Electrical problems in vehicles are difficult to detect and diagnose. Unlike other mechanical problems that wheeze or creak, electrical problems don’t often make any obvious announcements. Often you will need a mechanic to run a digital diagnostic in order to discover the tiniest electrical problem. As most electrical vehicular problems don’t make themselves known until it is too late, some of us will find ourselves stuck on the side of the road without a clue that they had any problems at all. However there are a few signs that your vehicle may be suffering from electrical problems. This may be a clear sign that you need your vehicle examined before you’re left stranded on the side of the road. Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance will share some of the most obvious signs that your vehicle may have some electrical problems.
Car Won’t Start Due to Faulty Battery, Alternator or Starter Problem
One of the most obvious electrical problems is when your vehicle fails to start. When a vehicle won’t start its most likely due to one of three reasons. One, the battery is faulty. The second could be due to the alternator and the third could be a problem with the starter. When you go to start your vehicle, check to see if the interior light of your vehicle comes on when the door is open. If the vehicle won’t start and you don’t have light, your battery is dead. However if your lights are working and your vehicle won’t start then it’s probably due to a problem with the alternator. Starter problems often are accompanied by a clicking sound when you attempt to start your vehicle.
How to Clean Battery Terminals or Contacts
As discussed before your battery could be the leading contributor for an electrical problem. However your battery losing its charges is just one of the problems batteries could have. The battery cables can corrode and require a simple cleaning to regain power. To clean the cable to your battery you will need to detach the red and black cables and use water mixed with baking soda. Once it foams up you can then scrub it clean. Afterward, re-attach the cables. However if your battery appears to be leaking fluid, be careful. The liquid is an acid that can burn your skin. In this case you will need to replace your battery.
Dim or Flickering Car Dashboard Lights
Do the lights of your vehicle’s dashboard or headlights seem to dim when idling or at lower speeds? This could be a sign of a future electrical problem. The dim light is usually due to the battery, alternator, or voltage regulator. If it is the battery, it means the battery might be dying and now is a good time to replace it. Most auto shops have a battery tester to check for sure that your battery is in fact dying. However If your battery is still in good condition and you vehicle has dim lights, it could be due to either the alternator malfunctioning or the voltage regulator.
Brake Lights Not Working
A lot of people will have both brake lights go out and after they have had their bulbs replaced, they still don’t work. This is now an electrical problem. Normally this is due to a broken fuse and is simple enough to replace. However if after bulbs and fuses have been replaced and the lights still are not working, the wiring could have gotten damaged. With unknown damages within your vehicle’s wiring system, you may have other problems that could leave you on the side of the road.
Emergency Towing & Roadside Assistance in Irving, Fort Worth, Arlington, Carrollton & Plano Texas
If you find that your vehicle is broken down and it seems be due to electrical failure, Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance can help. We offer all kinds of roadside assistance and can be there in a flash to help get your vehicle running again. We can also tow your vehicle to your home or your preferred auto shop. Contact Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance 24/7 and never be stranded without help again.
