Today's vehicles are extremely sophisticated and complex, and the electrical systems are only getting more and more advanced. Yet, even older cars still have fairly intricate electrical systems. It's important that you keep your electrical components working properly. At the first sign of trouble, you will want to get your auto electric system inspected and fixed.
In this article, San Francisco Automotive Solutions will cover some of the key electrical components you should know about.
Computer System
All modern cars have very advanced computer systems that monitor and control so many aspects of the vehicle. The good news is that these computers can be very helpful when running diagnostic tests to determine specific automotive problems. However, if there problems with your car's computer, you will want to get it looked at by an expert.
Sensors
Your car is equipped with multiple sensors. The newer the car, the more sensors it will likely have. These sensors are connected directly to the onboard computer to provide warnings if a problem is detected. Know that sensors can wear out and fail over time, so sometimes they need to be replaced or adjusted.
Alternator
The alternator is a vital piece of equipment that recirculates power to and from the car's battery. If it isn't working properly or one of the belts is loose, you will lose electrical power and you may not be able to start the car at all.
Car Battery
All electrical systems will be run by the internal battery. If you notice electrical problems, oftentimes a weak battery is the culprit. The good news is it's fairly easy to recharge or replace.
Hybrid/Electric Battery System
If you have a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicle, it will have a separate electrical drive system that runs the car on battery power instead of gas. As you might expect, these hybrid/electric systems are extremely complex, so you'll want to trust your maintenance and repairs to a hybrid expert like San Francisco Automotive Solutions.
Electrical Components
Power windows, door locks, headlights/tail lights, GPS, car stereo, dashboard lights, climate controls and all other electronic systems are vital to your comfort and safety. If you notice any glitches, it's a good idea to get the electrical system checked out.
Wiring and Connections
With all these electronics will come plenty of complex wiring. Wires can fray over time, and connections can become loose or corroded. It doesn't take much for something relatively simple to happen that leads to electrical problems. Loose wires and poor connections can also present a fire hazard if not repaired.
These are just some of the key things you should know about when considering your vehicle's electrical system. As we said, the newer your car, the more complex these auto electric issues will be and the more important it is to maintain the system. If you think you have electrical problems in your vehicle, call San Francisco Automotive Solutions at (415) 957-1170 or schedule your appointment online.