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Car battery testing and FAQ
Ever replaced your battery only to find your car problem wasn't fixed? Don't be left feeling flat, get your battery tested at a full service workshop.
Read moreNeed an auto electrician in Telarah
Auto Electrical servicing is one of the most important ways of keeping modern cars running efficiently and safely as cars have more electrical components in them than ever before and the list just seems to keep increasing.
In addition to the traditional systems such as starter motors and simple systems like radios, the electrical systems of modern cars now need to cope with many more components. Such things as modern safety systems & controls and a range of electronic devices such as navigation systems and various entertainment devices all rely on your auto electrical system to function. Maitland Auto Electrical offer expert auto electrical services with the following bonuses;
- Peace of Mind: As a Repco Authorised Service Centre you can rest assured that you will receive the highest level of service, with the attention you are sure to get at a local mechanic.
- On-Going Training: Our mechanics are at the top of their game. They are kept up to date on the latest tools and techniques thanks to Repco training seminars and service bulletins.
- Great Value: We care about our community and strive to bring you the best service at the best price.
Auto electrical services available at Maitland Auto Electrical
- ABS Brake Service
- Alternator Replacement
- Battery Cleaning
- Battery Check
- Battery Replacement
- Belt and Hose Check
- Headlight Replacement
- Power Steering Service
- Spark Plug Check
- Spark Plug Replacement
- Starter Replacement
An auto electrical system is much more than the radio and the headlights. There are pistons, combustion chambers and fluid wires which come together to make this system work. To help you better understand the auto electrical system here is a short glossary of some important components.
- Alternator: Changes the current which comes from the battery into a usable current for the vehicle electrical system.
- Battery: Main power source for the car. This part interacts with the alternator and ignition to get the car or truck started.
- Timing Valves: The battery controls the power to the valves which control the optimal functioning of the engine.
- Combustion Cylinders: Connect the spark plugs and the fuel injections system. The alternator brings a charge to the combustion cylinders where the fuel is atomised and the spark plugs fire to ignite the engine.
For auto electrical checks, service or repairs, bring your vehicle to the team at Maitland Auto Electrical!
Our Auto Electrical Faq's may help you decide if you need an auto electrician...
What parts of the auto electrical system require maintenance?
- Battery - The battery provides the power required to start the engine
- Alternator - Maintains the charge level in the battery while the car is moving
- Starter motor - uses power from the battery to start the engine
- Solenoid -administers power from the battery to the starter motor
- Voltage Regulator - Ensure the correct voltage level in the system
- Fuse Panel - Provides protection for electrical components in the car
- Connectors and Wires - connect the electrical system and close circuits
What are the most common problems auto electrical systems can have?
- Alternator belt - the alternator recharges your battery by harnessing the power generated by the engine by means of a belt and transferring it to the battery. If the belt breaks, loses tension or comes loose the alternator will no longer be able to maintain the charge in the battery
- Broken or loose wiring - Electrical current requires a closed circuit to be conducted and the wiring system of your car connects the various electrical systems and provides the circuit. If an important wire comes loose, breaks, wears out or melts you could have a problem using your electrical components or even starting your car. This can be a difficult problem to diagnose
- A flat battery - Flat batteries are a common problem and may not be cause for alarm. Accidentally leaving lights or other electrical items on without the engine running is often the cause. Once you have the car going the alternator should once again maintain a good charge. However, if, after driving around or running the engine for a while, the battery goes flat again it means you have a problem elsewhere. The battery itself may need replacing, the alternator could be faulty, the voltage regulator has a problem or even a combination of these
- Normal wear and tear - all of your cars parts are susceptible to wear and tear in some form or another. The cars battery, solenoid and voltage regulator are a couple of auto electrical parts known to cause problems due to normal wear and tear
- Blown fuses - Fuses in your car are a safety feature designed to protect your electrical components from serious damage from surges and overloads. Provided you are fortunate, a blown fuse will be your only problem when an electrical component of your car is not working. While this can happen occasionally, if it happens too often you should get your cars auto electrical system checked by a qualified professional as there is likely something causing a problem
- Car will not start despite having a good battery - The solenoid may not be working correctly and is not allowing a sufficient charge to start the car. The solenoid is a coil of wire around two magnets that administers higher voltage than normal from the battery to the starter motor
What are the signs an auto electrical system may need a service?
- An odd growling or whining noise may indicate a problem with your alternator belt
- Dimming or flickering headlights could mean your voltage regulator is having problems
- Electrical items such as car stereo, lights, air conditioner and so on are just not working could be as simple as a blown fuse, though they may represent a deeper problem
- Hearing a loud clicking noise when turning the ignition key may be linked to a problem with your starter motor
- If there is no sound at all when you turn the key (the car doesn't start) - your solenoid could be at fault, particularly if the battery is known to be working correctly
- Smelling burning rubber or hot wires could well be a problem with your alternator. Catching this problem early may prevent costly diagnosis of problems later and may even help prevent a fire in the electrical system.
