answersLogoWhite

0

Your car has a 12 volt system and uses a battery to maintain that 12volts. However cars us an alternator to produce power to charge your battery (at a slightly higher voltage, usually 13.8 volts). However if the engine is running slower, the alternator stops charging the battery and your system goes back to it's 12 volt battery power and therfore 1.8 volts less. All the lights dim slightly, the heater will slow down, everything that uses electricity will be effected. A weak alternator will make this worse as does a worn, slipping alternator drive belt. Should probably be checked.

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

BeauBeau
You're doing better than you think!
Chat with Beau
FranFran
I've made my fair share of mistakes, and if I can help you avoid a few, I'd sure like to try.
Chat with Fran
SteveSteve
Knowledge is a journey, you know? We'll get there.
Chat with Steve
More answers

When starting a car, the starter motor requires a lot of power from the battery, which can cause a temporary drop in voltage available to the headlights. This temporary draw on the electrical system can cause the headlights to dim momentarily.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

11mo ago
User Avatar

The headlights in a car usually dim slightly when the starter motor is used. This is because the starter generally pulls substantial current from the battery, and that causes the battery voltage to decrease.

However, they should not go too dim...

Excessiving dimming can be caused by a bad or undercharged battery, and bad starter, or bad wiring connections.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
User Avatar

As you add more load, the load current increases. This causes an increase in the internal voltage drop taking place inside the battery, due to its internal resistance. The terminal voltage will then reduce by an amount equal to that increase in internal voltage drop.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago
User Avatar

Because when a car is started the starter motor draws power from the battery at the same time as the lights, leaving less power for the lights so they dim.

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why did your headlights dim while you start your car?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Physics

When travelling at night in the opposite direction of a bicyclist you should?

dim your headlights to avoid blinding the bicyclist and increase visibility for both of you. It's important to slow down and give the bicyclist enough space as you pass. Be cautious and patient while overtaking.


You are driving at night and you see a bicyclist approaching from the opposite direction. You should?

Dim your headlights to avoid blinding the bicyclist with the bright lights. It is important to be considerate of other road users, especially vulnerable ones like bicyclists, by adjusting your lights to provide them with a safe and visible environment while on the road.


When approaching a bicyclist from the opposite direction on a roadway at night what should your do?

When approaching a bicyclist from the opposite direction on a roadway at night, dim your headlights to avoid blinding them. This will help ensure their visibility and safety.


When a motor car is started its light becomes slightly dim Why?

Before starting, if the lights are switched on, all of the current from the battery is going to the lamps, but quite a lot of electrical power is required to start the engine, particularly if the oil is thicker because it is cold. When the engine starts it drives the dynamo or alternator which sends extra current to the battery which can then send more current to the lights.


When approaching a bicyclist from the opposite direction on a roadway at night you should what?

When approaching a bicyclist from the opposite direction on a roadway at night, you should dim your headlights to avoid blinding them and allow them to see clearly. Be sure to leave enough space between your vehicle and the bicyclist to ensure their safety.