How does your car's electrical system work?
By Kijiji Autos
Cars have been so integral to our lives that we tend to take for granted how they work. We know a car needs gas, but we barely spend any time learning about the very thing that keeps the car running: the car's electrical system.
Your well-being remains our top priority. Please seriously consider whether in-person meetings are necessary and visit our for more information.
Knowing more about how your car’s electrical components work can save you unnecessary trips to the mechanic or—worse—expensive tows.
All fuel-powered engines have the same basic components that make up a vehicle’s electrical system. It doesn’t matter if you’re riding a 1967 Shelby Mustang Fastback or a heavy-duty work vehicle, you’ll find all of these parts under your hood:
Car battery
The car battery is responsible for every electrical component in your car, from the blinkers to the dashboard to the radio. The battery helps start the car, but it’s also responsible for providing the car with an even energy supply. You probably know from experience (or just from how batteries work) that if the battery dies, your car won’t start. A battery can last up to five years, but harsh Canadian winters and bad driving habits (like forgetting to turn the lights off) can reduce its lifespan.
Here are common signs that your battery might be on the fritz:
· It takes a few seconds longer to start.
· Your Check Engine light comes on.
· Your car battery starts to smell like rotten eggs.
· Your battery case looks bigger than it used to.
· Your battery is over three years old.
Is your car having battery issues? Read this car battery guide for helpful advice.
Alternator
The alternator gets its name from its primary function, which is to generate alternating current (you know, the AC in AC/DC). It converts mechanical energy into electricity, which powers everything in the car and recharges the battery. Here are common warning signs that your alternator is failing:
· The warning light comes on (don’t ignore this).
· You have trouble starting the car.
· The headlights appear weak or start to flicker.
· Rattling or clunking noises.
Starter motor
The starter motor works alongside your battery to start the car. In the few seconds needed to insert the key into the ignition and turn it, an entire series of fantastic mechanical feats take place in careful and quick succession. During this rapid process, the starter motor is employed to turn the engine over to allow it to suck in enough air and fuel to cause combustion.
If you hear a loud click or a grinding sound when you try to start the car, your starter motor may be loose or needs to be replaced.
Wires, connectors and fuses
All the electrical components of your car are connected by a series of cables. They’re located throughout the car all the way to the trunk and are covered with insulation. Wires vary in diameter and are colour coded according to their voltage. Connectors make cars easy to service because they allow a mechanic to reach in and remove the faulty wires.
Fuses are in charge of keeping wires at a stable temperature. Your car likely has two fuse panels: one in the glove compartment and the other in the engine compartment. You can use a continuity tester to find out if the fuse is blown or simply pull it out and take a look.
Learn more about your car with Kijiji Autos
Empower yourself with more car knowledge by browsing through our helpful tips and how-tos, like this beginner guide for first-time car owners. Find your next dream car on Kijiji Autos.
Easily find your next ride on Kijiji Autos
Search nowTackling your first winter of driving in Canada
To say Canada has some pretty drastic weather changes over one calendar year is an understatement. Summer driving here is much like the rest of the world, but our winters are a whole different experience. If the upcoming winter driving season is your first, here are some tips on how to make the...How to prepare for driving in the snow
Whether you've recently moved provinces or are gearing up for your first winter behind the wheel, driving in the snow can often be an unnerving experience. It takes a special approach and lots of patience to get comfortable driving on slippery surfaces. These tips are designed to help you master...5 simple things to check before your next winter road trip
Whether you're planning your family's next big winter road trip or simply want to prepare your car for winter driving, it's important to know what to look for. Make sure to check these five frequently overlooked elements to ensure that your car is ready to complete a winter journey safely. Your...It’s all in the details: how to keep your car looking new with car-detailing
A detailing is first of all a deeper cleaning than a usual car wash, that not only removes visible dirt, but also grime and build-up that can damage your car over time. This is an important step in routine car maintenance that should be done every four to six months to keep your car in optimal...How to take care of your hybrid or electric vehicle
Hybrid and electric vehicles have proven to work wonders when it comes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, but they still need proper care and maintenance to run properly. If you own or are considering buying an eco-friendly car, here are some ways to keep your vehicle in peak...How to effectively clean your car’s interior
Whether you visit a car wash or do it yourself, cleaning the exterior of your vehicle isn't too difficult. Interiors, on the other hand, can be a little bit trickier to clean. From cleansing bad smells to getting a tough stain out of the upholstery, these simple steps will help keep your car's...Top 6 car essentials for new parents
Being a first time parent can be hard enough trying to figure out things on a daily basis. There are a lot of car gadgets and accessories for parents on the market. It's hard to know what you really need if this is your first child. You might be spending a lot of time in the car with your child...Car battery issues? A guide to your car's electrical system
Getting into a car and starting off on a drive has remained pretty much the same over the decades. But these days, everything—the ignition, the air conditioning, the satnav and more—is tied to the electric system of the car, which is the “brain” of it all. We’re not going to get into every...5 car wash tips to make your car really shine
We’re happy to tell you it isn’t magic. The important first step to keeping that new-car look is to wash your car regularly. Doing this prevents dirt from building up, which can happen quickly in Canada’s temperamental climate. There are five more tricks of the trade that will help you elevate...How to maintain your car's engine during the winter
If you want a safe and smooth driving experience during the harsh winter months, a well-maintained engine is essential. Fortunately, a little bit of effort goes a long way. Here are our top tips to help you keep your engine running smoothly through the snowy months. Your well-being remains our...