A Brief Overview of Electrical Systems in Your Car

Now that spring is on it’s way, you should be thinking about the health of your car. You may have had your winter vehicle safety inspection and been diligent about adhering to your general car maintenance schedule, but you may not be sure about the various parts of your car. One part of the car that gets a lot of attention is the electrical system. This system is one of the most important ones to your car, and you should make sure you have some basic knowledge of what this system does. 

What is the Electrical System?

The electrical system is the part of your car that consists of a battery, spark plugs, spark plug wires, an alternator, and a fuse box. The alternator is the powerhouse for your battery, which provides an electricity for your car. The power that is generated is what operates the car and allows you to be able to drive. Without it, your car would not work at all. If you go outside and try to turn the key and nothing happens, chances are that this is one of the systems responsible for the lack of response from your car. This system also powers the various devices that are on your car, such as the radio, automatic door locks, and the power sunroof.  The fuse box operates in the same fashion as the one in your home would. It helps to regulate the flow of current to the various devices, and will trip itself if an electrical surge were to happen. The fuse box is normally located inside the car under the dashboard on the driver’s side of the car and the fuses are easily changed when they blow. 

Where Does the Power Come From?

The battery is the place where power originates. It 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 battery receives a charge from the alternator as the car engine is running.  The length of its lifetime can range from three to seven years, depending upon the design and brand. 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, you may have an issue with the battery. Your automotive repair shop can perform a quick battery test and advise you if your battery is weak.

So, What about the Alternator?

The alternator produces the electricity that controls the charge that is stored in the battery. You should have your mechanic check this part to make sure that it is operational because the alternator usually gives no warning before it fails.  When this part fails, you can have your mechanic replace it with a new one or a rebuilt one.