Understanding Your Vehicle

Posted on: 22 March 2021

Your car's electrical system controls a number of the functions carried out each time you drive. When an electrical problem develops, you will experience issues with your car's performance, but it's often not clear what the cause is without having the electrics tested by a mechanic. Being aware of common car problems that can be caused by failing electrics can help you understand when you need to prioritise a trip to the garage, as electrical faults can cause a fire and need to be dealt with right away. Read on to learn about three signs of an electrical problem.

Starter Problems

Your car needs electricity to start. When you turn or press the ignition, your battery provides an electrical spark to ignite the fuel chamber, which is required in order for the engine to operate. So, your car not starting or taking more than one attempt to start could be a sign that the battery, alternator or other parts of your car's electrical system is faulty. Starter problems can happen with any car, but they are particularly common with older cars due to wear and tear caused by long-term use.   

Battery Problems

If you're having issues commonly associated with a failing battery, such as your battery seemingly not being powerful enough to keep your car lights shining brightly or your car stereo losing power intermittently, don't go replacing the battery until you have it tested. It may be the battery is worn out and needs to be replaced, but common signs of a failing battery can also be caused by other components of your car's electrical system. If this is the case, such as the alternator causing problems, have the battery tested and take your car to a garage if the battery doesn't need to be replaced.

Blown Fuses

Your car's fuse box has a circuit breaker built in that prevents overvoltage and protects your electrical system when one part of the system is faulty. An occasional blown fuse isn't typically anything to be concerned about. But, if your fuses keep blowing, there's likely an electrical fault that needs to be investigated. It could be as simple as a damaged wire or corrosion, but not addressing the problem could lead to further damage and a bigger repair bill.

It doesn't take long to check the electrical system and diagnose the problem, so if you think the electrics in your car aren't working properly, speak to your mechanic. They can provide further information regarding auto electrical issues.