Do I need to see an automotive electrician to repair my car electrics?

Modern cars rely on complex electronics to add the safety and convenience features that we all demand.

The upshot of this is that cars and vans may have multiplex wiring using common area networks known as (Can-bus), these cannot be diagnosed without the correct diagnostic equipment and expertise.

For an average car owner, an electrical problem is now far more difficult to diagnose than before. Once the obvious faults of a blown bulb or fuse have been eliminated, there is very little that can be done by the owner themselves, leaving the problem in the hands of a conventional repair garage or an automotive electrician. To protect sensitive electronics many vehicle computers have to be told that the fault has been repaired before they will function correctly, this usually requires dealer level diagnostic equipment.

Local garage or specialist?

Deciding which approach to take when getting an electrical issue fixed is a balance between a swift, effective solution and avoiding unnecessary expense.

With so many to choose from, getting a garage or repair centre to try and fix the problem gives you the potential for shopping around to keep costs low, particularly if it's a simple problem and easy to sort. However, if the problem is more complex, a non-specialist may take much longer or be unable to correctly diagnose the fault. Heading straight for an electronics expert will usually result in a faster and more accurate solution which outweighs the slightly higher labour rate and gives you more of a chance to get your car back on the road as quickly as possible.