It’s an awful feeling when you’re in a hurry, you get in your car, turn the key and nothing happens. Instead of the comforting sound of your GMC engine, you hear only the sad click of a dead battery. A dead battery is something that can happen, but in Mequon, WI as your GMC dealer we want to prevent that from happening to you. These are signs to watch for that you’re going to need a new car battery.
Parasitic Battery Drain
Your battery is charged by the alternator when your car is moving, and when your car is stationary your battery uses this stored power. When your car is parked, the battery retains the power to start your ignition, and also to maintain the car alarm, dash lights, and other electrical components. Under normal conditions, this power drain is not a problem. A problem occurs if you have a component that is a continual, parasitical drain on your battery.
A short circuit in the electrical system or light that comes on when it shouldn’t and remains on are examples of parasitic drain. Either of these two examples can quickly drain your battery, and they also make it appear that your battery is failing. A failing battery doesn’t sustain a charge for long as a good battery does. Our technicians can test your electrical system and find the cause of the problem quickly and easily.
Sluggish Cranking
Your battery supplies the power to your ignition to crank your engine. In our Wisconsin winter, a slow engine crank is not usually a sign of concern, as cold weather reduces your battery performance. If the weather isn’t cold, however, a slow engine crank can be a sign of a problem. If your engine has difficulty turning over, this can mean that you have a dying battery, a failing alternator, or an ignition problem.
Our technicians will trace the problem to its source. Whether the trouble is caused by the battery, the alternator, or the ignition, we will find and repair it.
Corroded Battery Terminals
Your battery contains sulfuric acid, and as it ages the battery can start to leak fumes. These fumes mix with moisture in the air and form an acidic salt that can start to corrode your battery terminals. As the corrosion builds up on the battery terminals, it makes it more difficult for your battery to recharge properly. The corrosion will also cause your battery to degrade faster.
You can check for corrosion on your battery by opening the hood and looking at the battery terminals. If you see signs of gray or white power on the terminals, your battery is starting to corrode and will need to be replaced.
If you experience any of these issues, or you feel that something is wrong with your battery, contact us ASAP at Sommer’s Buick GMC. Our skilled technicians can swiftly repair the problem.
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