Our tests revealed that the device’s readings were largely in line with the actual condition of both batteries.
Starter test
The starter test, while somewhat misleading, evaluates the starting time and voltage drop. However, interpreting these values meaningfully necessitates that the battery be in reasonably good condition. We assessed two vehicles—one was a diesel Škoda Fabia with substantial mileage, while the other, an older Toyota, managed to demonstrate better starting performance.
Charging test
The charging test involves a longer and more intricate procedure that includes under-load and no-load charging. It requires the engine to rev between 2,500 and 3,000 RPM for ten seconds, after which the engine is left to idle. At that point, the user is prompted to activate lights and air conditioning at full capacity, leading to measurements of the charging voltage and its ripple.
Car battery voltage measurement
One feature I particularly appreciated was the voltage measurement capability. This was particularly relevant as we engaged in a task that required totally draining the car battery. We connected the Ultimate Speed tester to the battery while simultaneously turning on various electrical components. Adjusting to an option labeled “Wave Progress,” we were able to observe real-time voltage decline, which became noticeably rapid as the testing progressed.
The greatest gadget
While we lack advanced measuring equipment, the values provided by this tester were largely consistent with reality. We corroborated the voltage readings with a voltmeter, and the tester demonstrated a remarkable accuracy, deviating by less than a tenth. The USBD1 A1 battery tester has earned our trust, although we acknowledge that pricier and more sophisticated instruments might offer deeper insights into battery status.
What truly impressed us were the QR codes integrated into the device. The ability to save measurements is particularly advantageous, especially for car services that may need to present battery readings to customers even days later. Scanning the QR code provides access to a clearly generated report that is easily downloadable or printable. While this isn’t intended as a professional diagnostic tool, it offers significant value for smaller car service operations.
Info source: Lidl.cz, Ultimate Speed.
Media source: Jakub Mokříš.
What should I look for when analyzing a battery’s voltage levels?
Le while the tester analyzes the battery’s response. This process may feel daunting, almost reminiscent of a lengthy exam where you hope you’re getting the answers right. However, the tester efficiently measures the alternator’s performance and determines whether the battery is effectively charging during operation.
Voltage measurement—Precision in Simplicity!
Another standout feature is the voltage measurement. This section allows you to witness firsthand the battery’s voltage level, shedding light on whether it’s operating normally or struggling under pressure. Monitoring the voltage is crucial as it provides a clear indicator of the battery’s potential health status. If the levels fluctuate like a roller coaster, you may need to consider that your battery is in dire need of assistance!
Final Thoughts—Convenience at an Affordable Price
In short, the Ultimate Speed battery tester is not just a cost-effective solution for everyday car enthusiasts, but also a practical tool that could save you from falling into the depths of inconvenient battery failures. While it may not replace a professional battery analyzer, it delivers reliable results that can guide you toward making informed decisions regarding your vehicle’s power source. Plus, its user-friendly design makes it accessible for individuals of all skill levels—perfect for those who want to avoid the auto shop hustle!
So, if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly, reliable, and relatively straightforward battery tester, look no further than the Ultimate Speed tester. Your battery will thank you, and your wallet will too. Cheers to keeping your car alive and kicking this autumn!
Info source: Lidl.cz, Ultimate Speed.
Media source: Jakub Mokříš.
