A battery is made up of 6 cells, each cell is about 2.1V
6x2.1V = 12.6V, thats the peak voltage of a healthy battery
When an engine is started the starter draws current from the battery. Thats known as loading (starter) the source (batt). When current is drawn from the source the voltage of the battery source will sink (go down). Thats the nature of the battery with and without a load.
Now if a cell of a battety deteriorates, the peak voltage of 12.6V will go down to 10.5V. Each cell that dies on a battery reduces the voltage by 2.1V.
If cranking the starter reduces the voltage by 2V. A healthy batt with 12.6V will sink to 10.6V for an engine to start. A batt with dead cell will have a 10.5V to begin with will sink to 8.5V once the engine is started. As more cells die the battery becomes weak and no longer useful to start an engine and replaced
So a voltmeter is an uncommon tool found on cars. Refitting one is a good move for any car owners. Its the best companion in any travel to monitor the health of your car battery
Complement it with a portable jumpstarter and always keep it charged could be a charm when your battery begins to show signs of failing.
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