Auto Electrical Service

12th Street Auto Care Center is proud to be ASE and AAA certified. That means you can trust our mechanics to inspect, repair or replace the parts of your electrical system that are giving you trouble. They know every part of your car, truck, van or SUV and have been specially trained to accurately diagnose problems regarding your vehicle. But our technicians are more than just knowledgeable — they’re also experienced, friendly and happy to help fix your auto electrical system quickly and efficiently.

Your vehicle’s electrical system connects to the battery so you can start your car, listen to music, turn on your headlights and more. Since the electrical system also controls the lights on your dashboard, your brake lights, interior lights and other important processes, you should keep a close eye on its health. If you’re not sure where to start, call 12th Street Auto Care Center, your local Sioux Falls, SD auto repair shop. Our ASE-certified mechanics are happy to provide auto electrical services. If you’d like to take a look at your car’s electrical system personally, consider the components that make up your electric system.

Your car battery is the heartbeat of your vehicle. Without it, the interior lights wouldn’t turn on when you open the door and you wouldn’t be able to start your car. Depending on usage and climate, car batteries can last up to three years. If the weather is extremely cold, the lifespan of your battery will be shortened. But if you live in a very hot environment, your battery life will also be cut short. Many batteries come with warranties so if they lose power and can’t be recharged, you get a brand new battery — no questions asked.

Your starter uses a jolt of electric power to interact with the flywheel, crankshaft and engine to start your car. It pulls power from the battery and connects it to the ignition switch, so when you turn your key in the ignition, your vehicle is able to start.

The alternator is responsible for keeping your battery charged, which also keeps your electrical system alive. Like all batteries, your car battery loses power over time. This means while your lights are on, the radio is playing and you’re using your turn signals or windshield wipers, the battery is slowly draining. The alternator recharges the battery so you don’t suddenly lose all power while you’re driving around.

You’re used to using the electricity in your home or office, so when your car’s electrical system starts failing, you can easily recognize most of the signs. But just to be sure, here are a few symptoms of a failing system you should be aware of.

• Battery warning light on dashboard
• Physical battery shows signs of corrosion
• Car doesn’t/struggles to start
• Clicking sound while attempting to start vehicle
• Headlights are dim
• Visibly frayed/worn battery cables
• Blown fuses
• Smell of burning plastic
• Dead battery (unable to use any electric accessories/processes in car)

When your vehicle starts to experience signs of a failing electrical system, call 12th Street Auto Care Center. One of our ASE-certified technicians will inspect each element of your system to accurately diagnose the source of the problem and offer a selection of repairs or replacements to get it back up and running smoothly again. Our local auto repair shop is the perfect place to get your auto electrical services performed.