Automotive Electrical Systems: Every modern vehicle has an electrical system, some more complex than others. However, car fuses and relays are standard, with a few distinctions among makes and models. The electrical system is responsible for everything from brake lights to ignition. Understanding how the parts work can help you solve simple issues and save money.
How Do Car Fuses Work?
Automotive fuses serve a critical safety purpose, keeping electrical wires from overheating, melting insulation, and causing a fire. Fuses regulate the electrical current that flows from one wire to another, connecting different devices in the system.
The design is simple. The inside of a fuse has a wire that thickens at a cross-section and dictates how many amps of electricity the wire can carry before melting. When the amps are too much, the fuse will blow. When they blow, it stops the rest of the circuit from catching fire. Shops should have a variety to accommodate different types of vehicles, including international automobiles, which often have lower-voltage control circuits.
How Do You Remove Fuses?
When would you need to know where the car fuses are? If you have a blown fuse or need to connect something like a dashcam to the electrical system in a vehicle, you will need to access the fuse box. Follow these simple steps:
- Turn the car off and remove the keys from the ignition to be sure.
- Consult the owner’s manual to locate the fuse box.
- Once inside the box, identify the fuse you need to remove and replace.
- Carefully remove the blown fuse using a set of pliers. Some models will include a small set inside the box for convenience.
Fuses are the most demanded electrical component for cars. Most automotive electrical systems use one of four types of fuses: low-profile mini, mini, micro2, and ATO. The mini is the most common. Take a picture for reference so you remember what type you need, and install the new one in the original position. Every fuse protects a distinct device or element of the electrical system, so replacing a blown one immediately is critical.
What Are Automotive Relays?
Certain electricity-powered devices in a car require much higher currents than a fuse can regulate. This is where relays come into play. A relay is a switch with a tiny coil of wire around an iron core. When you activate a device like a starter, the relay allows the current to connect to it by moving contacts together to carry sufficient amps without melting the wires and causing a fire. Other devices that require relays include:
- Power windows and seats
- The compressor for air conditioning
- Engine cooling fans
- Car horns
- Electrically powered antenna
Sometimes headlights, taillights, and interior accessory lighting connect to the electrical fuse box. This is valuable information to know because many failures connect to the relays.
Are All Car Fuses and Relays Created Equal?
Like all automotive parts, car fuses and relays can vary in quality, size, shape, and conducting capability. Reading the owner manual ensures you select the correct one, and purchasing from a trusted vendor protects the quality. For more automotive electrical parts, check out ROGO Fastener.
