Santa Fe BMW can help you identify what the meaning of flickering car lights is.
If you observe your vehicle lights flickering while driving, it’s probably because of a failing battery. If your battery is normal, there are other common trouble areas that are likely responsible for the issue. Whether it’s your car battery or something else, it’s imperative that you have the problem diagnosed and repaired as quickly as possible. When your lights aren’t working properly, you might become a hazard to yourself and other drivers.
Flickering lights can happen in 3 places:
Because the battery is the most convenient component to replace, this is where a technician will look first. If the battery is bad, bring it here so we can properly diagnose the problem and get the right battery for your vehicle. While there are cases caused by a bad battery, there are other factors to consider.
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If your car battery isn’t the reason for your flickering car lights, it could be a bad light bulb or a bad fuse. Dead light bulbs are an easy fix and present an opportunity to upgrade to new energy-efficient LED bulbs.
If it is a bad fuse, you may be dealing with a more significant issue than you had originally thought. In most cases, a fuse fails when there is too much electricity runs through it. As an example, if the anti-lock brakes are installed with a 10amp fuse, and the fuse gets over 10amps of electricity, the fuse would fail. In this example, this could also cause your anti-lock brakes to fail. If there is a fuse that continues to fail, bring it in so we can accurately diagnose the bigger, potentially more dangerous issue.
Flickering dashboard lights could also be signs your alternator is failing. Think of it this way, you start your car with battery power, but to keep your car running, the power comes from the alternator. If you have an older car with halogen lights, you may see them slowly get dimmer with a failing alternator. For newer cars 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 the interior dimmer, should be considered when you have flickering car lights. In some rare situations, replacing a worn switch could solve the problem, especially in old vehicles or vehicles with excessive mileage. If your car doesn’t fall into either category, there’s a possibility it could be a sign of a bigger issue with the vehicle’s electrical system.
Understanding these issues can feel overwhelming, so if you notice any issues with the lights flickering on your car, bring it in immediately. Our trained technicians will thoroughly diagnose the issue and provide you with options for fixing your flickering car lights.
Santa Fe BMW is a great place to get vehicle repair in the Santa Fe area. We gladly service all makes and models of vehicles. Visit our dealership online or in person to schedule service and repair for your luxury car or SUV. Our knowledgeable technicians are ready to serve you.
