Last Updated on November 9, 2022 by Mansoor Abbasi

Flickering headlights aren’t only an annoyance; they may also be deadly on the road! With this helpful advice, you’ll learn what causes flickering headlights and how to fix them.

1.   Dying battery

A dead battery is one of the most prevalent reasons for headlamp flickering. The battery is required for the correct operation of your headlights. Flickering or fading headlights may be the consequence of a failed battery. In this case, you should visit your nearest Tires Plus for a free battery inspection. If your headlights are flickering because of a dead battery, it’s time to get a new one.

Typically, a car battery lasts three to five years. Short excursions, keeping your car parked for lengthy periods, driving a vehicle with various aftermarket electrical devices, or living in an extremely hot or cold region can reduce the battery’s lifespan.

It’s advised not to disregard flickering or fading headlights, regardless of whether your battery is to blame. Flickering headlights may threaten your road safety by making your vehicle less apparent to other drivers. Flickering headlights might sometimes indicate a significant issue with your vehicle’s electrical system.

2.   Failing alternation

The electrical output of your automobile is impacted when the alternator starts to fail. Because headlights rely on electricity from the vehicle’s battery, this might result in flickering, dimming, or inoperative headlights. The vehicle’s electrical system will quickly deplete the battery if the alternator cannot charge it. Whether you find yourself in this situation, get your alternator checked by a professional to see if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Keep in mind that if your car’s battery light comes on, your alternator is malfunctioning, or the battery isn’t charged correctly.

3.   Worn-out bulbs or lamps

Flickering headlights might occur if the bulbs or lamps in your headlights are outdated or broken. Fortunately, there is a straightforward cure for this. Bring your car to a Tires Plus near you, and one of our specialists will repair any burned-out or broken bulbs or lights.

4.   Loose connection or fuses

The headlights may be flickering because of a loose connection or a blown a fuse. You may notice this difficulty more prominently when driving on a rough surface, such as a gravel road. Because loose connections and blown fuses are difficult to detect, bring your car to your local Tires Plus to have your electrical system thoroughly examined.

5.   Bad Wiring

Physical damage to headlamp components might cause a headlight to start flashing. The interior of the connector may begin to melt, resulting in a weak bulb connection. The wire may start to pull out the back of the connector in rare situations, resulting in a weak connection. It’s possible that replacing the damaged components will solve the problem. Because doing so necessitates the disconnection of electrical components, a competent technician’s examination might pave the way.

6.   Faulty headlamp switch

Your car’s electrical and computer systems may not be “talking,” resulting in flickering headlights. This issue can be caused by a faulty headlight switch in rare circumstances. You might be able to fix this by installing a new headlight switch. It may also necessitate a more thorough examination of your car’s computer or electrical system, including fuses, relays, switches, battery, and alternator.

Read More: What To Do If Nest Thermostat Not Turning On? Everything You Need To Know

Why do your dashboard lights flicker when you are on the road?

One source of flashing dashboard lights is a fading battery. The battery is crucial to the electrical system of your automobile. The dash lights may flicker if the battery isn’t functioning correctly. It’s advisable to get your battery inspected and, if required, replaced at your local Firestone Complete Auto Care.

Flickering dash lights might also indicate that anything is amiss with the alternator. While driving, the alternator distributes power throughout your vehicle and recharges the battery. The battery powers the electric power steering, power windows, windshield wipers, heated seats, audio system, and more, and the headlights and dash lighting. It can impair all of your vehicle’s electronics if the alternator isn’t charging the battery correctly.

Flickering dash lights might occur when the alternator isn’t performing correctly. A trained technician at your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can identify if the alternator is the problem and tell you whether it needs to be serviced or replaced. Keep in mind that if your car battery is brand new, the alternator might be the source of your dash lights flashing. Whatever the situation may be, Firestone Complete Auto Care can assist you in determining the source of your problem. 

Remember that if your car battery is fresh, the alternator may be the source of flickering dash lights. Firestone Complete Auto Care, however, can assist in determining your problem.

When the lights on your dashboard flicker and your car don’t start

If the car won’t start and the dashboard lights are flashing, the battery most likely isn’t charged enough to start the vehicle. The failing battery will almost certainly need to be replaced in this case.

When your automobile doesn’t start, other possible reasons for flashing dash lights include:

  • Dirty or loose battery wires
  • Faulty ignition switch
  • Bad control modules
  • Bad battery owing to a failed alternator

What does it mean when your headlights and dash lights flicker?

If your headlights and dashboard lights are flickering, the alternator is most likely worn out. A worn-out alternator should usually be replaced. A trained technician may examine the alternator at Firestone Complete Auto Care to identify the best course of action.

  • Illuminated battery warning light
  • Dim or too bright lighting
  • Malfunctioning or slow-working accessories
  • Difficulty starting the car
  • Frequent stalling
  • Growling or whining noises
  • The smell of burnt rubber if the alternator has seized

Whether your car has a dead battery or a failing alternator, our professionals can inspect it and determine the source of the problem. We’ll make sure your automobile is fixed correctly, reasonably priced, and on schedule.

FAQs