Why is my brake light not working?

With the long days of summer here, many car drivers may not think about their headlights and brake lights.  But, it’s important to keep an eye on them as they can burn out or stop working without noticing.  All of a sudden, you may start to wonder, “Why is my brake light not working?”  It’s still important that you have working lights (headlights, brake lights, and turn signals) so that other drivers know you are there or in which direction you plan to turn. 

So what causes lights to not work or appear extra dim?  There could be several reasons, including:

• Burned out bulbs:  If only one brake light is not working, the issue is normally a burned-out bulb.  Has it replaced as soon as possible?  If it still doesn’t work, ask your auto mechanic to inspect the wiring or fuses.
• High beam doesn’t work:  If the headlight was replaced or it isn’t burned out, there could be faulty wiring in the switch.
• Electrical System:  There may be an issue in the electrical system if the lights dim only when the engine is idling and the brightness changes with the RPM.  An auto electrical repair service can pinpoint the issue, such as a bad alternator or a loose belt.  Though, if the alternator inspects out okay, the accessories may be drawing too much power and a more powerful alternator may be needed.
• Lights are too dim:   Bulbs can lose their brightness as they age, so you may want to invest in a new set of bulbs.  Dirty lenses block the light and can be cleaned and reconditioned.  Foggy lenses are an indication that water is getting into the headlight assembly and it may want to be replaced.

The electrical system is comprised of some components including the battery, battery cables, alternator, starter, and computer system. Problems with any of these components can cause issues with the vehicle’s operation and will normally require the use of specialized diagnostic equipment to identify the cause.   

In older vehicles, the average person could replace burned out bulbs themselves.  But lights are now much harder to access in today’s vehicles.  Your auto mechanic has the right tools and diagnostic equipment to check the bulbs, fuses, switches, and relays, and then either repair or replace as needed.  

Are you wondering why is my brake light not working?  Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about auto electric repair problems and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

What are the Symptoms of a Failing Alternator?

Many drivers are not aware that the alternator is a key component in your car's electrical system.  What does it do, you ask?  Simply stated, it turns the energy from the crankshaft into useful electricity to power the vehicle's electrical systems and to help the battery recharge. When the alternator starts to fail, it can create a domino effect of electrical issues that can eventually cause a breakdown.  The issue is that it is often difficult to determine whether a failing alternator, a weak battery, or a bad car starter is the culprit.

So what are the symptoms of a failing alternator?  Here are 6 signs that are easy to notice:

1. The indicator light illuminates on the dashboard titled "ALT" or "GEN.”
2. Dim headlights generally mean the alternator is struggling to perform.
3. Other electrical systems that are powered by the alternator may start to act up, including power windows, power locks, dashboard lights, air conditioning, car radio, GPS, and etc. 
4. Sometimes Alternator failure can cause some of the bearings to fail in the engine, creating rare rattles and noises. 
5. When the alternator is failing, there might not be enough power in the spark plugs to keep the engine alive, which can cause it to stall for no reason while running.
6. The battery sometimes will be drained of its charge because the alternator is not capable of recharging it.

If your vehicle is getting hard to start, for driving safety, performance, and peace of mind, have the car starter, the battery, and the alternator checked as soon as possible.  Don’t delay until you are suddenly left stranded somewhere before taking care of starting issues.

  

Are you wondering what are the symptoms of a failing alternator?  Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about car starters, alternators, and batteries and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

What Are the Signs That Your Car Needs a Tune Up?

The use of computers has been one of the most useful advances in the automotive industry.  Because of these technological advances, your auto mechanic can run an engine diagnostics that scans the operating systems in your vehicle with a specialized computer.  This is not only compulsory when the check engine light comes on, but also as a yearly inspection that can determine if your car is in need of a tune up.  

This diagnostic computer can find issues associated with the transmission, oil tank, gas tank, exhaust system, and other components. It can also indicate ignition timing problems, level of buildup in the combustion engine, fuel injector performance, whether the ignition coils are firing, engine rpm levels, air and coolant temperature, crankshaft and camshaft position, and throttle opening. In other words, it will let you know when its time for a tune up!  

So just what are the signs that your car needs a tune up? If your car isn’t driving as well as normal, it is possibly time for a tune up. Look for these signs:

• Check engine light comes on. 
• Engine stalls when you try to accelerate.
• Decreased fuel economy.
• Brake issues.
• Shifting issues.
• Excessive vibration or shaking felt in the steering wheel.

An engine diagnostics can analyze the overall performance of your vehicle and pinpoint any possible issues as well as determine whether any adjustments may be needed.  Preventative maintenance and repairs don’t have to be based on guesswork anymore.  Instead of spending your hard-earned money on fixing things by “trial and error,” issues can be identified long before they become major problems.  

Some auto mechanics may recommend taking your car in for an engine diagnostics at least once a year to uncover minor issues that can’t be seen.  It’s also useful when you’re inspecting out a used car so you know whether or not it’s a good deal.

Are you wondering what are the signs that your car needs a tune up?  Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about engine diagnostics and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.