Your car's electrical system controls several vital functions in your car, including the starter motor, lights and sensors. When any part of the electrical system begins to fail you can encounter a range of problems that can make your car unsafe to drive. Drivers often think electrical repairs will be costly, but that's not always the case. In some cases, a wire simply needs to be replaced or a circuit has gone bad. It can be easy to misdiagnose an electrical problem, so here's an overview of three signs that indicate your car has a faulty electrical system:
The Engine Won't Turn Over Properly
A stable electrical charge is needed to provide the spark that gets your engine going. If the engine isn't turning over the first time or doesn't turn over consistently, part of your car's electrical system, such as the alternator, is likely faulty. You may hear a clicking noise when you try to start the car, and this noise indicates there isn't a strong enough electrical current flowing through the system. Your mechanic will have to establish where in the system the current is being disrupted.
The Lights Are Malfunctioning
Brake lights and headlights are essential for safe driving, but when your car's electrical system is failing, the lights may become dim, flicker or stop working intermittently. Malfunctioning lights indicate the system voltage is too low, which can be caused by corrosion or loose wires. It's also possible that there's a problem with the alternator.
The Fuses Keep Blowing
Your car's fuse box plays a similar role to the fuse box in your home. It's designed to protect the entire electrical system from short-circuiting when the system is overloaded with too much electrical current. A single fuse blowing doesn't necessarily mean you have a problem with the electrical system. It could blow in response to a fault with a single component in your car that requires a current to operate. However, if a fuse keeps blowing, there is likely a fault with the electrical system and continuing to replace fuses without having your car inspected could cause an electrical fire or do more damage to your car.
If you suspect your car's electrical system is faulty, contact an auto electrical service and schedule a full electrical analysis. They will use a voltmeter to check for breaks in the flow of the electrical current through your car's engine and implement the latest technology to diagnose the precise reason for the fault.
Share14 December 2020