People often focus on the mechanical components of a vehicle; after all, they’re among the most important parts of a car, truck, van, or SUV. That being said, the electrical components are equally crucial. They often get overlooked because many people assume car trouble comes from the mechanical side of the equation. In some cases, though, the electrical components are the culprits. Take a look at some of the most essential aspects of a vehicle’s electrical system and the roles they play.
The Battery
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One of the most important parts of your vehicle’s electrical system is the battery. It’s your vehicle’s power source; it supplies electrical power to start the engine and keep other components going. Most vehicles use versions of conventional lead-acid batteries. All-electric vehicles would be an exception. They use lithium-ion batteries. Damaged battery cables and corroded terminals are common reasons people need auto repair Scottsdale AZ. Of course, dead batteries cause their fair share of problems as well.
Alternator
As you might imagine, starting a vehicle and powering all its electrical components takes quite a bit out of a battery. Because of that, car batteries constantly need to be recharged. That’s where the alternator comes into play. A vehicle’s alternator generates electrical energy when the engine is running to continually replenish the battery and take on some of the stress of keeping the electrical system going. If the alternator goes bad, the battery won’t recharge, and the entire electrical load will be drawing from it.
Starter Motor
Another important part of a vehicle’s electrical system is the starter motor. When you turn the ignition, the starter motor kick-starts the flywheel. That, in turn, rotates the engine’s crankshaft and starts the internal combustion cycle. After all that takes place, the alternator takes over. If the starter motor goes bad, the process may not work the way it’s supposed to.
Engine Control Unit
The engine control unit, also referred to as the brain box, is essentially the brain of a vehicle’s electrical system. It takes in information from sensors located throughout the vehicle. Some examples are temperature, oxygen, and throttle position sensors, but many others could be part of the picture. This electrical component keeps your vehicle performing adequately and running efficiently. If the ECU goes bad, it could cause any number of problems, including the engine shutting off while you’re driving or the vehicle refusing to start.
Other Electrical Components
Those are some of the important parts of a vehicle’s electrical system, but they’re not the only ones to keep in mind. Many other parts are included as well. A vehicle’s headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are all electrical. Power windows and door locks tap into the electrical system as well. Safety features, such as the airbag, ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control are also part of the electrical system. Of course, the heater and air conditioner controls, the radio, and many other components fall into this category as well.
Keeping Your Vehicle’s Electrical System Up to Par
Though vehicles’ mechanical components get plenty of attention, and criticism when the situation fits, they don’t work alone. Electrical systems are also crucial. Quite a few things can go wrong with a vehicle’s electrical system and the components connected to it. From the battery to accessories like driver-assist features, keeping them in working order is essential for your safety and your vehicle’s functionality and efficiency.
