A great many drivers, probably the majority, don’t have much more than a fleeting knowledge of what goes on under the bonnet. But to many more, auto electrics remain an even deeper mystery.

As cars get more and more complex in their design and electrical layout, so it’s more important than ever to get expert help when something goes wrong, unless you’re up to speed with electronics yourself.

If you’ve bought a car from new then it may still be covered by warranty, so you can just head back to the dealer you bought it from. Otherwise you’re going to be looking for a dealer, garage or independent specialist in your area. Luckily the internet makes it easy to search.

Of course it’s not always about fault finding and repair, some auto electrical work is optional, such as fitting a new sound system, installing extra lights or setting up the electrics to supply power to a trailer or caravan.

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You should expect professionals to be skilled in the following areas:

• Air conditioning
• Tuning
• Diagnostic checks
• Car audio
• Electric windows
• Cruise controls
• Batteries and other accessories
• Hands free kits
• Starters and alternators
• Anti-lock braking systems (ABS)
• Engine management systems
• Air bags
• Alarms, immobilisers and security systems
• Satellite Navigation

Make sure you check that whoever you choose is fully insured and what sort of guarantee they offer. Many business will offer a mobile service and some will be able to recover a vehicle and provide overnight vehicle storage.