Each car has a complex electrical system that interfaces with its on board computer. If you don’t have the pleasure of knowing first hand, electrical repairs can be quite costly. Make sure to keep your car in tip top shape and mitigate any electrical issues before they appear and leave you stranded on the road. Here are some tips to help maintain your car’s electrical system.
– Battery Check
While performing a test on your car can be intimidating if you’re not an automotive technician, this one is easy and you don’t need any equipment! Without starting your engine, turn on your headlights. Keep your headlights ON for 10-15 minutes. After 10-15 minutes passes, start your engine. You may need the assistance of a friend or to make sure you are looking ahead at the wall. Watch the brightness of your headlights. If your headlights are dim as the engine turns over, your battery fails the load test. The battery should be capable of holding charge to handle the 10-15 minutes on headlights both before the engine starts, and once the engine turns over. So if your car’s battery does not pass, make sure to replace it before it really fails you on the road when you need it.
– Keep Alternator Area Clean
Your car gets its electrical power from the alternator. The alternator helps charge the battery. Good maintenance can make your alternator last long. Dirt can accumulate in them from the outside. The dirt in alternators can cause some issues for the car. You do not need any sophisticated tool for cleaning the alternator. With water and a water-soluble degreaser you can make your vehicle’s alternator look new.
– Diagnose with OBD2 Scanner
Now this is a next level component, that you won’t just have laying around your garage. OBD stands for “On Board automotive Diagnostics,” and OBD-II or OBD2 is the second generation of this technology. Modern vehicle’s computers monitor the data from multiple components and keep a log of what each is doing and if there is something wrong. If a fault occurs, the computer logs the fault as a diagnostic code. This can sometimes trigger the check engine light on your dashboard. But that’s only one light and you as the driver cannot tell exactly what it means. Gasoline-powered vehicles built after 1996 and diesel vehicles since 2008 are equipped with an OBD2 port to get access to the codes. Once upon a time you could only go to the dealerships or mechanics to read your computers. Now there are a variety of OBD2 scanners that folks have in home garages.
– Regular Car Tune-Up
Don’t underestimate the power of a tuneup. Regular maintenance is critical on a vehicle of any age. If you aren’t an expert, trust the automotive experts who know what to look for to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Electrical issues are difficult to spot and can be challenging to diagnose when you don’t know the warning signs.
Huletz Auto Electric can help inspect, tune-up, and repair your car’s electrical system. These habits will help ensure the longevity of your car’s engine. Huletz Auto Electric can help you with car electrical repairs and other car maintenance issues if you don’t want to do them yourself at our auto repair shop in Seattle, WA.
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6718 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115
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CONTACT INFO
(206) 352-2510
Norman@HuletzElectric.com