Causes of Car Fuses Melting, Don't Just Change the Fuse or Modify the Car Electrical
A fuse is a tool for measuring or securing electric current so that it does not exceed the maximum limit of current that can pass so as not to cause a short circuit or short circuit of electric current. Without a fuse, the car can catch fire because there is no protection against short circuits.
Consisting of a piece of wire that connects an electrical circuit, the wire in the fuse will melt and break, or as lay people call it melt, so that the electric current is also cut off as the first safety measure when the electricity is overloaded with current.
A melted fuse is a simple problem that if left unchecked can start a fire. Excessive heat occurs because the size of the electric current in the fuse does not match the electric current that can pass. Before it triggers bigger problems, here are some causes of melted fuses:
1. Poor fuse quality
The fuse is made from a metal plate that is specially designed with a flat shape and breaks if an electric current exceeds its capacity. The outside of the fuse is wrapped in plastic insulators of various colors as protection and also to mark the size of the fuse.
Electrical components that are working will produce heat. Poor quality fuses generally have problems with the standard size of the metal plate that interrupts the electric circuit, which makes the plastic insulator unable to withstand heat, causing the fuse to melt.
2. Fuse Not Appropriate Size
It could be that you replaced the blown 5A fuse with a 10A fuse. In fact, a blown fuse indicates a problem in the vehicle's electrical system. Plus, the higher the electric current, the higher the heat produced.
When the electric current passing through the fuse exceeds the provisions, the fuse does not break because it has been replaced with a larger one. The problem is, increasing temperatures will cause the fuse housing to melt and trigger a fire.
3. Modification of the Car Electrical System
Modifications to a car's electrical system are often carried out due to the addition of new devices that require electric current. The problem is, the fuse line is not made separately from the car's default fuse. In fact, you should replace the cable along with the fuse with a larger size and according to your needs.
Make sure the wiring system is well made and uses quality materials so that it does not easily trigger a short circuit. You can consult with an official Toyota workshop service advisor regarding overhauling your car's electricity because it is related to safety and the risk that the warranty cannot be claimed.
4. Incorrect fuse installation
The fuse holder is made in such a way that it can support the fuse firmly and safely. Installation of the fuse in the holder or terminal must be very precise and must not be loose.
If it is loose, it will cause an unstable electric current, giving rise to sparks that can make the fuse hot, melt, or even catch fire. Make sure the fuse holder is in top condition to maintain its clamping strength.
Tips to prevent car fuses from melting
Check the condition of the fuses and terminals at least once a month, replace them immediately if the fuse melts or the holder is loose. Be alert to potential damage such as headlights turning on and off repeatedly or a strong smell coming from the fuse terminals.
Don't delay replacing the melted fuse with an original Toyota product. Check the cable route on the melted fuse for possible problems such as damaged cable connections. Regular service at an authorized Toyota repair shop is an easy solution to prevent the fuse from melting.
Don't hesitate to ask the official Toyota repair shop service advisor if you find potential problems with the car's electricity. Usually there will be characteristics such as the smell of smoke and others that indicate there is a problem with the car's electrical system, including the fuse.
