Your car needs electricity to power many different systems. If your automotive electric system is acting up or is low on battery power, certain things will not work properly. You may not even be able to get your car started at all.
Here are 5 of the most common signs of auto electric problems, according to our top mechanics here at LightHouse Automotive:
1. Car Won't Start
This is a pretty obvious sign that something significant is wrong. There are many reasons why a car won't start, but it is often associated with the electrical system. You might just have a dead battery, but that can be caused by a failing alternator or something else that is draining its power more than usual. There could be loose wiring or something else that is breaking the circuit between the ignition and the spark plugs.
2. Malfunctioning Electronics
Another sign that you might have electrical problems is when your electronic components aren't working right. Maybe your power windows or door locks are acting up or your stereo/GPS is cutting in and out. If you notice anything strange with any of your electronics, then you might have an electrical problem.
3. Dimming Lights
You may notice that your headlights, taillights or dashboard lights are unusually dim. If it's just one light, then it might just be a bulb that needs to be replaced. If it is all your lights or a new bulb doesn't fix the problem, then it is likely a wiring issue or a lack of power coming from the battery.
4. Burning Smells
If you smell something burning in your car, it's never a good sign. Sometimes, it is a wire shorting out, a loose connection point or a burnt fuse. If you ever smell anything burning in your vehicle, you will want to play it safe and get it inspected as soon as possible.
5. Battery Corrosion
If you look at your car's battery and it has a lot of corrosion and crust around the terminals, then you will want to deal with it. Sometimes, it can be cleaned off easily and the connections can be retightened. Other times, it could be the sign of a bigger battery/electrical issue. Of course, you should always be very careful when working around a car battery, so you may want to leave it to the professionals!
Auto electric problems can start with something minor and develop into something much worse (including fires) if left ignored. At the first sign of any electrical issue, you should get your car inspected by a knowledgeable mechanic with auto electric experience.
If you are in Colorado Springs and experiencing any of these auto electric issues, call LightHouse Automotive at (719) 465-0302 or schedule your service appointment online.