We know how it feels when you turn the key and your car does not seem to respond. It’s the worst nightmare that every driver can relate to. Your vehicle’s electrical system is a complex structure of wires, fuses, and sensors. It is the nervous system of your car which controls everything (from starting the engine to illuminating the lights). Any issues in this system can ruin your driving experience, leaving you stranded on the road.
But the question is- “What causes these electrical problems in your car?” Seeking an answer to this obvious question can help you prevent and fix these issues next time you are in an emergency situation.
This article serves as your go-to list of the most common reasons behind your car’s electrical issues. Without further ado, let’s get straight to the topic.
Common Causes of Your Car’s Electrical System Disruption
Faulty alternator
A faulty alternator can lead to a number of electrical problems in your car. It keeps generating electricity when the engine is at work, ensuring every component stays charged.
So, what happens when the alternator goes haywire? You will notice that the battery keeps draining. A number of other mishaps (from dimming headlights to difficulty starting the engine) can take place. As soon as you suspect there’s something wrong with your car’s alternator, have it checked by a professional.
Preventing the failure of this key component is not always easy or feasible. But you can still take steps to help keep it in good shape. You want to check the alternator belt once in a while and ensure the battery terminals are in good working condition.
Dead battery
Your vehicle’s battery plays a key role in ensuring it runs without a glitch. It stores energy to power every component of your vehicle’s electrical system. A dead battery can cause your vehicle to stop running, leaving you stranded without being able to move it.
There are several causes why your car’s battery malfunctions or dies. If you keep leaving the lights open, or there’s extreme temperature fluctuation, it can lead to a dead battery.
Jumpstarting your car’s dead battery with a good one can help you deal with this. But consult a professional to avoid damaging the existing electrical system.
Spark plug
Spark plugs are the source of ignition, essential for your car’s engine to run properly. When there is a malfunction in this electrical system, it can cause the engine to misfire. Misfiring can cause your vehicle to consume more fuel than it should.
Carbon deposits on the electrodes of the spark plugs can interfere with the spark. Overheating of the spark plug electrodes is another reason behind the malfunctioning of the spark plugs.
If your car’s spark plug goes bad, replacement is a logical and affordable way to fix the issue. Or you can upgrade it to a new one to avoid unnecessary hassles.
Blown fuses
Fuses are there to protect your vehicle’s circuits from overloading. They can melt or break due to exposure to too much flow of current. A blown fuse can cause you to experience issues with the headlights or other components.
Overloading, corrosion, or short circuits are among the many reasons behind a blown fuse. Depending on the severity of the damage, experts can suggest replacement or repair.
Wiring
The wiring in your vehicle is a complex network of cables, connecting all the electrical components. When there is a problem in this network, you may notice flickering lights or dead batteries or engine misfiring, and more.
There are several causes behind faulty wiring. Wires can grow brittle or corroded over time. Accidents can also cause the wiring to get damaged. Incorrect repair to wiring can also lead to unexpected problems with wiring.
To prevent this from happening, you must schedule a regular inspection procedure. It helps you to ensure that the wires are secured properly.
Corroded battery cables
Battery cables are meant to carry the electrical current and send it to different parts of your car’s electrical system. When corrosion settles in, the electrical current cannot flow freely. You will experience electrical component failures, dead batteries, malfunctioning headlights, and whatnot.
Corrosion is a byproduct of corrosive agents such as moisture and salt. As time goes by, these agents start building up on the battery cables, hindering the flow of electricity. Make sure you have them inspected regularly to prevent corrosion from ruining your car’s performance.
Ignition issues
The ignition system issues can cause a lot of problems, making it hard for you to start the engine. Issues in the ignition system of your car can be caused by a number of reasons. Be it a faulty ignition coil, fouled spark plugs, or damaged ignition switch.
Faulty ground connection
Groundings are connections between the negative terminal of your car’s battery and the metal frame. A fault in this system can disrupt the flow of electricity, which can lead to intermittent power or a complete electrical breakdown. Loose connections, corrosion, or accidents can cause the ground connection to break.
Damaged sensors
Sensors monitor various conditions and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly on the road. Damaged sensors can disrupt the car’s ability to operate at its optimum condition, reducing fuel economy. If you suspect an issue with the sensors, the ideal thing to do is call the experts.
Wrapping Up
If your car’s battery keeps struggling to start the engine, it’s a clear sign that there’s an issue with the electrical system. We have mentioned a whole lot of other electrical problems that you may face.
By now, you have probably understood the importance of a sound electrical system. Without it, you are not able to have a smooth driving experience. Therefore, working with an expert car electrical repair team is crucial to ensure you are safe on the road.
