How to tell if your car’s electrical system is on the fritz. Your car runs on more than gasoline. A tremendous amount of electricity goes into moving you from point A to point B. That means an electrical issue or failure can be catastrophic. To help you prevent potential breakdowns, costly repairs, and general inconvenience, here are five symptoms of electrical failure in your car.

The engine won’t turn over

Most often an engine that won’t turn over is due to a dead battery or starter issue. But it’s also possible your car engine won’t turn over because of a fault in the electrical system that’s draining your battery, overloading circuity, or otherwise malfunctioning. If you hear a grinding noise or clicking, it’s likely a starter or bad flywheel ring. If there’s eerie silence, well, it’s likely the electrical system and you should find a car repair professional you can trust. Luckily, there are quite a few mechanics at any of HEART’s three Chicago area locations: HEART Wilmette, HEART Northbrook, and HEART Evanston.

The headlights are dim

Dim headlights, brake lights or interior lights are another sign your car’s electrical system’s not working right. Maybe it’s a loose wire or depleted battery. Maybe it’s something more serious. You can’t know for sure until you’ve had it checked out, which you should do ASAP, because low electrical levels can disable traction control and other safety features.

The car smells like burnt plastic

Any burning smell from a car is worrisome and should definitely be investigated. It could be that your electrical system’s overloading, which can lead to fire. If you smell something burning in your car, turn it off and call a trusted car repair professional.

The car blew a fuse

Just as in your home, a blown fuse in your car likely means you’re overloading a circuit, especially if it happens repeatedly. Even if it happens just once, it’s best to have a car repair professional take a look. If you come to HEART Certified Auto Care, we’ll take pictures every step of the way, so you can see what we see and know what we know. That’s just one of the many reasons we have over 700 five star customer reviews.

The car stereo isn’t working

A broken stereo’s more than just a bummer. It’s a sign that your car’s electrical system isn’t working properly. It’s the same issue with malfunctioning GPS systems and other modern technology in new models. They’re great for convenience, but these tech upgrades put added strain on your car’s electrical system. If one of them isn’t working, it could be a blown fuse or a larger electrical issue. Call HEART Certified Auto Care for a full inspection. It will be easy and fast: 98% of our service is done same day! If you have further questions about your car’s electrical system or any other car repair or car parts matter, call or visit one of HEART’s three convenient locations: HEART Wilmette, HEART Evanston, and Heart Northbrook. We don’t just repair cars; we restore your faith in auto care.