Automotive Starting and Charging

Few things are as frustrating as rushing out the door in the morning on the way to begin a busy day, only to find that your vehicle is taking the day off, failing to start when you turn the ignition key. Even worse is to have your vehicle suddenly die out while waiting to take a left turn at a busy Houston TX intersection, refusing to start again. With the dependable nature of today's modern vehicles, hearing the engine roar to life at the turn of the key is something many of us take for granted. However, even the most reliable vehicle can have trouble now and again, especially if maintenance and care of the starting and charging systems is neglected.

The starting and charging systems work hard in today's vehicles, serving the needs of highly engineered electronic and computerized components that are dependent upon a reliable supply of electric power to function. Convenience items, such as electric windows, power door locks, remote car starters, alarm systems, and the many other gadgets we use daily, all require a substantial amount of electricity to perform their functions. Today's charging system components are designed to handle this increased load, but, as with any vehicle part, the wear and tear of daily use and the harsh treatment of the elements will take their toll.

The starting and charging systems work hand in hand to provide the power your vehicle needs to start and run. The starting system relies on energy stored in the battery to power the starter. When prompted by the ignition switch, the starter turns the crankshaft of the engine through several revolutions to get the combustion cycle underway. Once the engine is started, the charging system begins to function. The alternator uses the mechanical energy of the engine to produce electricity, which powers the many electrical components in the vehicle as it runs, as well as charging the battery. This, of course, gives the battery the power to get the entire process started again next time you turn the key in the ignition.

Often, a problem within the starting and charging systems can be caught early if one knows the warning signs, sparing the hassle of a vehicle that refuses to start in the grocery store parking lot or the danger of a breakdown in busy Houston TX traffic. Among the signs to watch for are dimming lights on the dash, or power windows that move more slowly than usual, often indicating that the charging system is not working as efficiently as it should. Grinding or squealing noises as you turn the key in the ignition are a sign of trouble, often indicating a worn starter. Intermittent hard starting or non starting can be indications of bigger problems on the way.

As with most vehicle components, regular preventative maintenance can go a long ways towards avoiding those unexpected problems. A regular inspection of the components by a qualified technician can find potential problems before they find you, leaving you stranded at the grocery store with a trunk full of perishables on a sweltering Houston summer day.