Car battery with jumper cables
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Common Electrical Issues

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Most vehicles rely heavily on electrical components to start and run. From something as major as the ignition to something less crucial like the radio, your car is powered by electricity. Electrical issues can range from minor inconveniences to serious safety hazards. If you notice an electrical issue with your car, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. The experienced mechanics at Restored Auto, LLC can help.

Common Signs You May Be Having an Electrical Problem

There are a number of signs you may be having an electrical problem, and not every electrical component will have the same signs. Some general signs to look for include:

  • Dim or flickering headlights
  • Dim or flickering cabin lights
  • Malfunctioning radios
  • Trouble with the power windows or locks
  • Frequent battery issues that aren’t resolved by jumping it
  • Unusual smells or smoke coming from the engine or dashboard
  • Blown fuses

Common Electrical Issues

Bad Batteries

In general, car batteries tend to last anywhere from 3 to 5 years. This may vary slighting depending on vehicle use and climate. Without a battery, your car won’t start. It won’t run, either. If your battery is giving you trouble, you may notice dim lights, difficulty starting your engine, stalling, or a dashboard warning light. If your battery is dead, you can try jumpstarting it. If that doesn’t work, or if you have to jumpstart it regularly, you probably need a new battery.

Battery Maintenance Tip: Batteries are designed to charge as you run the engine, so taking long trips and running the car regularly can help to maintain it. If you’re not going to drive your car for a long period of time, like during the winter, it’s a good idea to disconnect the battery to help preserve it.

Faulty Alternators

Your alternator converts energy from your engine into electricity, charging your battery and helping to power your vehicle. As with all vehicle components, alternators can wear out over time. If your alternator has gone bad, you may notice warning lights while you drive, unusual dimming and brightening of your lights, stalling, or a burnt rubber smell. A bad alternator can sometimes seem like a bad battery, so check your battery and your alternator at the same time.

Alternator Maintenance Tip: One way to avoid issues with your alternator is to have regular vehicle maintenance done. This can ensure you catch any issues early and have them repaired quickly. You should also avoid making too many aftermarket upgrades to your radio or lighting as this can put a strain on your vehicle’s alternator.

Wiring Issues

The wiring in your vehicle moves electricity from the battery to the rest of the electrical components, helping your vehicle to run. Wires can corrode, come loose, or even sustain damage from rodents chewing on them. It may be difficult to locate the issue if there’s a wiring problem, but there are some signs you can watch for. Those include flickering lights or power loss, burning smells, trouble starting your car, and frequently blowing fuses.

Wiring Maintenance Tip: If you’re going to leave your car in storage for the winter, be sure to winterize it to avoid housing any rodents. This can help to protect your wires. You should also have any electrical problems fixed promptly as this can help you determine whether the wiring is a problem or not.

Bad Fuse Boxes and Blown Fuses

Fuses work to protect your vehicle’s electrical system from overcurrent and short-circuiting. They will disrupt the flow of electricity if they detect dangerous levels that could otherwise cause overheating or fires. Blown fuses aren’t a major repair in and of themselves. You just need to replace it with a fuse of equal amperage. If they become an ongoing issue, or if your vehicle’s fuse box goes bad, that can lead to bigger problems. Signs to watch out for include fuses failing often, fuses that are loose, broken or bare wires, and water stains on your fuse box.

Fuse Box Maintenance Tip: Fuse boxes generally don’t require a lot of attention, but it’s a good idea to have a mechanic check it out if you suspect there’s an issue. If your fuse box fails, it can bring down your car’s entire electrical system so it’s often better to play it safe.

Spark Plug Problems

Most vehicles have a spark plug for each engine cylinder. Spark plugs help to power your vehicle by creating a spark from electric energy that will light the fuel and power the engine. Spark plugs can wear out over time. If you need to replace your spark plugs, you’ll likely notice your car struggling to start, struggling to idle, stalling, and power surges or drops. You may also see a dip in your gas mileage or the check engine light on your dashboard.

Spark Plug Maintenance Tip: You can prolong the life of your spark plugs by practicing good driving habits and avoiding harsh road conditions. You should also address any leaks quickly, as engine fluids can impact spark plugs and prevent them from working properly.

Starter Motor

Another electrical component that helps to start your vehicle is the starter motor. When the starter motor stops working, the engine won’t be able to start. Starter motor problems can be caused by bad wiring, worn or broken parts, dirt, rust, and even oil leaks. If you notice a clicking sound when you turn the key followed by the engine failing to start, it’s likely that the starter motor is the issue. If you hear a whirring sound, it may indicate a problem with the starter solenoid.

Starter Motor Maintenance Tip: To prolong the life of your starter motor, try to avoid lots of stopping and starting. This can be tough on the motor. You should also keep your battery and fuses well-maintained as corrosion can spread and damage the starter motor.

Issues with the Lighting

Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are all important features on any vehicle. These can help you to see the road, communicate with other drivers, and allow other drivers to see you coming. If your lights have gone out, it may mean you need new lightbulbs, or it may indicate an electrical problem. If your lights are flickering or randomly getting dimmer and brighter, take it to a mechanic to have the wiring checked. Driving without working headlights or taillights is both dangerous and illegal. If you notice an issue with your car’s lighting, make sure to get it fixed right away.

Call Restored Auto, LLC for help with your car’s electrical issues.

If you need help with electrical issues, give Restored Auto, LLC a call. We can help with spark plugs, batteries, alternators, fuses, and more. Keep your car running smoothly and safely. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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