The number of traffic-related fatalities in the US for 2020 reached over 38,000. It’s a seven percent increase from 2019—and it may have to do with poor vehicle performance. When it comes to staying safe on the road, regular car maintenance plays a significant role in preventing accidents.
Car owners must never neglect even the smallest of car problems, especially if it concerns their automobile’s electrical systems. Not only will these electrical problems put you and others at risk on the road, but they could also lead to further damage, which can be expensive to fix.
This article will discuss some of the signs that indicate your vehicle is experiencing electrical issues and what you can do about it.
You have Battery Issues
A regular car battery usually lasts 3 to 5 years before needing to be replaced. If your car’s battery died and you know that it’s been in the car for around five years, replacing it should solve the problem.
However, if you have a relatively new car battery that is still not working, the problem may lie elsewhere. First, inspect the battery cables and see if there are any signs of corrosion. You should also check if there are loose wirings and signs of a battery leak. When dealing with battery leaks, never come into direct contact with fluids.
Consider getting your car checked if there are no signs of battery leaks or corrosion along the wires. It could be an issue with the alternator or your car’s power systems, and the best to confirm it is through a thorough inspection.
There’s Something Wrong With the Lights
You may start noticing your car’s lighting begin to dim over time. A dying battery often causes dimming lights due to loose wires, low system voltage, and a broken alternator belt.
If your car battery is new, but the light is starting to dim, consider having your car diagnosed to determine the cause of the issue properly. Your car’s lighting is an essential part of driving. Any problems with the headlights, brake lights, and turn signals need to be addressed as soon as possible.
You’re Always Replacing Fuses
Just like the ones you have at home, your car’s fuse box prevents short circuits and overvoltages. Occasionally, a fuse might blow up for no major reason, and all you need is to replace it.
However, if you’ve frequently been replacing fuses over a very short period of time, it might be a sign of a much deeper electrical problem. There might be a short circuit in the car’s electrical system or something that’s causing the battery or alternator to produce a higher voltage than usual.
Unfortunately, these issues cannot be fully determined without having the car’s system diagnosed. Take your vehicle to a car care professional to have it checked. The fuse box helps protect your car’s vulnerable electrical systems. Ignoring the issue could cause extensive damage to the system.
Presence of Burning Odor
If you’re driving and suddenly notice a burning odor coming from the car, pull over immediately and have the vehicle towed to a service station to get checked by a professional.
The presence of a burning odor is usually a sign of a serious problem and is sometimes accompanied by dimming lights and strange noises coming from under the hood. It’s possible to determine the type of issue based on the smell.
- Burning rubber: This smell usually indicates issues with the engine, like clutch problems, melted drive belts, and oil leaks.
- Burning oil: This specific smell usually happens if there’s an issue with the oil filters, gaskets or the oil is not changed correctly.
- Burning plastic: The smell of burning plastic often indicates electrical issues like burnt wires and short-circuits.
If you suspect any issues with your car’s electrical systems, have it checked by professionals so they can properly diagnose the issue and figure out how to fix it. Ignoring the problem can simply lead to further problems down the road and can even put your life at risk while driving.
Auto Works of Brandon has the right tools and experienced technicians to help fix your car’s electrical systems. If you suspect any electrical issues with your vehicle, contact us today to set an appointment. Our team would be happy to diagnose and fix your car.
