Car batteries have been a part of every car since 1912, and they are even more important today. The battery is responsible for powering the starter, which then cranks the engine and brings it to life. The battery will eventually weaken and fail. When this happens, your Cadillac dealer can replace it for you. These are a few signs that you’ll need to visit us for a new car battery or a battery repair.
Loose Connections
The battery is connected to your electrical system by two cables, a positive and a negative. These cables allow the battery to recharge and supply electricity when required. The cables are tightly secured to the battery terminals, as electricity can’t pass through a gap greater than one air molecule in size.
When you’re driving, many engine parts can shift slightly in response to the subtle vibrations caused by your car’s movement. Over time, these movements can loosen the cables enough for a gap to form between the terminals and the cable clamps. This gap will disconnect your battery from the electrical system, and your engine won’t start as the battery can’t supply the necessary power. We can easily fix this by tightening the clamps and your battery will work and recharge normally again.
Phantom Drain
While it sounds spooky, a phantom drain is caused by a fault in the electrical system. The most common cause of this issue is a damaged switch or relay that fails to switch off a system when it’s supposed to. Two of the main culprits are the light in the glove box and the light in the trunk. These lights should switch on when the relevant lid is opened and switch off when it’s closed again.
Since you can’t see either of these lights, you won’t know they’re still on. These lights can draw a significant amount of power, and they can rapidly drain your battery. The first warning you’ll usually have of this problem is the battery warning light will illuminate. We can trace the electricity flow through your car to identify the drain. Once we find the source of the drain, we’ll repair it.
Dim Lights
Dim lights are often a sign that a bulb is failing and needs replacement. They can also mean that your battery is in trouble. When your engine is switched off, the battery supplies power to your car’s systems. If the battery is weak or failing, it may only supply enough power for the lights to switch on.
We can test your battery to determine if it’s weak and needs to be replaced. If you need a new battery, we can install it for you while you wait.
Don’t risk a dead battery. Visit our service department today at Randall Motors in San Angelo, TX.
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