When Your Car's Problems May Be Electrical, Not Mechanical
When your car is having problems and not driving as it should, chances are that you assume the problem is mechanical. However, in some cases it's not the parts or the systems themselves that are failing but the electrical components to which they're connected. Many parts under the hood are directed by electrical systems and when the wiring, battery, or other such electrical components go bad, this can cause those other parts to fail. Note when your car's problems may be electrical and not mechanical and be sure your mechanic checks the electrical power before starting any other repairs.
1. Steering
If your car's steering is difficult to manage and feels resistant when you turn a corner, this is probably a tyre issue more than an issue with the steering itself. When a tyre is underinflated or not balanced properly, it pulls against a turn. However, if you notice that the steering always seem very difficult to manage even when driving straight and feels as if it's somewhat locked up, this can be an electrical problem. The steering system needs electrical power to control the tyres and the car overall; when wires are worn and frayed or the battery is weak, the steering system may be getting very little power and, in turn, it may feel resistant and difficult to control.
2. Overheating
Your car might overheat for a number of reasons, including a leak in the radiator so that there isn't enough coolant; if there is an electrical problem, the coolant might not be pumping around the engine like it should be and the engine overheats. In some cases, the fan might also be acting up, and this can be an electrical problem. If the fan to the engine doesn't run continuously, it's not venting warm air away from the engine and, in turn, it's more likely to overheat. As with the steering, the wiring to the fan could be worn and need replacing.
3. Stalling, not starting
A car might fail to start or stall out after starting for a number of reasons, but one of those reasons might be the fuel pump. This pump sends fuel to the engine according to the pressure on the gas pedal and if the starter is trying to turn the engine over. If there is an electrical problem between the battery and the fuel pump, the pump may fail to work or just work intermittently. In turn, the engine isn't getting fuel to turn over or it's only getting intermittent fuel, allowing it to stall out when on the road.
If you run into any of these electrical problems, it is best to visit an auto electrician in your area.