Bob Howard Buick GMC can help you identify what causes the lights on your car or truck to flicker.
If you notice your vehicle lights dimming while driving, it’s probably going to be from a failing battery. If your battery is normal, there are other common trouble areas that are likely causing the issue. No matter the cause, you should get the problem diagnosed and fixed as quickly as possible. If your lights aren’t working correctly, you could become a danger to other drivers.
The three places dimming car lights generally occur are:
Because the battery is the easiest item to replace, this is where a mechanic will look first. If you think the battery is on its way out, bring it to us so we can properly diagnose the issue and get the correct parts for your vehicle. While most cases result from a failing battery, there are other factors to consider.
READ MORE: Buick GMC Warning Symbols
If the car battery isn’t the cause of your flickering car lights, it might be a failing bulb. Dead bulbs are an easy 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 larger problem than you had originally thought. A fuse fails when there is too much electrical current runs through it. For example, if your anti-lock brakes are installed with a 10amp fuse, and the brake system gets over 10amps of electrical current, the fuse will fail. In this example, your anti-lock brakes could fail due to the blown fuse. If you have a fuse that continues to fail, bring your car in so we can diagnose the larger, potentially more dangerous issue.
Lights flickering on your dashboard may also be signs your alternator is dying. Think of it this way, you have battery power to start your vehicle, but the alternator provides the power when running. If you own an old vehicle with halogen headlights, you may see them get dimmer with a failing alternator. For new cars equipped with HID or LED lights, they may flicker or just stop working altogether.
A failing light switch, whether it’s the interior dimmer or the headlight switch knob, should also be checked out when you have flickering lights on the car. In some uncommon situations, just replacing a worn-out switch might solve the flickering light problem, especially in older vehicles or vehicles with excessive wear. If your car is newer, it could be symptoms of a bigger problem with the vehicle’s electrical system.
Understanding these concerns can seem overwhelming, so if you experience any problems with the lights flickering on your vehicle, bring it in immediately. Our technicians will do a thorough investigation and provide you with options for fixing the flickering car lights.
Bob Howard Buick GMC 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 truck or SUV service online or in person today.
