Auto Electrical Repair & Maintenance

Comprehensive Auto Electrical Repair and Maintenance Services

Have a dead battery? Misfiring starter or alternator? For all of your auto electric repair and maintenance needs, come to Fink's Car Care in Portsmouth, VA 23702. We service your vehicle with care, providing a high level of workmanship you can trust.

Alternators
An alternator is a crucial automotive component responsible for converting mechanical energy into electric energy (alternating current). It plays a pivotal role in your vehicle's engine, and any malfunction can result in your car's breakdown. If you encounter issues with your car's alternator, it is imperative to seek expert assistance.

Batteries
The battery is the powerhouse that supplies electrical energy to vital automotive systems such as the ignition system, starter motor, and lights. If you find yourself needing a jump-start to kickstart your vehicle in the morning, it may be a sign that your battery is deteriorating. Depending on the extent of damage, a failing battery can either be repaired or replaced. If you are experiencing battery-related issues, do not hesitate to contact us in Portsmouth, VA. We offer convenient battery testing and replacement services, designed to swiftly get you back on the road. From battery replacement and charging to installation, testing, and recycling, we cover it all.

Starters
The starter serves as the motor, whether electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic, responsible for initiating the operation of your internal combustion engine. Starters are vital components within your car's engine, and any malfunction can lead to your vehicle's failure to start. In the event of starter problems, it is crucial to seek professional assistance. Our team of experts is well-equipped to handle all your starter-related needs efficiently, ensuring you can resume your journey promptly. Visit Fink's Car Care today for expert starter services.

Battery FAQs

What are mistakes made when jumping a car?

Mixing up negative and positive cables is the most common mistake. When you mix up the negative and positive cable it ruins your car's alternator. Just remember black to negative and red to positive. Other common mistakes are using cheap cables that don't conduct properly, letting the cables swing and become detached, touching the clips together, and ignoring cracks in your battery or dirty battery terminals.

What should I be careful of when changing a car battery?

It may sound obvious but be sure that you do not drop the battery. Be careful not to let the tools touch both the negative and positive terminals simultaneously, as it could create a spark, cause the battery to short out, or even damage the vehicle's electrical components.

Make sure to separate the cables to the side so that they don't touch the battery until it is in place. Attach the negative cable first and then the positive cable. If have any doubts while you are trying to change your battery you should always call in an expert.

How do I replace my car battery without losing car memory?

Use a car memory saver or other secondary power source. If you don't own a car memory saver, come to Fink's Car Care and we can do this process for you. First, make sure to turn off your car before you unplug the battery. Next, plug the car memory saver into the cigarette lighter or the OBD2 connector. Remove the old battery and install the new battery and attach the connectors. Finally, unplug the memory saver from the car.

Why is my engine stalling after replacing my car battery?

If your car lost battery power completely then your car's computer system may have lost valuable information to regulate engine performance causing it to stall even after you replace the battery.

However, the car's system will quickly collect new data and engine performance should return to normal. In some case you may need to have the throttle body, or your idle air control valve cleaned out as carbon deposits can build up inside these parts, pushing them beyond the computer's ability to regulate engine performance.

Car Starting FAQs

How do I unlock my steering wheel?

Place your foot on the brake and turn the wheel in the direction in which it has a little range of motion. This should ease the tension in the steering column and allow you to turn the key. Turning the key unlocks the steering wheel. Do not try to unlock your steering wheel without a key or if the battery is dead. This should only be done by a professional auto repair technician.

How do I change my keyless entry remote battery?

1. Remove the metal blade key from the remote.
2. Use a standard (flat head) screwdriver to gently pry open the fob
3. Remove the battery. It is usually a small round lithium watch battery.
4. Insert a new battery
5. Snap the key fob back together
6. Insert the metal blade key into the fob.

What does a dead starter sound like?

Clicking noises upon turning the key are a classic sign of starter failure. However, this isn't the only clue. A dying starter might remain completely silent or offer subtle warnings through whirring or grinding sounds before finally giving up the ghost.

Why won't my car start?

The most common reason why a car will not start is a bad or dead battery. However, there are several other possibilities too. If you are having trouble getting your vehicle started, give Fink's Car Care a call at 757-485-5555. Our auto repair professionals will try to help you diagnose the issue, which could be one of these problems:

• Failing alternator
• Starter motor
• Ignition switch malfunction
• Bad spark plugs
• Cracked distributor cap
• Broken timing belt

Headlight FAQs

What are the 3 situations where headlights are required?

First, you should make sure both of your headlights are in good working order before driving your car. Headlights must be in use from sunset to sunrise.

Secondly, headlights are also necessary when you cannot see more than 400 feet in front of you. You should also use your car's headlights whenever windshield wipers are in use.

Thirdly, some studies have shown that when drivers elect to always drive with their headlights on it can reduce automobile accidents.

Do parking lights and turn signals use the same bulb?

Yes, your car uses the same bulb for the front turn signal and parking lights. Side bulbs are located on the inside of the wheel wells. All lights on your car will eventually burn out and need to be replaced.

Electrical Services

10/25/2023

Always friendly and honest - the last visit was because my car spent a day not starting (but of course started the next day when it was to be towed). I still had it taken in to check for any issues and they spent a couple of days trying to get it -not- to start and had no luck. When they called, he mentioned sometimes the battery drains enough and the car can lose memory of the key... turns it out was my husband's key that had the issue (shop had my key)! It would have been a cruddy next morning had he went to go to work and the car not started again so I'm so so thankful and appreciative that the mechanic took the time to explain what might have happened and given me the "oooooh" moment to have my husband try his key.

Mel Chicoine

Electrical Services

04/03/2023

About a week ago I took my car to Finks because I had a continuous ticking noise going on when the key wasn't in the ignition. All that ticking wasn't good for my battery life and I'm no mechanic so I took it to Finks. They called me in a couple of hours and said it was ready. I was back on the road again and so far so good. When your car acts up that "Stinks". So just take your car to "Finks".

Ann Mitchell

Electrical Services

01/25/2023

Had starter replaced. Fast & friendly service. Would use them again for any car issues I have going forward.

Holly Demby