Top 4 reasons to use an auto electrician

Auto electricians are highly skilled technicians who love working with complex circuitry, finding and correcting faults and installing those things we have little to no chance of installing ourselves.

We call on them because we don’t want to start a fire or get a sharp 12-volt jolt while tinkering at DIY repairs.

With the growing interest in hybrid and electric vehicles, and with there being more electrical components than ever on vehicles, auto electricians are in high demand.

Sometimes, it can be tricky to know whether you need a mechanic or an auto electrician and, in fact, some mechanics can do auto electrical work, while some auto electricians can do mechanical work.

You may have to do a bit of homework to find the right person for the job.

Here are the top 4 reasons to use an auto electrician:

1. Diagnostics and wiring

If you switch the indicators on and the headlights go out, then you clearly have some weird electrical concerns going on - or perhaps a poltergeist in the car. Whatever the root of the problem, if electrical components are not doing what they are meant to do, then it’s time to book in with the auto electrician. They zap poltergeists and devour these types of issues for breakfast, and know circuits, relays and switches like the back of their hand.

2. Electrical components

It may shock you how many electrical components are on your vehicle. Here are just some items that can be found in your car and where they are located:

Engine bay: Items such as the alternator, air conditioning (A/C) system, fuel injection, starter motor and battery are all electrical components found within the engine bay.

Cabin: Inside the car, there are airbags, gauges, lights, a stereo system and possibly the hub of engine operation - the electronic engine management system (EEMS) that requires numerous sensors to detect and relay data (this might also be located in the engine bay).

Exterior: You wouldn’t think there would be much going on outside, but there is. Here, you’ll find the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the electronic automatic transmission, body sensors to detect accidents, and tyre pressure sensors.

3. Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

While the A/C system seems simple enough - push a button in the cabin and you get cold air - behind the dash there’s some fairly complex business going on. There are switches, relays, sensors, liquids, gases, pressure monitors, compressors and condensers - to name just a few components - and they are all interconnected to complete a circuit. If one section fails the whole A/C system will fail. If it should do so in summer, then there are some hot, sweaty and generally unpleasant hours of driving ahead of you.

4. Accessories

There are many electrical accessories to be found on a car. Some come standard, some come as aftermarket upgrades or accessories. There are a myriad of options here - from anti-theft systems to stereos, additional lighting to navigational equipment, parking sensors to dash cams to trackers or even disability aids. An auto electrician would be your go-to tech for these installations.

Hopefully, that has solved the conundrum of when to use an auto electrician. Don’t worry, you are not the only one to scratch the head and hope your booking with the right specialist. Just remember, if it has wires attached, then an auto electrician can help.

If ever in doubt, just ask AutoGuru to book you in with the most electrifying expert for you and they’ll get you sorted out in a flash.