Here's Why You Have a Blown Fuse in Your Car
Blown fuses are some of the most common vehicle electrical problems you may encounter down the line. Generally, fuses are designed to protect the electrical circuits in your vehicle from damage that may result from issues like short circuits. When your vehicle's fuse blows, you will notice some difficulties with your electrical components like power windows, lights and the radio. Knowing the culprit behind your car's blown or blowing fuse will help you prepare for the right repairs. With that in mind, here are some of the top reasons behind your vehicle's blown fuse.
Using The Wrong Fuse
If you've recently replaced your fuse, you may have used the wrong one. Usually, automotive fuses differ in material and amperage. Choosing the incorrect amperage can result in a continually blowing fuse. Therefore, you should always be careful when buying a replacement fuse for your car. You can find the recommended fuse amperage for your vehicle in your owner's manual. However, remember that it's always best to leave such fixes to automotive professionals. Cars also tend to have more than one fuse connected to different circuits. Therefore, knowing the electrical components connected to each circuit is crucial. For instance, you may have replaced your radio with a model that draws too much power, resulting in a continuously blowing fuse. If that's the case, you will need to upgrade your fuse with one that has the correct amperage rating.
Short-Circuiting
Short-circuiting is another common cause of a blown fuse in your car. Short-circuiting, often referred to as a short, is generally a poor connection between electricity supplying conductors that overloads the circuits. Several issues can cause a short in your vehicle's electrical system. Some of the common causes include frayed wire insulation, malfunctioning electrical devices, and moisture contamination.
Frayed or damaged insulation exposes the electrical wires to the metal chassis, which, upon contact, can cause a short, making your fuse blow. On the other hand, internal damages to electrical devices and components may make them draw too much power causing an overload in the circuit. Moisture is often a problem when in contact with electrical components. Generally, water in your vehicle electrics like conductors can short as current passes through the leak to the ground.
Replacing your blown fuse seems like a quick fix to the problem. However, this will only end up being expensive because the fuse will keep blowing. Therefore, find the cause and fix it instead. Contact an auto electrical repair professional to learn more.