Mechanic says battery has low voltage

[rrrich7]

Hi, I drive a 97 Saturn SL-1, and I know very little about cars so I need some help understanding what the mechanic told me.

I took the car for an oil change and they fixed a few things, as I was leaving the mechanic said "the battery has a low voltage reading, you should keep an eye on it".

Does this mean I need a new battery, or what? How am I supposed to "keep an eye on it"?

Thanks.

[Moppie]

It could mean several things, but they might have tested the standing voltage of the batter and found it was not holding a charge, or not holding a full charge.

It means the battery is wearing out and you may find the car becomes hard to start.


Car batteries do not have very long lives, usually 3-5 years at the most.
If your battery is older then, time to think about replacing it.

[rrrich7]

Thank you!