20 Amp Car Fuses: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Motorway
Understanding your car’s electrical system might not be your top priority, but knowing a few basics can save you a major headache, especially on the motorway. We’re talking about those little heroes hidden within a box under your bonnet or dashboard – car fuses. Specifically, those rated for 20 amps. These small but mighty components protect various electrical circuits in your car, and their failure could mean the difference between a smooth journey and an unexpected stop.
The Vital Role of a 20 Amp Car Fuse
A fuse is essentially a safety device. Imagine it as a gatekeeper for your car’s electrical circuits. Each circuit, responsible for powering things like your headlights, radio, or windscreen wipers, has a specific amperage it can handle. If a surge of electricity occurs, exceeding that designated amperage, the fuse will “blow,” breaking the circuit and preventing potential damage to your car’s wiring and expensive components.
A 20 amp fuse is designed to protect circuits that draw a relatively higher current. These might include your car’s:
- Fuel pump: Essential for delivering fuel to the engine.
- Cooling fan: Prevents the engine from overheating.
- Heated seats: A welcome feature on those chilly mornings.
- Cigarette lighter: Now often powering various devices, from phone chargers to dashcams.
Blown car fuse on a motorway
Recognizing a Blown 20 Amp Fuse: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Knowing how to identify a blown fuse can be incredibly useful. Some tell-tale signs that your 20 amp fuse might have given up include:
- Complete loss of function: One or more electrical components suddenly stop working.
- Intermittent issues: A component works sporadically, indicating a potential short in the circuit.
To confirm a blown fuse:
- Locate your fuse box: Consult your car manual for its exact location.
- Identify the correct fuse: The fuse box cover usually has a diagram indicating which fuse corresponds to which circuit. Look for the one labeled “20A.”
- Inspect the fuse: A blown fuse will have a broken or melted wire inside.
Replacing a Blown 20 Amp Fuse: A Quick Guide
Replacing a blown fuse is a relatively straightforward process:
- Turn off your car’s engine and remove the key from the ignition.
- Locate the blown fuse: Refer to your car manual and the fuse box diagram.
- Use the fuse puller: This tool, usually located within the fuse box, helps remove the fuse safely.
- Insert the new fuse: Make sure it’s the correct amperage (20A in this case) and push it firmly into the slot.
- Replace the fuse box cover: Secure it properly.
Important: Never replace a blown fuse with one of a higher amperage. This could lead to serious damage to your car’s electrical system, potentially causing a fire hazard.
Replacing car fuse at a motorway service station
Motorway Services and Your 20 Amp Car Fuse Needs
While motorway services are known for fuel and food stops, they can also be lifesavers when a blown fuse threatens to disrupt your journey. Most service stations have shops that stock a variety of car fuses, including the common 20 amp variety.
Pro Tip: Keep a spare set of fuses in your glove compartment. This small precaution can save you time and hassle, especially on long journeys.
Conclusion
Understanding the role of your car’s fuses, especially those as important as the 20 amp variety, can equip you to handle minor electrical issues, ensuring a smoother and safer journey. Remember, a little knowledge about your car’s inner workings can go a long way, particularly when you’re far from home on the motorway. If you encounter any doubts or complex electrical issues, always seek assistance from a qualified mechanic.
