Your car is often your second most valuable asset, after your home. It’s also an essential item to get you to work, the shops, and handle social occasions. That’s why you need to look after your car by having it regularly serviced. 

Of course, servicing doesn’t prevent faults from occurring, it simply reduces the likelihood. You still need to be mindful of how your car is behaving. In particular, the electrical system. As cars have become increasingly complex it can be hard to diagnose or rectify an electrical issue. That’s why you need to recognize the signs and know a good automotive electrician. It will help to keep your car on the road.

1. Starting Issues

The most common and potentially simplest of issues is when you’re car won’t start. It’s important to note this refers to an inability to crank. You turn the key and nothing happens or the engine turns over really slowly, without even power to start.

An engine needs to be cranked fast and that takes a surge of power from your battery. If the battery is old and unable to hold its charge it won’t have the power to crank. However, a slow cranking engine doesn’t always mean a battery issue. It can also be that the alternator isn’t charging the battery properly, the starter motor is dying, or an electrical issues within those circuits. 

2. Dimming Lights

If you are driving and think your headlights are dim or the lights on your dashboard are not illuminating properly, then you probably have an issue with your electrical system. This can be traced back to the battery but, again, there are many other potential causes that will need to be investigated.

3. Burning Smell

An electrical burning smell has a distinct and unpleasant aroma. It’s also a great warning sign that there is something wrong with your vehicle. In general, a burning smell means that wires have become hot and potentially touched each other. This can be from damaged wiring, an overload, or a short circuit. Whatever the cause it needs to be dealt with quickly. 

4. Blown Fuses

Your fuses are designed to protect your electrical systems. If anything goes wrong in the system the fuse blows, preventing power from getting to the system.

Fuses do blow as they age but if your fuses keep blowing you have an issue that needs to be resolved. It’s likely to be a short circuit in a component or a problem with the wiring loom. These types of faults can often be difficult to trace without the help of a professional.

5. Engine Check Light

The engine check light tells you there is an issue with the engine and you need to get the car checked as soon as possible. But, this can also be a sign that there is an issue with your electrical system. You may have additional lights that illuminate on your dashboard when you have an electrical issue. 

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the lights and what to do when they come on.