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Bob Howard Chevrolet can show you what what it means when your car or truck lights are flickering.
If you notice your lights flickering while driving, it’s likely going to be from a battery that is failing. If your car battery checks out fine, there are other trouble spots that could be responsible for the issue. Whether it’s the battery or something else, it’s imperative that you have the problem fixed ASAP. When your lights aren’t functioning properly, you may become a hazard to other drivers.
The three places dimming car lights mostly happen are:
Because the battery is the most convenient item to diagnose, this is where most of us will look first. If you think the battery is dying, bring it here so we can diagnose the issue and get the specific parts for your car. While most cases result from a failing battery, there are other factors to consider.
READ MORE: Chevrolet Warning Light Symbol Guide
If the battery isn’t the reason for your flickering car lights, you might be dealing with a bad light bulb or a bad fuse. Bulbs are an easy and quick fix and present an opportunity to upgrade to new energy-efficient LED bulbs.
If it’s a blown fuse, you might be looking at a more significant problem as fuses are a safety feature. A fuse fails when there is too much electrical current runs through it. As an example, if the anti-lock brakes are connected to a 10amp fuse, and the fuse gets over 10amps of electrical current, the fuse will fail. In this example, this would also cause your anti-lock brakes to fail. If there is a fuse that continues to fail, bring your vehicle in and we’ll accurately diagnose the bigger, potentially more serious problem.
Lights flickering on your dash could also be signs that the alternator is dying. Think of it this way, you start your vehicle with battery power, but to keep your car running, the power is supplied by your alternator. If you own an old car with halogen lights, you may see them gradually get dimmer with a dying alternator. For new cars with LED or HID lights, they may flicker on and off or just stop functioning altogether.
A bad light switch, whether it’s the interior dimmer or the headlight switch knob, also needs to be considered if you have flickering lights on the vehicle. In some uncommon situations, replacing a worn switch may solve the issue, especially in old cars or vehicles with excessive wear. If your car is newer, it could be symptoms of a more significant concern with the vehicle’s electrical system.
Diagnosing these concerns can feel overwhelming, so if you’re experiencing any issues with the lights flickering on your car, bring it in immediately. Our technicians will thoroughly investigate the problem and give you options for fixing your flickering lights.
Bob Howard Chevrolet is an ideal place to get vehicle service in the Oklahoma City area. We happily service all vehicle makes and models. One of our factory-trained technicians will inspect your car or truck to determine if there are any needed repairs and will suggest the best resolution for you and your vehicle. Schedule your car, truck, SUV, or van service online or in person today.
