What is the correct method for checking battery voltage?

Using a multimeter is the correct method for checking battery voltage because a multimeter is specifically designed to measure electrical properties, including voltage, current, and resistance. When testing a battery, the multimeter can provide an accurate reading of the voltage levels, which is crucial for determining the battery's state of charge and overall health.

To check the battery voltage, a technician would set the multimeter to the appropriate DC voltage range, connect the positive lead to the battery's positive terminal and the negative lead to the negative terminal, and then read the displayed voltage. A fully charged lead-acid battery, for example, typically shows a voltage of around 12.6 volts or higher, while a discharged battery will show a significantly lower voltage.

Other methods listed are not suitable for accurately checking battery voltage. Visual inspection may reveal physical damage or corrosion but cannot measure electrical potential. A temperature test would typically assess the battery's operating temperature, which does not correlate directly to voltage levels. Similarly, a pressure gauge check is irrelevant since it measures pressure, not electrical properties. Therefore, using a multimeter is the most reliable and effective way to ascertain battery voltage.