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Electrical System

With cars becoming more and more complicated a perfectly working electrical system is critical. And since the various parts of your car are so dependent on each other, if any one electrical component fails, everything could be affected.

How do I know if I need my electrical system serviced?

It’s pretty easy to tell when something isn’t right with your electrical system. Things that should be “on” simply aren’t. Here are a few things, though, to be on the lookout for:

  • Corroded or loose fitting battery cables
  • Any warning lights on the dash that shouldn’t be
  • Dim headlights
  • Dash lights slowly dim, then car stalls
  • When you turn the key nothing happens
  • Any function or feature that does not operate

Bonus Battery Tip: We use a Midtronix battery tester that can detect early signs of battery failure so that you know when your battery should be replaced so you don’t get caught by surprise!

Contact us as soon as possible if you encounter any of these issues.

How does my car’s electrical system work?

Your car’s electrical setup is its brain and central nervous system. The basic flow of electricity from a battery to a component (such as the lights, horn, starter, etc.) and back can be pretty straightforward. However, because of the sheer number of components in your car and their increasing levels of complexity, the electrical system can get pretty complicated pretty fast!

The first thing most people think of is the battery. Some vehicles have more than one battery and it’s the power part they interact with the most, so that makes sense. However, it is far from the only piece of this puzzle. The battery supplies the power needed to turn the starter motor (probably the most power-hungry component you have) when the key is turned in the ignition. Once the engine is running, the alternator takes over supplying power throughout the car to all the bells and whistles while at the same time recharging the battery.

Multiple wiring harnesses snake their way throughout your car delivering delicious electricity to all of the various motors, computers, lights, switches, and machines that go “bing!” And keeping the entire system from frying in case something fails or gets overloaded are our good friends, the fuses, who can usually be found hanging out together in a box under the dashboard or inside the engine compartment.

Why should I get the electrical system checked?

With cars becoming more and more complicated (basically supercomputers on wheels), a perfectly working electrical system is critical. And since the various parts of your car are so dependent on each other, if any one electrical component fails, everything could be affected. We find alot of problems can be traced back to the vehicle needing to be programmed or have a programming update performed.  Modern vehicles carry around 100 million lines of computer code in order to operate all of the creature comforts and functionality that we have become accustomed to.  A Boeing 787 only carries 7 million lines of code!!!

Here are just a few series of unfortunate events that could happen in your electrical system:

  • Wires rubbed to the point of short circuiting
  • Broken wires
  • Low battery voltage
  • Components overheating and melting wires or circuits
  • Alternator failing and causing your car to stall
  • Starter motor failing and leaving you stranded
  • AI (artificial intelligence) seizing control and turning your car against you (Ok, we made that up.)
What do we do in a typical electrical system service?

We understand that electrical components in your vehicle are all interconnected. If one part fails, it can cause a chain reaction that is annoying at best and dangerous at worst.

So when you bring your car or truck to us with an electrical issue, we don’t just slap a quick fix on and send you on your way. The electrical system in your car usually takes the most time to find problems with and repair the right way.  And at [atc] you can drive away confident that you car is safe and ready for the road.

We have the right tools, training, and experience for every type of electrical system failure your vehicle may encounter. Don’t ignore a problem until it leaves you stranded.

Click here to set up an appointment. Or call one of our locations today:

atc Auto Center, Augusta
(706) 738-7812

atc Auto Center, Grovetown
(706) 303-3333

Battery Service Near Me

[atc] Auto Center is here to help with your vehicle repair and preventative maintenance needs. We’re the electrical systems and car battery experts! Call or visit us today at one of our locations including Augusta, GA, and Grovetown, GA. You’ll discover why we’re the best auto shop in the CSRA!

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