You get into your car, turn the key in the ignition, take it out of park and off you go. Have you ever thought about how all the parts of your vehicle work together to get you from Point A to B? Most people don’t give it a second thought… that is, until the car won’t start or it breaks down while on the road. Taking care of your vehicle means investing some time and money into preventive maintenance. Every system in your vehicle requires some type of maintenance and that goes for your electrical system, too. In this article, I’ll let you know how the electrical system works and what you can do to make sure it’s maintained properly. I’ll also let you know some signs that may mean you need car electrical system repair.
As I already mentioned, the electrical system in your vehicle is like any other – it needs to be maintained. Before I give you some ways you can maintain the electrical system, let’s first go over how a car’s electrical system works.
The electrical system in your car does more than power the engine. It’s also responsible for powering the windows, locks, defroster, headlights, radio, interior lights, clock, sunroof, and more. All of this work is done by three components that make up the electrical system:
Battery – Provides the electrical current needed to operate the ignition and fuel systems.
Starter – This is what gets the car engine working. The battery supplies a small amount of power to the starter motor which then rotates the flywheel that turns the crankshaft. Without the starter, the pistons in the engine won’t move.
Alternator – The alternator is responsible for keeping the battery charged and the electrical system going.
How to Properly Care for Your Car’s Electrical System
Just like any other part on your vehicle, the components in the electrical system undergo wear and tear. By following these tips you can properly care for your car’s electrical system:
Regular Inspection and Cleaning of Battery & Cables
It’s not hard to see the corrosion that builds up on the battery posts and cables – it’s the white crusty stuff. Open the hood and take a look at your battery once a month to check for this corrosion. If there is any, you can use corrosion removal fluids or a mixture of baking soda and water to clean the battery posts and cable. Here are the steps you need to take:
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- Remove the battery terminals.
- Clean the posts using the fluid and a wire brush.
- Rinse with water.
- Re-connect the terminals (positive side first).
Regular Inspection of the Drive Belt
You’ll want to look for cracks, dryness and/or glazing along the surface of the belt. It’s also good to check the tension of the belt. Not sure you feel comfortable doing this? Don’t worry. When you bring your vehicle to us for regular oil changes, we perform a 28-point vehicle inspection. We’ll let you know if the belt is nearing the time to be replaced. Remember, the goal is to prevent a major breakdown by maintaining and replacing worn parts before they fail.
Replace Your Car Battery Every 4 to 5 Years
Most car batteries have a lifespan of about 4 to 5 years. If you’re not sure if it should be replaced, we can test your car battery for you.
Common Signs You Need Car Electrical System Repair
Here are some telltale signs you most likely have a problem requiring car electrical system repair:
- The car won’t start.
- The interior and/or dashboard lights do not light up properly.
- The headlights that dim when you’re driving at low speeds or the car is idling.
Don’t leave your vehicle’s electrical system to chance. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms I’ve listed here, schedule an appointment with Country Road Auto. Our certified technicians will be able to identify and correct the problem so you can get back on the road. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for car electrical system repair.