Electrical and Electronic Systems

The dashboard warning system is an effective tool that alerts you to one or more problems with your vehicle. Dashboard warning lights, or indicator lights, appear in the instrument cluster. Depending upon your vehicle, a warning may appear as either text, a symbol, or both. Generally, symbols are universal or very similar in appearance across different makes and models of vehicles. If you are unfamiliar with the symbol, you can consult your owners manual for its meaning. In many modern vehicles, dashboard warnings are color-coded. Yellow, orange, and red generally tell motorists to seek service shortly. When the text or symbol flashes, drivers should seek service immediately. Green and blue alerts also exist, and these are intended as informational pop-ups meant to inform you that something is in operation. Dashboard indicator lights exist for oil, tire pressure, lights, brakes, and more.

Headlight bulbs provide visibility for drivers and alert both pedestrians and other motorists to a vehicle’s presence. Bulbs are primarily composed of glass, a low pressure inert gas, a filament, and wires. Using the electricity provided by a vehicle’s charging system, bulbs produce a strong, steady light. A motorist can alter the bulb’s level of brightness to a low or high beam setting. Motorists tend to use low beams at night or during periods of inclement weather. In contrast, drivers generally use high beams at night when it is especially dark and other sources of lights are unavailable. When bulbs produce light at the high beam setting they can also cause glare, so drivers should be careful when using high beams around others. Some higher quality bulbs will function at optimal levels for several years. All headlight bulbs will eventually require replacement as their filaments fail from use over time.

Many modern vehicles are equipped with a wide selection of interior and exterior lights for the convenience and safety of occupants. Glove box, rear view mirror, gauge panel, and overhead console lights are usually present in a vehicle’s cabin. On the outside of vehicles are headlights, license plate lights, and turning signal or “blinker” lights. During nighttime operation, interior and exterior lights are especially important. Headlights and cabin lights can illuminate the surrounding area, reducing risk of injury from tripping or stumbling. In addition, a vehicle’s lights can alert other motorists to the vehicle’s presence. This is important during emergencies when a vehicle may be parked off the roadside. In addition to their safety functions, lights are convenient. From dome lights and fog lights to headlights and tail lights, our staff has both the know-how and the correct tools to help solve your lighting problems.

Since being introduced in 1914, power door locks have increased convenience and safety for drivers and passengers. Doors equipped with power locks may respond to multiple control methods. In many modern cars, a driver need only push a button on a vehicle’s remote key fob to lock or unlock all of its doors at once. In addition, this central locking system can often be switched on or off from buttons located in the front of the vehicle near the driver and passenger side. Vehicle locks are especially useful when multiple passengers need access to a vehicle at one time. They also provide safety, allowing drivers and passengers to quickly secure themselves inside the vehicle. For these reasons, power locks continue to serve as a standard feature in many vehicles today.

Since being introduced in 1914, power door locks have increased convenience and safety for drivers and passengers. Doors equipped with power locks may respond to multiple control methods. In many modern cars, a driver need only push a button on a vehicle’s remote key fob to lock or unlock all of its doors at once. In addition, this central locking system can often be switched on or off from buttons located in the front of the vehicle near the driver and passenger side. Vehicle locks are especially useful when multiple passengers need access to a vehicle at one time. They also provide safety, allowing drivers and passengers to quickly secure themselves inside the vehicle. For these reasons, power locks continue to serve as a standard feature in many vehicles today.

Introduced in 1940, power windows have become a common feature in many modern cars, trucks, and SUVs. Unlike older window systems which require occupants to manually turn a crank to raise or lower windows, power windows are controlled with the simple push of a button or flip of a switch. Because power windows rely on electricity to work, most are inoperable once a vehicle stops running. However, some power windows feature a time delay that allows drivers and passengers to continue operating the windows for a short amount of time after the engine stops. Because power windows are easy to trigger, most vehicles also feature a safety lock that drivers can use to prevent other passengers, such as small children, from erroneously opening or closing the windows. Overall, power windows are a convenient feature that many motorists enjoy.