Genesis of Southwest Houston can help you identify why your vehicle lights flicker.
If you observe your lights flickering while driving, it’s probably because of a dying battery. In the case when it’s not the battery, there are other common trouble spots that are likely responsible for the issue. No matter the cause, you should have the problem diagnosed and fixed as quickly as possible. If your lights aren’t working properly, you may become a danger to other drivers.
Flickering lights can happen in 3 areas:
Since the battery is the easiest component to diagnose, this is where most of us will look first. If the battery is bad, bring it to us so we can diagnose the problem and get the specific battery for your car. While most cases result from a bad battery, there are other culprits to consider.
If your battery is not the reason for your flickering car lights, it might be a dying bulb. Failing bulbs are an easy fix and present an opportunity to upgrade to new LED bulbs.
If it is a bad fuse, you might be dealing with a larger issue since fuses are a safety feature on your car. In most cases, a fuse fails when there is excess electrical current flowing through it. As an example, if your anti-lock brakes are connected to a 10amp fuse, and the fuse gets over 10amps of electricity, the fuse would fail. In this situation, this could also cause your anti-lock brakes to fail. If there is a fuse that consistently fails, bring your car in and we’ll thoroughly diagnose the larger, potentially more serious issue.
Lights flickering on the dash may also be signs your alternator is dying. Consider this, you start your vehicle with battery power, but the alternator provides the power when your vehicle is running. If you own an old car with halogen headlights, you may see them gradually get dimmer with a dying alternator. For new cars equipped with HID or LED lights, they may flicker on and off or just stop functioning altogether.
A dying light switch, either the headlight switch knob or an interior dimmer, should be checked out if you have flickering lights on the vehicle. In some uncommon situations, just replacing a worn switch could solve the problem, especially in old vehicles or vehicles with excessive mileage. If your car is newer, there’s a chance it could be a sign of a bigger concern with the electrical system.
Understanding these problems can seem overwhelming, so if you notice any issues with the lights flickering on your vehicle, bring it to us immediately. Our technicians will do a thorough diagnosis and provide you with options for fixing the flickering lights.
Genesis of Southwest Houston 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 executive car or sedan. Our knowledgeable technicians are ready to serve you.