Is it Electric? The Most Common Electrical Problems on a Car
Your Source for Auto Electrical Repair
Meet Your Car’s Electrical System
Your car’s electrical system mainly comprises three essential parts: the battery, the starter, and the alternator. These parts all work together to start your car and keep it going. Simply put, your car’s alternator gives your car’s battery the power it needs, and the battery provides power to the starter. When these parts work properly, your car can start running smoothly. However, if any of these parts fail, you’ll probably notice immediately. Without a functional electrical system, your car won’t be able to start or run properly. Depending on which piece is having issues, you may notice that your radio is cutting off, your lights aren’t working, your car is making weird noises, or you’ll lose power entirely. Keep reading to learn the most common electrical problems a car can have and what you can do about them.
Common Car Electrical Problems
Starter problems: Your car’s starter is in charge of – you guessed it – starting your car! If your car has starter problems, it won’t start when you try to turn the ignition. It’ll make a clicking sound, but you won’t hear the roar that you’re used to.
Battery problems: If your car is having battery problems, you may notice dim lights, lights that don’t work at all, or – in the worst-case scenario – a car that won’t start. You can use jumper cables to jump-start your car’s battery. However, this is just a temporary fix – the real solution is to get your battery checked out and replaced if needed.
Alternator problems: If there’s something wrong with your car’s alternator, that can manifest in all sorts of ways. Your car will lose power and speed, and the electrical accessories of your car, such as the radio and the lights, will stop working. A malfunctioning or broken alternator can look like a dead battery, and your car’s battery warning light may come on. It’s all connected, after all!
Spark plug problems: If your spark plugs are loose, you’ll notice your car accelerating more slowly than usual, losing power quickly, idling roughly, and surging or hesitating. Just like the other problems listed above, spark plug problems are no joke. Get them fixed ASAP.What to Do
To make a long story short, whenever you notice a change in your car’s ability to start or keep running, it may be a problem with your electrical system. Regardless of the issue, always be sure to get your car checked out before more damage is done! So now we come to the most important question: What do you do if your car has electrical problems? Bring it in to see a professional, of course! Contact A&M Auto Repair in Bellevue, WA, for all your auto repairs and maintenance needs.