Most Common Signs Your Car Has Electrical Issues

A car is a wonderful thing. For most people it is an essential addition to the household as it allows you to get to work, do the shopping, and go anywhere else you would like to go. 

Of course, owning a car means that you will sometimes have to deal with issues. These can be simple faults like a clutch going or a starter motor, your mechanic can swap out the necessary part.

Car issues can also be much more complicated, especially when the issues are connected to your electrical system.

In most cases, the only logical course of action is to get a reputable automotive electrician to look at your vehicle and diagnose the issue. There are usually several different possibilities, a specialist will get the right answer faster than anyone else. 

Knowing the most common signs of electrical issues can help you to get the needed attention for your car.

Car Struggling To Start

A car that doesn’t crank properly, meaning the engine is struggling to turn over when you want to start it, most likely has an electrical issue. In most cases, this is likely to be an issue with the battery not having enough charge.

This can be due to a bad battery or it can be a result of the alternator not working properly and failing to charge the car. 

It’s also possible, especially if you hear a grinding noise, that your starter motor needs to be replaced. 

Lighting Issues

Your car has a variety of lights on it, from running lights to fog lights, indicators, and even brake lights. If these aren’t working properly it can affect the safety of you and your passengers. Lights that don’t come on properly or seem very dim can suggest a battery issue. But, they can also indicate an issue with the electrical system, such as corrosion in the wiring or a faulty relay. 

You’ll need to investigate the matter further to find out what the issue is.

Blowing Fuses

Fuses in a car work in the same way as circuit breakers in your home. They protect the electrical components on a specific circuit. If the fuse keeps blowing there is an issue either with the circuit or the appliance it is protecting. 

You’ll need to get the issue looked at as short circuits and tripping fuses can cause other complications with your vehicle.

Smell Of Burning

This is perhaps the most obvious sign that your vehicle has an electrical issue. If you notice a burning aroma, specifically the smell of burning plastic or electric wiring then you need urgent attention for your vehicle. It is safest to stop using the car and get it towed to your automotive specialist so that they can identify the issue and resolve it.

If you don’t there is a high probability that further damage will occur, including your car catching fire. That’s also the reason why you should have an automotive electrician service your car annually, it will help to identify and resolve issues before they become a problem.