How Often Should You Test Your Vehicle’s Electrical System?

December 29, 2020 Published by Leave your thoughts

Your car’s electrical system is responsible for a lot of duties, from starting up the car to making sure other drivers can see you’re braking or turning. It’s important that you keep up on your preventative maintenance by testing your auto electrical system in Lubbock, TX. This will not only keep you safe while you’re driving, but it will also help you avoid expensive service bills in the future.

Read on to learn how often you should test the electrical system, and what to watch out for.

Scheduling your service appointments

In general, you should check your electrical system twice per year (and more often if you notice any of the signs below). This is particularly important when you live in an extreme climate, as both chilly temperatures and extreme heat can affect battery life. Check your car batteries in the late fall and late spring, and replace the battery when it’s at the end of its usable lifespan.

Signs of electrical problems

If you notice any of these signs, bring your car in to have the electrical system inspected:

  • Your lights aren’t working properly: Your headlights, brake lights, taillights and turn signals are vitally important to your safety, so if you notice the lights stop working, take your car in right away. Sometimes it’s just a matter of a blown-out bulb, which can be easily replaced—however, if several lights go out at once, you probably have an electrical problem. Keep an eye on your dash lights and interior cabin lighting, too—while interior lighting isn’t quite as crucial to safety, you’re always better off with a fully-functioning system.
  • You’re having issues starting the car: If you have trouble cranking the engine, that can indicate a problem with the battery or alternator. If you hear clicking when you try to start the car, that usually means there isn’t enough current to turn the engine over. If there’s a grinding noise, that’s a sign of a bad starter or an issue with the flywheel. The older your car, the more likely that it’s an electrical problem.
  • Your fuses are blown out: Fuses are designed to protect the electrical system from power surges. Instead of damaging the electrical parts, the fuse blows out. Most fuses will blow out once in a while, but if the same ones keep going, there’s probably a problem within the electrical system. The longer you let it go, the more likely it is that you’ll experience severe problems.
  • You notice a burning smell: Finally, watch out for a burning smell, and bring your car in right away if you notice one. Stop driving your car right away, and have it towed to a service station. If you drive, you risk harming your vehicle’s electrical system even further.

Staying on top of preventative maintenance of your car’s electrical system in Lubbock, TX ensures your car will continue to run smoothly, and it’ll save you a lot of money down the road. Call M & M Tire & Service Center to schedule an appointment.

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