Keith’s Guide to Keeping Your Car On the Road

Posted on: 27 August 2019

If you are like many people, you tend to think of cars as mechanical things. However, you shouldn't overlook the fact that cars also comprise a slew of electrical systems and components, which can fail and cause car problems.  

As auto electrical problems are less common than mechanical problems, diagnosing problems with your vehicle's electrical system can be a challenge, especially if you're not well-versed with the inner workings of auto electrical and electronic systems.

Here are some car electrical system warning signs you shouldn't ignore. 

Car Won't Start

Does your car remain silent when you turn the key in the ignition? While the battery is the usual culprit, don't always assume that a bad battery is why your car won't start. There are many other electrical parts of your vehicle that could cause the problem. These include a bad starter, faulty ignition switch, bad spark plugs, bad wire connections and many other issues.

An auto electrician can check your car and discover the exact cause of the problem. If your car's electrical system is perfectly okay, then you could be faced with an engine problem.

Malfunctioning Lights 

The brake lights, headlights, rear lights, cabin lights and other lights on your vehicle are powered up by the electricity from your battery. If they don't come on at all or become dim while turned on, this is a sign that they are not getting any power at all or that you are not receiving enough power.

As you rely on your vehicle's lights to see the road and to communicate with other drivers, your safety on the road can be greatly compromised if the lights are not working properly. Make sure you take your car to an auto electrician to have the issue fixed immediately. 

Burning Smell

Do you notice a 'plastic-y' burning smell inside your car cabin? That could be an electrical component or the plastic insulation of your electrical wiring burning. The smell is usually an indication that an electrical component or wire has short-circuited. 

In most cases, the problem is minor and can be fixed quickly, but as with anything that burns in your vehicle, you should never leave the issue unattended because it can turn into a potentially dangerous issue.

If you discover that something is wrong with your car's electrical system, you should have the issue checked by an experienced auto electrician without delay. Otherwise, you will run the risk of needing costly car repair issues as well as putting your safety and the safety of other road users in danger.

For more information, contact an auto electrician.