At Oliver Automotive in Novato, we know how annoying a dead battery can be. Here’s some information on the subject, that will hopefully help you understand your battery issues a little better. If your battery dies after your car, truck, or SUV sits for a few hours, the battery itself isn’t necessarily the problem. While having the battery tested is a good place to start, many people mistakenly make a bad battery diagnosis, when actually something in the electrical system is to blame.
Battery drains can be difficult to track down. If you have a multimeter, you can use it to check for current between the positive terminal on the battery and a ground point, with the key off. While many modern vehicles will produce a slight drain due to anti-theft systems or memory-capable devices, anything significant should be a cause for concern. All vehicles are different, but a simple google search will typically clue you in to what sort of drain is normal for your vehicle.
If you think you have a battery drain, check to make sure all lights, including brake lights, glove compartment lights, etc. turn off properly when the car is shut down...the drain could be a result of a bad brake light switch or door switch. More often than not, however, a drain is caused by a shorted wire somewhere; any malfunctioning electronics are a likely culprit, but not necessarily a symptom. These drains are invisible to the naked eye and require much more in-depth investigation.
If you’re having battery issues, and for any and all of your other maintenance and repair needs, we’ve got you covered. Our team of expert mechanics is well qualified to service any issue with any vehicle. For the best auto service shop in Novato, call or stop by Oliver Automotive today.
