Three electrical troubles that appear in autumn

In autumn, the weather can change abruptly, which can wreak havoc on your car’s electrical equipment. Wiring and sensors should be checked before the cold season sets in.
Precipitation of all kinds, moisture, salinity, water and frost are the most insidious enemies of the car, most often imperceptibly but irreversibly affect it. In October, the weather conditions change, and if the temperature exceeds “zero” at night, the car may become difficult to start or may suddenly stall.

Actuators and electronic sensors become very vulnerable during the rainy season. Electrical faults affect other components responsible for vehicle safety. In addition, with the onset of the first cold weather of autumn, car owners are faced with fogged windows, problems with headlights, broken stoves and many other minor malfunctions. Therefore, the car should be diagnosed and prepared before the cold season.

High voltage fuse and blown fuse

In autumn, high-voltage lines require special attention, and their malfunction in high humidity threatens to interrupt the operation of the engine. If the wire is damaged or cracked, it should be replaced without waiting for a failure or short circuit. Many modern cars require special tools to access the wires and some skill to replace them.

If your car is equipped with “heavy” options for electrical equipment such as heated mirrors, seats, windshield, electric sunroof, seats, and trunk, you should also check their wiring. Frequent replacement of fuses should also be taken into consideration. This is a telltale sign that everything is not going smoothly with your wiring.

Do not forget about serviceability of controls and bulbs. If they work correctly, they can prevent more serious malfunctions in complex automotive systems. It is difficult to check it yourself, so it is recommended to use special equipment at gas stations.

Battery and alternator problem

Autumn is a time of cold nights and frost. Special attention should be paid to the battery during this time. For new batteries, it is enough to perform preventive charging, but it is recommended to replace old batteries with exhausted resources. Otherwise, one morning the car will not start.

Basic tests using load plugs or special equipment can help assess the health of the battery. For a car that spent all summer in the country and was barely used, this is almost a mandatory procedure.

A malfunction of the stove in cold weather can be a very unpleasant surprise, so you should check in advance how well the stove will work. The heater fan should sound smooth and have a steady speed. Foggy windows may indicate a malfunction of the air recirculation system in the cabin.

The wiper should also work evenly and the brush should not leave streaks on the glass. Worn brushes should be replaced. If your windshield wipers or other devices run erratically, it could also indicate a problem with your generator.