If you own a car, you’re probably particular about how you protect and care for your investment.

Beyond being a costly asset, you depend on your vehicle to get to work, see your loved ones, and get to any location that you need to reach. Keeping a vehicle in good shape is vital for making sure it performs well and provides years of reliable use.

But beyond keeping smudges off the body, ensuring plenty of air is in the tires, and vacuuming out the interior regularly, there are other components to keep track of. A vehicle electrical system contains numerous critical parts, and it’s important to know what they do and when they need to be repaired.

What Are the Main Parts Of The System?

A vehicle’s electrical system has a few key components you should know. Every wire and circuit go toward helping the vehicle function properly, but most all electrical units are associated with one of the following parts:

The Battery

The battery is one of the main components of any car’s electrical system. It generates the necessary current that allows the vehicle to start. This centerpiece of the electrical system can impact the entire car’s performance when it needs repairs, recharging, or replacing.

The Starter

The starter is the component that receives power from the battery, and turning the key in the ignition causes this part to spin. That spins the crankshaft, which allows airflow so that combustion can take place and the vehicle can start properly. An electrical issue with this unit can present big problems.

The Alternator

The alternator has a couple of important functions. Not only does it help your battery stay charged, but it transfers power from to all of the vehicle’s electrical systems once the engine has been started. Since it works with so many systems, this part’s function is extremely important.

How Do You Know If You Need Electrical Repair?

An electrical problem with your vehicle isn’t always as obvious as a dead battery or a lack of lights inside. Dimming headlights, delayed starting, and subpar performance from electrical systems are all direct signs that you could need electrical repair.

Sometimes something as simple as a frayed wire or burnout circuit can be the cause of the problem. But when anything from the lights to the entertainment system begins falling short in terms of how it should function, it is a direct sign that your car may need repairs.

How To Care For A Vehicle Electrical System

Keeping an electrical system in good shape requires the right kind of maintenance. Batteries should be replaced about every five years, just to be on the safe side. It’s also a good idea to conduct a simple visual inspection of this component, its connections, and all other visible wires and electrical components. Simply checking could make the difference for your electrical system.

For more information about car care, contact Berryman Products today!