One of the more common problems that can occur on vehicles is the battery light coming on. This warning light means that something is going on with the car’s electrical system. While you may be able to drive your car when this happens you’ll need to get it checked out by a mechanic in Trenton Michigan as quickly as possible. A warning light of any kind should cause concern but chances are when the battery warning light shows up on your dashboard then it’s likely your car will stop running soon.
Here’s What to Do When the Battery Light on Your Car Comes on in Michigan
Most vehicles today are equipped with sophisticated self diagnosis systems and sensors that can track problems as they arise on the car. Although some problems will present themselves and be detected initially it may not have an impact on the car immediately. In fact, sometimes warning lights can appear on your dashboard and it can be days before you even realize there is something wrong. Sensors such as low air pressure in tires can pick up just a pound or two of missing air. Detecting this in the steering or handling of the car is almost impossible but the car’s computer can determine that the air pressure is low and warn you before your tires sustain any damage from riding under inflated.
Sensors such as low air pressure in tires can pick up just a pound or two of missing air. Detecting this in the steering or handling of the car is almost impossible but the car’s computer can determine that the air pressure is low and warn you before your tires sustain any damage from riding under inflated.
This same sensor and diagnosis system is located on your car’s electrical system. The charging system on your car send voltage back to the battery while the engine is running charging it while you’re driving. You’ll need that charge in order to turn the starter on the car during starting. Typical charging systems run at around 14 volts charge on a 12 volt battery. When the car picks up a drop in charging or if the battery is not holding the charge the battery warning light on the dashboard comes on.
Lights Versus Gauges on Your Car
Some cars will have a gauge and / or a battery warning light. The gauge will likely have the voltage delivered to the battery from the electrical system. Normal voltage for most cars is between 13 and 14 volts. Any voltage less than 12 volts will pose a problem as the battery in your car will not be charging. Alternatively, anything over 15 or 16 can cause too much voltage and burn out components. Many vehicles will have a warning light that appears alongside the gauge if there is a problem. Having a gauge can help your better determine if your car is charging or not.
Why Does the Battery Light Come On?
There are many reasons why a battery light will come on but it is always connected with the charging system on the car. Here are some of the most common problems when a battery light appears on your dashboard:
- Dead or weak battery
- Alternator not charging
- Voltage regulator not allowing charge to battery
- Slipping or broken belt
- Fuse links blown
- Bad connections or loose cables
These are just some of the reasons why a battery light may come on in your car. It’s best to get it checked by a properly certified mechanic if you see this light appear on your car’s dashboard.
What if My Car is Still Operating Good?
When the battery light first appears on your dashboard you may think it’s just a glitch. Since most cars detect the problem really early there is no other signs of failure that usually appear in the car. But chances are the car will eventually stop working because of the lost voltage and dead battery in the car. Without proper charging the car will eventually quit. As it starts to quit working you’re actually using the voltage in the battery to power the car which can also damage other components of the car.
Getting Your Car Checked
If your battery light has appeared on your dashboard then it’s important to get it checked by a certified mechanic right away. One of the recommended service repair shops in Trenton Michigan is Good Care Auto. Get your car checked out today at Good Care Auto for better performance and to keep it running right.