Every system in your vehicle requires maintenance, including your electrical system.

The electrical system in your vehicle not only powers the engine, but it is also used to power the windows and door locks, defroster, headlights, radio, interior lights, clock, sun roof plus more. Your vehicle’s electrical system undergoes wear and tear and needs to be maintained regularly to avoid major problems.

Car battery
Your vehicle battery provides the electrical current that’s used to operate the ignition and fuel systems.

Starter
Current from the battery supplies a small amount of power to the starter. The starter then rotates the flywheel that turns the crankshaft. If the starter is not working, the engine will not work.

Alternator
Without the alternator, your car battery won’t be charged.

Maintaining a car’s electrical system
Regularly inspect and clean the battery and battery cables. Corrosion builds up on the posts and cables of your battery. It’s a good idea to inspect the battery and cables regularly to make sure there’s no corrosion build-up. If there is, you can clean the battery posts and cables by using a mixture of baking soda and water or a corrosion removal fluid made specifically for maintaining batteries. Below are steps to cleaning the battery posts and cables, or you can take it to your nearest garage or workshop to do this for you.

  • Remove the battery cables from the battery posts
  • Clean the posts and the cable ends using the fluid and a wire brush.
  • Rinse the battery cables and posts with water
  • Re-connect the battery cables (positive side first)

Inspect the drive belt regularly – open the hood and inspect the belt looking for cracks, dryness and/or glazing along its surface. You should also check the tension of the belt. If you don’t know how to do this or don’t feel comfortable inspecting the belt, you can take it to your nearest mechanic or car workshop to do this for you.

If your car battery is approaching 4 to 5 years of age, replace it – If you do not then your car battery will not start your car.

If you are not sure if your battery needs replacing you can take it to your nearest workshop for a check.

Some common signs that indicate car electrical system repair is required

  • Your car will not start
  • Your interior and/or dashboard lights seem dimmer than normal or do not light up properly
  • You vehicle’s headlights dim while you’re driving at low speeds or the car is idling

We recommend should you suspect any issues get it checked out by the professionals.

Click on the link provided from our Partner nationwide service centre network of reputable AA- and RMI-approved and Right to Repair workshops that provide quality work and exceptional customer service, thereby giving you peace of mind if your vehicle requires attention https://www.e-car.co.za/