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Volkswagen of Alamo Heights can help you identify what is making your car or truck lights flicker.
If you see your car lights flickering while driving, it’s most likely because of a battery that’s dying. In the rare case when it’s not the battery, there are other common trouble areas that are likely causing the issue. Whether it’s your battery or something else, you should get the problem diagnosed and fixed ASAP. If your car lights aren’t working properly, you might become a hazard to yourself and other drivers.
The three areas flickering car lights can occur are:
Because the battery is the easiest part to replace, this is where a technician will look first. If the battery is bad, bring it to us so we can properly diagnose the issue and get the correct OEM parts for your vehicle. While there are cases caused due to a failing battery, there are other culprits to consider.
READ MORE: Volkswagen Warning Light Symbol Guide
If your car battery is not the cause of your flickering car lights, it could be a dying light bulb or a bad fuse. Bulbs are an easy fix and present an opportunity to upgrade to new LED bulbs.
If it’s a bad fuse, you may be dealing with a larger issue as fuses are a safety feature on your car. In most cases, a fuse only dies when there is excess electricity flowing through it. For example, if your anti-lock brakes are connected to a 10amp fuse, and the fuse gets more than 10amps of electrical current, the fuse would fail. In this example, your anti-lock brakes would fail due to the blown fuse. If there’s a fuse that continues to fail, bring your car in so we can thoroughly diagnose the larger, potentially more serious issue.
Flickering dash lights can also be one of the signs that your alternator is dying. Think of it this way, you use battery power to start your vehicle, but to keep your car running, the power comes from your alternator. If you drive an older car with halogen headlights, you may see them get dimmer with a failing alternator. For newer cars with LED or HID lights, they may flicker on and off or just stop working altogether.
A failing light switch, whether it’s the headlight switch or the interior dimmer, should be checked out if you have flickering car lights. In some uncommon situations, just replacing a worn switch may solve the flickering light problem, especially in older vehicles or vehicles with excessive wear. If your vehicle doesn’t fall into either category, it could be a sign of a bigger concern with the vehicle’s electrical system.
Diagnosing these issues can feel overwhelming, so if you notice any issues with the lights flickering on your car, bring it to us immediately. Our trained technicians will diagnose the problem and give you options for fixing the flickering lights.
Volkswagen of Alamo Heights is a great place to get vehicle repair in the San Antonio 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.
What Is Making My Car or Truck Lights Flicker | Volkswagen of Alamo Heights
