Electrical Systems for a Shocking Winter Performance

The slower pace of winter could lull some people into a false sense of security when it comes to winter safety. They may have completed winter inspections, oil changes, fluid checks, and even headlight polishing and fail to dedicate some attention to the smaller systems in the car. One of the most important systems in your car is the electrical system. Electrical systems are the powerhouses of the car. This system consists of the alternator, battery, spark plugs and wires, and a fuse box. Once you learn the purpose of this system,
you will be better able to appreciate it and more prone to include it in your winter safety inspections.

What is the Electrical System?

The electrical system commonly is comprised of a battery, spark plugs, spark plug wires, an alternator, and a fuse box. These parts supply power to the rest of the car. If the electrical system is malfunctioning, the car will not start. The battery provides electricity to the alternator, which is connected to the battery by a belt. The alternator produces the electricity that controls the charge that is being stored in the battery. The power that is being produced is AC power. This type of power is not compatible with the needs of the car. In order to power electrical devices, such as the engine controls and the ignition, a belt connects the alternator to the engine and the alternator converts the AC power that it produces into DC power. The fuse box is usually located on the driver side of the car close to the floor. This small box contains fuses for each electrical component to your car.

Basic Battery Information

The battery is a closed environment that houses six cells stacked with positive and negative lead plates that are separated by insulators. The cells sit in a solution of sulfuric acid and water. The energy to power the car comes from the cells inside the battery. The battery also provides power for devices such as the radio, defroster, windshield wipers, and the heating system. The easiest way to do this is to turn on your headlights before you switch the ignition. If you notice that your lights are brighter after you turn on the car, then you may have an issue with the battery. You can also use a voltmeter, which is a device that measures voltage. A low reading would mean that the battery needs charging.

The Small Things You Can Do

Open the door to the fuse box and make sure that all of the fuses are still good. You will be able to discern if a fuse is blown because the filament inside will be broken. If one of the fuses blows, replace it with a new one. You can find them at your local auto parts supply store. Ask the clerk to help you locate the ones you need. Make sure that the replacement fuse is of the same voltage as the one you are replacing. Using the wrong voltage can cause expensive damage to your car. Consult your driver’s manual or local ASE master mechanics if you are unsure about which fuse to use. You should inspect the spark plugs and wires to make sure that they are firing as they should and replace any worn or damaged ones.