Symptoms of needing auto electrical service in Madison, TN are often dismissed as old car quirks. However, there are no good reasons why you should tolerate them, as they are easily repaired. Here are five signs that it is time to have your car’s electrical system evaluated:
- Your car struggles to start: When starting your car is an exercise in hopes and prayers, it is likely you have an electrical problem. It often arises from starters, alternators or batteries. If you find your car struggles to start, and your interior lights stop working, too, the problem is usually your battery. Give it a jumpstart and make the trip for a replacement. However, if interior lights work but your engine does not turn over, that is likely your alternator. On high-mileage vehicles, it is also possible that the gears in your electric system are wearing out and failing to supply power to the starter.
- You discover a leaking battery: If your battery is leaking, act on it right away. That is a dangerous situation that goes way beyond just compromising your electrical system. It increases the chance of fire hazards, and because battery acid burns your skin, you should not try to deal with it on your own. This is a job for a professional mechanic who has experience handling corroded batteries safely.
- The power windows or doors misbehave: These problems are not limited to older vehicles. They are also arising with newer vehicles, and we often have people visiting us to address electrical issues after owning a car for only a few years. When you have power windows that fall or fail to open, slow adjustments in power seats and power locks that fail to stay locked, you need to have your electrical system checked. Sometimes this is as easy as replacing fuses or wires, and other times it is linked to a manufacturer defect. Rather than drive this winter with the fear of your window suddenly opening, have us take a look.
- Headlights dim: It is not unusual for headlights to shine less light as they age. We often trace the problem to the alternator, voltage regulator or battery, but sometimes it is worn wires or a need for new headlights, too. With shorter, darker days ahead, have this examined so driving at night is less dangerous.
- You discover your taillights quit working: If people nearly hit you from behind despite the fact that you’ve recently replaced bulbs in your taillights, there is a bigger problem going on. It is normally traced to bad fuses or corroded wires. The same is true if you go through bulbs quicker than usual because the electrical system keeps shorting them out. This can be a driving hazard as well, so have us take a look as soon as possible.
Madison Muffler & Auto Repair offers auto electrical service in Madison, TN on most makes and models of vehicles. If you are seeing any of these signs, call us today for an appointment so you stay safe on the road.