With all the things that could possibly go wrong with a car, it can be challenging to diagnose exactly what the issue is. It could be mechanical or electrical, and unless you know what to look out for, if you try and fix it yourself, there’s a high chance you’ll just end up making the problem worse. It’s always advisable to take your car in to see a professional at the soonest sign of an issue, but how do you know whether you need to see a mechanic or an auto electrician?

In this article, we’re listing six signs that will indicate that your car is experiencing an electrical issue and needs to be repaired by an automotive electrician.

1.  Electrical accessories stop working

Long gone are the days when you had to build up your arm muscles in order to crank down a window; now, everything is done electronically. Modern cars often feature the newest car tech, and guess what it all runs off of? You guessed it: electrical power! As soon as your electrical accessories (like the windows, locks or mirrors, for example) start to act up, it could indicate that you have a blown fuse or a wiring issue. You can easily check this out for yourself, but if you’ve tried and the problem persists or you don’t want to risk breaking anything, take it in to be fixed by a professional. 

2.  Lights are dimming or flickering

One of the more obvious signs that your car is experiencing electrical issues is when the lights start acting up - specifically if they are dimming or randomly flickering. If it happens once, take note; if it's a reoccurring thing, it’s definitely worth taking it to an auto electrician and having the issue sorted out. Flickering and dimming lights, especially when your car is idling, generally means that there is a problem with your car's alternator and will need to be taken care of by a professional. Should you ignore this kind of problem, chances are your battery could die, and you’ll be left stranded.

3.  Battery issues

Nobody likes to hop in the car, ready to hit the road and as soon as you turn the key in the ignition. Nothing. When this happens it’s more than likely your car battery that’s the culprit. It happens every now and then when you forget to switch off the lights, but if your battery is causing issues regularly to no fault of your own, it could mean that it’s time to replace it.

When you're trying to diagnose the problem with your battery the first thing to do is inspect the terminals and look for corrosion and check if they are secure. If everything looks like it’s in order then go an have it tested before determining if it needs to be replaced.

4.  Unusual smells and sounds

When you get to know your car well, you’ll be able to pick it up quickly when there’s a sound or a smell that's out of the ordinary. These could occur for a number of reasons, but pay attention to what it sounds or smells like, as this could indicate where the problem lies. For example:

A buzzing or clicking sound - these kinds of sounds could mean that something is short-circuiting or there is another electrical issue

A burning smell - this may indicate that a component is overheating, like a faulty connector or wire

5.  The dashboard warning lights are on

Thanks to the modern tech in most cars, it’s most likely that your vehicle will even tell you there's an issue before you even become aware of it. If the battery, engine or any of the other warning lights on the dashboard pop up, don’t ignore it, it could indicate that there is an issue with your car’s electrical system. Some of the more modern may even give you a notification to tell you exactly what the issue is.

You might think you’ve got time to drive those extra kilometers to get to your destination, but it’s important that you stop as soon as possible and address the issue or call a professional, or it could lead to more serious damage.

Final Thoughts

It’s important that you realize that an electrical issue with your car could be a potential fire hazard, so as soon as you notice that something is wrong with the electrical system, have it seen by a professional right away. This won’t only help prevent any more serious (and expensive) issues from developing, but it will also ensure your safety.