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Sterling McCall Buick GMC can help you identify why your car lights are flickering.
If you see your lights dimming while driving, it’s probably due to a battery that’s failing. If your battery is normal, there are other common trouble spots that are likely causing the issue. Whether it’s the battery or something else, you should have the problem diagnosed and fixed ASAP. When your lights aren’t working correctly, you may become a danger to yourself and other drivers.
The three places dimming car lights generally occur are:
Since the battery is the most convenient component to replace, this is where a technician will look first. If you think the battery is bad, bring it here so we can properly diagnose the problem and get the correct parts for your vehicle. While there are cases caused by a failing battery, there are other culprits to consider.
READ MORE: Buick GMC Warning Lights
If your vehicle battery isn’t the reason for your flickering car lights, it might be a dying light bulb or a bad fuse. Dead light bulbs are an easy fix and present an opportunity to upgrade to new LED bulbs.
If it is a blown fuse, you could be looking at a more significant problem as fuses are a safety feature on your vehicle. A fuse fails when there is too much electricity runs through it. As an example, if your anti-lock brakes are connected to a 10amp fuse, and the fuse receives more than 10amps of electrical current, the fuse will fail. In this example, your anti-lock brakes could fail due to the failed fuse. If there is a fuse that continues to fail, bring it in and we will diagnose the bigger, potentially more dangerous issue.
Lights flickering on your dashboard may also be one of the signs that the alternator is dying. Think of it this way, you have battery power to start your car, but to keep your vehicle running, the power is supplied by your alternator. If you drive an old car with halogen headlights, you may notice them gradually get dimmer with a failing alternator. For new cars equipped with LED or HID lighting, they may flicker or stop functioning altogether.
A bad light switch, either the interior lights dimmer or the headlight switch knob, should also be considered when you have flickering lights on your vehicle. In some uncommon situations, just replacing a worn switch may solve the problem, especially in old cars or vehicles with excessive wear. If your vehicle doesn’t fall into either category, there’s a possibility it could be symptoms of a more serious concern with the vehicle’s electrical system.
Figuring out these problems can feel overwhelming, so if you notice any issues with the lights flickering on your car, bring it in immediately. Our technicians will thoroughly investigate the problem and offer you options for fixing the flickering car lights.
Sterling McCall Buick GMC is an ideal place to get vehicle service in the Houston area. We happily service all vehicle makes and models. One of our factory-trained technicians will inspect your car or truck to determine if there are any needed repairs and will suggest the best resolution for you and your vehicle. Schedule your truck or SUV service online or in person today.
