3 Signs Your Cadillac Needs a New Battery

The battery is one of your vehicle’s essential components, as it supplies the power used to crank your engine and start combustion. Like all components, it weakens over time and can be damaged by other issues in the electrical system. As your Cadillac dealer, we want to give you a few signs your battery could be failing and that you need to visit us for a new car battery.

3 Signs You Need a New Car Battery From Your Cadillac Dealer

Damaged Voltage Regulator

The alternator produces electricity for all your vehicle’s systems and recharges your battery. It charges the battery at full power for approximately ten minutes, then switches to recharging at a reduced rate of 10% of battery capacity until charging is complete. Reduced charging prevents damage to the battery and the alternator. The voltage regulator in the alternator controls the charging rate for the battery.

The regulator can fail due to age, causing the alternator to overcharge or undercharge the battery. Overcharging increases the temperature inside the battery, causing the electrolyte to boil and seriously damaging the battery. Undercharging prevents the battery from replacing the electricity it supplied, and the battery will grow steadily weaker. We can replace the voltage regulator and test your battery to determine if it needs replacement.

Old Battery

The battery needs replacement every three to five years. This relatively short lifespan is due to the naturally occurring breakdown of the battery chemicals that allow it to store and supply electricity. As the chemicals break down, the battery’s electricity storage capacity drops. Eventually, the battery can’t store enough power to start your engine.

A worn battery always shows signs it’s failing, ranging from dim headlights to random electrical failures to increased starting times. These issues gradually worsen as the battery weakens. Our technicians can test your battery using our computerized battery tester to determine its remaining life. If your battery is weak, we advise replacing it immediately to prevent later failure.

Check Battery Light

The check battery light illuminates in response to any issue affecting the electrical charging system. Sensors are connected to the alternator, battery, and other vital components and monitor their health. If a problem develops, the relevant sensor informs your computer, which logs the issue and activates the warning light.

Although your battery is rated 12 volts, it registers at approximately 12.6 volts when fully charged. If your battery is failing, its voltage output drops. If the sensors determine the battery voltage is 12.3 volts or less, they signal your computer, and the warning light illuminates. We’ll test your battery and replace it if it’s weak.

If you have a battery problem, contact us right away at Service Cadillac in Lafayette, LA.

Tags: Cadillac Maintenance, Cadillac Service
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