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Baron MINI can show you what makes the lights on your car or truck flicker.
If you notice your lights flickering while driving, it’s likely going to be from a battery that’s dying. In the case when it’s not the battery, there are other common trouble spots that are likely causing the issue. No matter the cause, it’s imperative that you have the problem diagnosed and repaired as quickly as possible. When your car lights aren’t functioning correctly, you could become a hazard to other drivers.
The three places flickering car lights generally happen are:
Because the battery is the most convenient component to diagnose, this is where a mechanic will look first. If you think the battery is bad, bring it to us so we can properly diagnose the problem and get the correct battery for your vehicle. While there are cases caused due to a dying battery, there are other culprits to consider.
READ MORE: MINI Warning Light Symbol Guide
If the battery isn’t the reason for your flickering car lights, you might be looking at a bad bulb or a bad fuse. Failing bulbs are an easy and quick fix and present an opportunity to upgrade to new energy-efficient LED bulbs.
If it is a bad fuse, you may be looking at a more significant problem than you had originally thought. A fuse dies when there is excess electricity flowing through it. For example, if your anti-lock brakes are connected to a 10amp fuse, and the brake system gets more than 10amps of electrical current, the fuse would fail. In this situation, your anti-lock brakes would fail due to the failed fuse. If you have a fuse that continues to fail, bring it in and we’ll thoroughly diagnose the larger, potentially more serious issue.
Flickering dashboard lights could also be signs that your alternator is dying. Consider this, you use battery power to start your vehicle, but to keep your vehicle running, the power comes from your alternator. If you have an older vehicle with halogen headlights, you may notice them get dimmer with a failing alternator. On new cars equipped with HID or LED lighting, they may flicker on and off or stop functioning altogether.
A failing light switch, either the headlight switch or the interior light dimmer, should be checked out if you have flickering lights on the car. In some rare situations, just replacing a worn-out switch may solve the flickering light issue, especially in vehicles with excessive mileage 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 concern with the vehicle’s electrical system.
Diagnosing these concerns can seem overwhelming, so if you see any problems with flickering lights on your car, bring it in immediately. Our knowledgeable technicians will do a thorough investigation and offer you options for fixing your flickering lights.
Baron MINI is an ideal place to get vehicle service in the Kansas 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 small sports car or crossover service online or in person today.
