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Gene Messer Volkswagen can show you what what it means when your car or truck lights are flickering.
If you observe your vehicle lights flickering while driving, it’s likely due to a battery that is failing. In the rare case when it’s not the battery, there are other common trouble spots that may be responsible for the issue. No matter the cause, it’s imperative that you have the problem diagnosed and repaired ASAP. When your lights aren’t functioning correctly, you could become a hazard to yourself and other drivers.
The three places dimming lights can happen are:
Since the battery is the most convenient component to diagnose, this is where a mechanic will look first. If the battery is on its way out, bring it here so we can diagnose the issue and get the correct OEM battery for your car. While there are cases caused due to a failing battery, there are other culprits to consider.
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If the battery is not the reason for your flickering car lights, you might be looking at a bad light bulb. Light bulbs are an easy fix and present an opportunity to upgrade to new energy-efficient LED bulbs.
If your car has a blown fuse, you could be looking at a more significant problem since fuses are a safety feature on your car. A fuse fails when there is excess electrical current flowing through it. For example, if your anti-lock brakes are connected to a 10amp fuse, and the fuse receives more than 10amps of electrical current, the fuse would fail. In this situation, your anti-lock brakes could fail due to the failed fuse. If there is a fuse that continues to fail, bring your car in so we can thoroughly diagnose the bigger, potentially more serious issue.
Lights flickering on the dashboard could also be one of the signs the alternator is going bad. Think of it like this, you start your car with power from the battery, but to keep your car running, the power is supplied by the alternator. If you drive an old car with halogen lights, you may notice them gradually get dimmer with a dying alternator. On newer cars equipped with LED or HID lighting, they may flicker or just stop functioning altogether.
A dying light switch, whether it’s the headlight switch or the interior dimmer, also needs to be checked out when you have flickering lights on your vehicle. In some rare situations, just replacing a worn switch may solve the issue, especially in older vehicles or vehicles with excessive mileage. If your vehicle is newer, it could be a sign of a bigger issue with the vehicle’s electrical system.
Diagnosing these issues can be overwhelming, so if you are experiencing any issues with flickering lights on your car, bring it in immediately. Our trained technicians will do a thorough diagnosis and give you options for fixing the flickering lights.
Gene Messer Volkswagen is a great place to get vehicle repair in the Lubbock area. We gladly service all makes and models of vehicles. Visit our dealership online or in person to schedule service and repair for your car or SUV. Our knowledgeable technicians are ready to serve you.
