What to Do When a Fuse Blows?
3 Answers
Carefully check whether the knife switch terminals are oxidized, and use a screwdriver to tighten all terminals, including the screws at both ends of the fuse strip. If the fuse still burns out, you should check whether the line connections are secure.
Last time I was on a road trip, the wipers suddenly stopped working. After checking, I found it was a blown fuse. Experience taught me not to panic: find a safe place to pull over, turn off the engine, and don’t risk driving. Open the fuse box cover—usually located in the engine bay or footwell, with the position and amperage marked in the user manual. Use insulated pliers to carefully remove the blown fuse, and compare the color code or numbers to confirm the model. Don’t randomly replace it with a larger one to avoid circuit damage. I always keep a mixed fuse kit in my car, which costs just a few bucks and handles emergencies. After replacing it, be sure to check the root cause—it could be aging wiring or an electrical overload short circuit, otherwise the risk of recurrence is high. With over a decade of driving experience, I recommend regular fuse checks, especially for older cars during maintenance, and have a technician test the circuit integrity.
As a novice, I once encountered the issue of dashboard lights going out and was initially clueless. I promptly pulled over, turned on the hazard lights, and referred to the user manual to locate the fuse box. Found under the passenger seat, I identified a blown 10A mini fuse using the diagram. I ordered a full set of spare fuses online for twenty bucks and stored them in the glove compartment, replacing the faulty one with tweezers. The key is not to rush off—always test if the lights are restored first to avoid potential short circuits. Since then, I've made it a habit to briefly inspect the fuses monthly and clean off dust to prevent poor contact. Simple maintenance can save repair costs, but safety always comes first—never replace parts while the vehicle is in motion.
