What are the Causes of Electrical Problems in Car?
Most of the people are aware of the various components used in the car. The importance of the mechanical components in cars is paramount as the majority of the components used in the car are mechanical by nature. However, the car doesn't run only because of the mechanical components but the electrical systems of your car also play an equally important role in the smooth running and better performance of your car. Moreover, the electrical systems also help in the generation of power for the vehicle which subsequently moves the car.
Without the presence of electrical systems in your car, it is difficult to imagine how your car will run. However, at times the electrical components in your car may encounter some issues which can affect the performance of your car and also can stall the car if it is a major issue. There are many factors which affect the functioning of the electrical components in the car. Let us have a look at the causes of electrical problems in a car.
One of the most common electrical issues found in cars is a dead or faulty battery. Whenever you try to start the car and it has no power or won't start, then the first thing you must inspect is the battery. The easiest way to find out if the battery is properly working or not is to turn on the headlights. If the headlight does not illuminate or are very dim, then it is an indication that the battery is either dead or has little power. In addition to this if the car is unable to start and then you can be sure that the battery is dead. However, if there is clicking sound and the engine is not starting and then you can assume that the battery is not receiving proper charge from the alternator.
Damaged or broken alternator
The alternator's role is to charge the battery when the car is running and also to distribute power from the engine to the headlights and the radio. Whenever you see that the lights on the dashboard are flickering or dim when you are driving your car, then it indicates that the alternator is not recharging the battery. This is caused due to a faulty or broken alternator or it might be related to problems in the alternator belt.
If there are any issues with the starter of your car, then it is one of the easiest problems to detect. As the starter is responsible for starting the car, you will not hear the clicking noise when you attempt to start the engine. If this happens, then get the starter repaired or replaced.
If you notice that your car starts to lose power and moves forward suddenly after it has changed gears, then it is a sign of a problem in the spark plugs. Most of the time people confuse it to be a normal mechanical issue within the engine; however, the spark plug is an electrical issue. Moreover, loose, broken and worn out spark plugs can cause problems in starting of the engine. If this is the case, then the spark plugs need to be tightened or replaced depending on the problem.
Blown fuse or loose wires
Most of the time you will find the starter, battery and the alternator will be functioning normally and there won't be any issues with them. In this type of scenario, you need to inspect the fuse box for any blown fuses. In the meanwhile also check the battery cables to make sure that the connections are perfect and also inspect for loose wires around the fuse box. If you find any loose wires, then contact a technician to fix the issue.
An electrical short circuit can lead to many other issues in your car. One of the problems a short circuit creates is the draining of the battery which will leave you with no power to drive your car. Moreover, electrical short circuits are the hardest to detect, but fixing the short circuit after detecting it is not that difficult. You just need to replace the part of the wire which has short-circuited.
The above-mentioned factors are the reasons behind your car encountering electrical issues. The best way to avoid such kind of issues is to go for preventive maintenance. Furthermore, whenever you encounter these issues and then take your car to an automotive shop to fix the problem.
