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Sandia MINI can help you identify what causes your car lights to flicker.
If you observe your lights flickering while driving, it’s probably due to a dying battery. In the rare case when it’s not the battery, there are other trouble areas that are likely responsible for the issue. No matter the cause, it is imperative that you have the problem diagnosed and repaired ASAP. When your lights aren’t functioning properly, you may become a danger to other drivers.
Dimming lights can occur in 3 areas:
Since the battery is the easiest part to diagnose, this is where most of us will look first. If the battery is on its way out, bring it to us so we can diagnose the problem and get the correct OEM parts for your car. While there are cases caused due to a dying battery, there are other components to consider.
READ MORE: MINI Warning Lights
If your vehicle battery isn’t the reason for your flickering car lights, you might be looking at a bad bulb or a bad fuse. Dead light bulbs are an easy and quick fix and present an opportunity to upgrade to new energy-efficient LED bulbs.
If it is a blown fuse, you might be dealing with a bigger problem as fuses are a safety feature on your car. A fuse fails when there is excess electricity flowing through it. For example, if the anti-lock brakes are connected to a 10amp fuse, and the fuse gets more than 10amps of electrical current, the fuse will fail. In this situation, your anti-lock brakes could fail due to the failed fuse. If there’s a fuse that continues to fail, bring it in and we’ll accurately diagnose the bigger, potentially more dangerous issue.
Flickering lights could also be one of the signs that the alternator is failing. Think of it like this, you use battery power to start your vehicle, but to keep your vehicle running, the power comes from the alternator. If you have an old vehicle with halogen headlights, you may see them get dimmer with a failing alternator. For new cars with HID or LED lighting, they may flicker on and off or stop working altogether.
A failing light switch, whether it’s the interior light dimmer or the headlight switch knob, also needs to be considered when you have flickering car lights. In some rare situations, replacing a worn-out switch could solve the issue, especially in vehicles with excessive wear or older cars. If your vehicle doesn’t fall into either category, there’s a chance it could be a sign of a more serious problem with the electrical system.
Understanding these issues can feel overwhelming, so if you notice any problems with flickering lights on your car, bring it to us immediately. Our technicians will do a thorough diagnosis and provide you with options for fixing your flickering dashboard lights.
Sandia MINI is an ideal place to get vehicle service in the Albuquerque 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 small sports car or crossover service online or in person today.
