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MINI of Clear Lake can help you identify what makes car lights flicker.
If you observe your lights flickering while driving, it’s probably going to be from a failing battery. If the battery is normal, 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. If your car lights aren’t functioning properly, you might become a danger to yourself and other drivers.
Dimming lights generally happen in 3 places:
Because the battery is the easiest component to replace, this is where most of us will look first. If the battery is on its way out, bring it here so we can properly diagnose the issue and get the correct parts for your car. While there are cases caused by a bad battery, there are other culprits to consider.
READ MORE: MINI Warning Symbols
If your battery is not the cause of your flickering car lights, you might be looking at a dying light bulb or a bad fuse. Bulbs are an easy and quick fix and present an opportunity to upgrade to new LED bulbs.
If your vehicle has a bad fuse, you may be looking at a bigger problem since fuses are a safety feature on your car. A fuse dies when there is too much electricity runs through it. For example, if the anti-lock brakes are connected to a 10amp fuse, and the fuse gets over 10amps of electrical current, the fuse would fail. In this example, your anti-lock brakes would fail due to the failed fuse. If you have a fuse that regularly fails, bring it in so we can accurately diagnose the larger, potentially more serious issue.
Lights flickering on the dash can also be signs the alternator is dying. Think of it like this, you start your vehicle with battery power, but the alternator supplies the power that keeps your vehicle running. If you have an old vehicle with halogen headlights, you may notice them gradually get dimmer with a dying alternator. For newer cars equipped with HID or LED lighting, they may flicker or just stop working altogether.
A bad light switch, either the interior dimmer or the headlight switch knob, also needs to be checked out when you have flickering lights on the car. In some situations, replacing a worn-out switch could solve the flickering light issue, especially in vehicles with excessive wear or older vehicles. If your car doesn’t fall into either category, it could be symptoms of a more significant concern with the car’s electrical system.
Figuring out these problems can feel overwhelming, so if you are experiencing any issues with flickering lights on your car, bring it in immediately. Our trained technicians will diagnose the problem and provide you with options for fixing the flickering dashboard lights.
MINI of Clear Lake is an ideal place to get vehicle service in the Houston 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.
