Bad Battery Symptoms
Your Cadillac won't run with a faulty or dead battery. That's why it's wise to know the warning signs that yours is beginning to fail.
At Cadillac of Jackson, our certified Cadillac mechanics have the tools and expertise to replace your battery and get your vehicle out on the road again. Let's look at some signs of a bad battery so you can be proactive about your Cadillac maintenance.
A Slower Start
If you turn the key and notice that your vehicle doesn't start as quickly as it should, it may be a sign that your battery needs to be replaced. In fact, it's typically the first sign of a failing battery. Some factors, like cold weather and electrical problems, may lead to a slower start, but you can only see the cause with the right tools.
If your vehicle is starting slower than it should or you notice your headlights flicker when it's starting, it's best to take it to a professional. They'll be able to determine whether your battery is failing or needs to be recharged.
Check Engine Light
Your check engine light is one of many dashboard lights that come on when any number of problems pop up. This light is your vehicle's way of communicating that something is wrong and needs to be addressed.
It could be your transmission, low fluid levels, or time for new brakes.
It also may indicate that your battery isn't working properly.
Certified mechanics have the right equipment to read your Cadillac's computer, and they can quickly determine what the engine light means. If it's the battery, our team may need to recharge the battery itself or replace it.
Bulging Battery Case
A bulging battery case is one of the most obvious signs of a bad battery. Your battery should never look swollen or misshapen.
It should be a nicely shaped rectangle that fits perfectly inside the engine. If it's swollen or bulging on one side, this indicates a serious issue that needs to be addressed quickly.
Most often, a battery swells when it's going bad, when the alternator is bad, or when the battery has been exposed to extreme temperatures. In each of these instances, the battery will need to be replaced. When the alternator has a faulty voltage regulator, it will overcharge the battery, leading to a buildup of hydrogen gases. This damages the battery, making it necessary to have the battery, alternator and starter replaced.
What to Do if You Think Your Battery is Going Bad
If you begin to notice any of the previous bad battery symptoms, it's always best to get your vehicle checked out. Most often, batteries can be recharged at a low cost, and replacement batteries are very affordable.
It's not worth taking the risk and finding yourself stranded with a dead battery and no way to get home. A certified mechanic has special equipment that can quickly be connected to your battery to determine whether it's charged and working correctly. That way, you can have peace of mind no matter where you're headed.
Schedule Service with Cadillac of Jackson Today
Signs of a bad battery should never be ignored. If your vehicle isn't starting properly or if your engine light comes on, it's wise to schedule an appointment with a mechanic as soon as possible. Cadillac of Jackson is a full-service Cadillac dealership with a skilled team of certified Cadillac mechanics on site.
Our family-owned business is proud to serve our neighbors in the state of Mississippi.
When you bring your vehicle to our shop, you can rest assured that we'll make the necessary repairs so every drive is smooth and reliable.
Contact us to schedule an appointment or visit us at Cadillac of Jackson today.
Image Source: Setthawuth/Shutterstock
At Cadillac of Jackson, our certified Cadillac mechanics have the tools and expertise to replace your battery and get your vehicle out on the road again. Let's look at some signs of a bad battery so you can be proactive about your Cadillac maintenance.
A Slower Start
If you turn the key and notice that your vehicle doesn't start as quickly as it should, it may be a sign that your battery needs to be replaced. In fact, it's typically the first sign of a failing battery. Some factors, like cold weather and electrical problems, may lead to a slower start, but you can only see the cause with the right tools.
If your vehicle is starting slower than it should or you notice your headlights flicker when it's starting, it's best to take it to a professional. They'll be able to determine whether your battery is failing or needs to be recharged.
Check Engine Light
Your check engine light is one of many dashboard lights that come on when any number of problems pop up. This light is your vehicle's way of communicating that something is wrong and needs to be addressed.
It could be your transmission, low fluid levels, or time for new brakes.
It also may indicate that your battery isn't working properly.
Certified mechanics have the right equipment to read your Cadillac's computer, and they can quickly determine what the engine light means. If it's the battery, our team may need to recharge the battery itself or replace it.
Bulging Battery Case
A bulging battery case is one of the most obvious signs of a bad battery. Your battery should never look swollen or misshapen.
It should be a nicely shaped rectangle that fits perfectly inside the engine. If it's swollen or bulging on one side, this indicates a serious issue that needs to be addressed quickly.
Most often, a battery swells when it's going bad, when the alternator is bad, or when the battery has been exposed to extreme temperatures. In each of these instances, the battery will need to be replaced. When the alternator has a faulty voltage regulator, it will overcharge the battery, leading to a buildup of hydrogen gases. This damages the battery, making it necessary to have the battery, alternator and starter replaced.
What to Do if You Think Your Battery is Going Bad
If you begin to notice any of the previous bad battery symptoms, it's always best to get your vehicle checked out. Most often, batteries can be recharged at a low cost, and replacement batteries are very affordable.
It's not worth taking the risk and finding yourself stranded with a dead battery and no way to get home. A certified mechanic has special equipment that can quickly be connected to your battery to determine whether it's charged and working correctly. That way, you can have peace of mind no matter where you're headed.
Schedule Service with Cadillac of Jackson Today
Signs of a bad battery should never be ignored. If your vehicle isn't starting properly or if your engine light comes on, it's wise to schedule an appointment with a mechanic as soon as possible. Cadillac of Jackson is a full-service Cadillac dealership with a skilled team of certified Cadillac mechanics on site.
Our family-owned business is proud to serve our neighbors in the state of Mississippi.
When you bring your vehicle to our shop, you can rest assured that we'll make the necessary repairs so every drive is smooth and reliable.
Contact us to schedule an appointment or visit us at Cadillac of Jackson today.
Image Source: Setthawuth/Shutterstock
