Final answer:
The operator might suspect weak car storage batteries if they notice dimming of lights or failure of the car's electrical components. This typically indicates a decrease in the battery's output voltage due to it being depleted, which can happen gradually as the battery's energy runs down.
Step-by-step explanation:
An operator could justifiably suspect that the storage batteries of a car were weak if he noticed that the lights dim when the engine is started or if the car's electrical components fail to operate correctly even when the key is turned to the ON position. This could be due to the battery's inability to hold a charge or because its output voltage decreases as it gets depleted. A car battery consists of a source of electrical energy and an internal resistance, which together influence the voltage output. As the battery's charge runs down, it's not just that the components like the lights simply turn off; they dim gradually because the voltage output decreases in relation to the battery's remaining energy.Additionally, factors such as the battery's age, the presence of corrosion on the terminals, or an alternator that isn't charging the batteries properly can contribute to this issue. It's important for the operator to recognize these signs as potential indicators of a weak or dying battery to avoid being stranded with a car that won't start.