An automotive relay is a switch that controls the flow of electricity in a vehicle's electrical system. It consists of a coil and a set of contacts. When an electric current passes through the coil, it generates a magnetic field that pulls the contacts together or pushes them apart, depending on the relay's design. This process either opens or closes a circuit, enabling the activation or deactivation of various electrical components such as lights, horns, fans, and even critical systems like the fuel pump and engine control modules.

    The Importance of Automotive Relays