Every car electrical components that power everything in the vehicle. The two main electrical energy sources are usually the battery and alternator. Each electrical item in a car has a specific function and use.
Therefore, knowing every electrical component in your car is important as a car owner. In today’s guide, you’ll learn about the various electrical car components.
All the Components Controlled by the Electrical System
With technological innovation, cars now have complex electrical systems. There’s an electrical system that controls all components in a car. These components include:
- The Car Battery
- The Alternator
- The Starter Motor
- Electronic Fuel Injection
- Other components and Accessories
The Car Battery
The car battery is what provides the electrical system with an energy current. The charge in many car batteries is a uniform 12-volt charge consisting of lead and acid. The heavy duty vehicles do not use the 12-volt charge. These vehicles can use two or more batteries.
The Alternator
A Car Alternator
The alternator of a car gets its power from the car’s engine. However, the alternator acts as a small electrical generator. Hence, the alternator produces electric current as alternating current, AC, and converts it to direct current, DC.
An alternator recharges the car battery and powers other electrical components. When you start your car engine, the alternator keeps it that way.
The Starter Motor
The starter motor is one of any car’s most important electrical components. When you turn on your car, the starter motor gets to work. The starter motor is a direct current that starts the car engine’s crankshaft.
Electronic Fuel Injection
Right from the early 1990s, nearly all cars that ran on petrol used electronic fuel injection. This was a way of controlling fuel efficiency and reducing air pollution.
Other components and Accessories
Although these components are more accessories, they are still part of the car’s electrical system. They include:
- Stereos, LCD Screen, Radios
- Car Alarms, Steering immobilization
- Car kits for mobile phones
Ways You Can Recognize Electrical Issues in a Vehicle
You should always treat your car properly by taking it for regular checks. This will reduce the chances of electrical failure. Some signs of electrical issues in a car may include:
The Vehicle Takes Time to Start
A man trying to start his car
The battery activates the car engine when the starter comes on. Hence, something may be wrong if you don’t hear the usual sound of a starting car. The problem could be with the car battery or the starter.
The Vehicle Power Keeps Reducing
When a car’s alternator develops issues, every electrical system will lose power. If the alternator is faulty, the car can only start but will not remain like that much longer.
The Vehicles Lights Don’t Work Properly
A Car Headlight
A car’s electrical system is responsible for providing current to the car lights. Therefore, if the lights malfunction, the issue could lie with the car battery or the alternator. Whatever the case, it is important to solve the issue to prevent further damage.
Damaged Fuses
A Mechanic is changing a damaged fuse.
Every vehicle has a control system called a fuse box. The function of the fuse box is to ensure the vehicle maintains a specific amount of current. However, some fuses may blow up when the car has an electrical issue. Having multiple blown fuses is not a good thing. It’s best to contact a professional mechanic for solutions or fuse box replacement.
Strange Smells
Having an unusual smell in a car is a sign of electrical issues. It could indicate a blown fuse or something else. Identifying the source when you notice such a smell is always good.
Auto Electrical System and Maintenance of Circuits
A Mechanic Checking a Car
Every car needs proper maintenance. Always inspecting the electrical system is one way to keep your car in good shape. You should pay attention to electrical issues, no matter how minor. Hence, it’s dangerous to have an electrical system failure while driving.
Conclusion
The heart of a car is its electrical system. So, always take your car for regular checkups and diagnose any little problems. This will help reduce the risk of something bigger, increasing your vehicle’s lifespan.
