Sterling McCall Chevrolet can help you identify what causes the lights on your car to flicker.
If you observe your vehicle lights dimming while driving, it’s probably due to a battery that’s dying. In the case when it’s not the battery, there are other common trouble spots that may be causing the issue. Whether it’s the battery or something else, it’s imperative that you have the problem fixed ASAP. If your car lights aren’t functioning correctly, you could become a danger to other drivers.
The 3 places dimming lights generally occur are:
Because the battery is the easiest component to replace, this is where a mechanic will look first. If the battery is dying, bring it to us so we can diagnose the issue and get the correct battery for your vehicle. While most cases result from a bad battery, there are other components to consider.
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If the vehicle battery isn’t the cause of your flickering car lights, you might be dealing with a bad bulb or a bad fuse. Failing bulbs are an easy and quick fix and present an opportunity to upgrade to new energy-efficient LED bulbs.
If your car has a bad fuse, you may be dealing with a bigger problem since fuses are a safety feature on your vehicle. In most cases, a fuse dies when there is excess electricity flowing through it. For example, if your anti-lock brakes are connected to a 10amp fuse, and the fuse gets over 10amps of electrical current, the fuse will fail. In this situation, your anti-lock brakes would fail due to the blown fuse. If you have a fuse that consistently fails, bring your vehicle in and we’ll thoroughly diagnose the bigger, potentially more serious issue.
Lights flickering on your dash could also be signs the alternator is dying. Think of it this way, you have battery power to start your vehicle, but the alternator provides the power when running. If you own an older car with halogen headlights, you may notice them slowly get dimmer with a dying alternator. On new cars equipped with LED or HID lights, they may flicker on and off or stop functioning altogether.
A dying light switch, either the headlight switch or the interior light dimmer, should also be checked out when you have flickering lights on the car. In some situations, replacing a worn switch might solve the flickering light problem, especially in vehicles with excessive wear or older vehicles. If your car is newer, there’s a chance it could be symptoms of a more significant concern with the vehicle’s electrical system.
Understanding these problems can feel overwhelming, so if you notice any issues with the lights flickering on your vehicle, bring it to us immediately. Our trained technicians will do a thorough diagnosis and offer you options for fixing the flickering lights.
Sterling McCall Chevrolet is a great place to get vehicle repair in the Houston area. We gladly service all makes and models of vehicles. Visit our dealership online or in person to schedule service and repair for your car, truck, SUV, or van. Our knowledgeable technicians are ready to serve you.
