Tagelectrical system

Searching for electrical system info? Check out all the electrical system related articles here on the NAPA Know How blog. We’ve got Know How for all!

Posted March 10, 2020 Know How

What Is a Blower Motor Resistor?

The blower motor resistor plays an integral role in your heating and cooling system. Learn how it works and the signs that it needs to be replaced.

Off-road vehicle splashing through water and mud

Posted February 21, 2020 Know How

How to Choose the Right Off-Road Battery

Here’s how to choose the right off-road battery for your outdoor vehicle, so you won’t be left stranded miles from the nearest jump-start.

Posted February 13, 20202 Comments Know How

How to Solder Wires: Tips And Tricks For Making A Solid Connection

When it comes to working on your vehicle’s electrical system, even seasoned professionals get frustrated. Intermittent problems, under-dash harnesses that look like spaghetti, and years of patches and “get it … Continue Reading How to Solder Wires: Tips And Tricks For Making A Solid Connection

A car battery. A car battery may not seem like an important component in your engine bay, but they're complicated energy storage devices that are responsible for a crucial chemical reaction.

Posted October 2, 2019 Know How

How Does A Car Battery Work?

We usually don’t pay much attention to the car battery unless something stops working, but how does a car battery work in the first place?

Posted September 17, 20191 Comment Maintenance

The Average Car Battery Life: When Is It Time for a Change?

Car batteries provide a vehicle’s life force. We rely on them to get our cars started and keep them running, to power helpful onboard accessories and even to charge electronic devices. The average car battery life can be anywhere from three to five years, but the exact…

Posted September 10, 2019 Know How

Hybrid Battery Installation Tips

(Editor’s note: This article on hybrid battery installation tips is meant for skilled readers who are familiar with working on their own vehicles. If in doubt, please visit the experts … Continue Reading Hybrid Battery Installation Tips

A car with a third brake light. Some cars have a third brake light, while others don't. Ever wondered why? Here's everything you need to know about a third brake light.

Posted September 2, 2019 Know How

What Is A Third Brake Light For?

There are several laws governing automotive lighting, such as headlights, taillights, fog lights, and stop lamps, but what is a third brake light for?

Car batteries. Your car's battery needs maintenance, too. Here are the bare necessities you need to take care of the battery in your car.

Posted July 9, 2019 Featured

Which Tools For Battery Maintenance Do You Absolutely Need?

Most batteries in today’s vehicles fancy themselves “maintenance free,” but that’s not entirely true. This just means you won’t be concerning yourself with pulling terminals or pouring electrolyte. Actually, these batteries require attention to stay in good shape…

A car's starter. Starters rarely fail, but when they do, it's hard to ignore. Diagnosing a troublesome starter can be tough, but this helpful guide could give you a starting point.

Posted February 21, 2019 Know How

Why Do Good Starters Go Bad?

Starters are an integral part of the starting system, so why do good starters go bad? Here’s an explanation on what could go wrong in your starter.

A car's alternator. Your car's electrical system is compromised of multiple components. Here's how to tell what kind of alternator your car has.

Posted February 19, 2019 Know How

The Different Types of Alternators Explained

Alternators convert mechanical energy into electric energy, but there are different types of alternators on the market. Here’s the lowdown.