One of the most common issues that can arise with an older vehicle is a dead or failing car battery. If your Cadillac hasn’t been starting quite like it used to, or you notice other signs that the battery may need replacing, it’s a good idea to get it checked out. Here are some tips for getting a new car battery installed at your local Cadillac dealer.
1. Labored Starts
An aging battery loses its ability to provide a strong surge of power for an instant engine crank. You may notice your Cadillac grinding longer than usual before turning over at key twist. Weak starts point to diminished reserve capacity.
2. Dim Interior Lights
Electrical components like dome lights, instrument panels, and other accessories in the cabin rely on the battery as their power source. If the battery is losing its charge-holding capacity over time, interior lights may seem noticeably dimmer than before. Flickering or dimmed lighting inside the vehicle could indicate the battery isn’t performing well.
3. Stalling After Starting
If your Cadillac dies shortly after startup while idling, this points to the weak battery’s inability to support electrical loads with the engine off. The alternator can’t recharge it fast enough.
4. Frequent Jump Starts Needed
If you find yourself often needing a boost from jumper cables just to turn over the engine, the battery isn’t maintaining its charge as it should. Regularly relying on jump starts from another car is a sign a replacement is overdue before the battery fails.
5. Battery or Charging Light Is On
Most modern vehicles have a dashboard indicator for the battery or charging system. If this ever illuminates, it indicates the alternator isn’t recharging the battery adequately. Repeated or prolonged illumination likely points to an impending battery failure that requires a new unit.
6. Battery Age Over 3 Years
Standard automotive batteries are rated by manufacturers for roughly 3 years or 36 months of service life. Beyond this point, internal corrosion accelerates capacity loss over time. Even without other symptoms, proactively replacing a battery over 3 years old helps avoid stranded issues.
7. Physical Damage Visible
Problems like cracks, leaks, or swelling indicate internal damage, lowering capacity and increasing failure risk down the road. These batteries need replacement.
8. Load Test Readings Below 350
Your Cadillac dealer can check cold cranking amps (CCA) to gauge starting power. Readings under 350 on a Cadillac increase the chances of a no-start in winter weather.
Replacing an aged or damaged starting battery helps keep a Cadillac dependably powered for many more miles of driving. Visit us today at Sapaugh Cadillac in Herculaneum, MO, for a free battery check to keep your car running dependably for many miles to come.
