Collection: Automotive / Motorcycle Fuses

What is a car fuse for?

The fuse is the most important protection component of the automotive electrical system. It voluntarily sacrifices itself in the event of a short circuit or overload to prevent damage to more expensive equipment (ECU, car radio, alternator, windshield wiper motors, etc.). Without a fuse, a simple anomaly could burn out components worth several hundred euros.

All vehicles — cars, motorcycles, trucks, scooters — have at least one centralized fuse box, sometimes two (under the hood and in the passenger compartment). Replacement is mandatory for every blown fuse.

How to tell if a fuse is blown?

Three methods to diagnose a faulty fuse:

• Visual inspection: remove the fuse from its housing and look through the transparent casing. If the metal filament inside is melted, cut in half, or blackened, the fuse is dead.
• Multimeter test: set to continuity mode (often symbolized by 🔊) and place the probes on the two contacts of the fuse. A beep or a value close to 0 ohms indicates that it is working; no reaction = blown fuse.
• Functional symptom: a specific piece of equipment suddenly stops working (car radio, power window, cigarette lighter, windshield wipers, dome light). Locate the corresponding fuse on the fuse box diagram, then test it.

Which fuse to choose for replacement?

Absolute rule: always replace with the same amperage (the value in amperes, A). This value is written on the fuse itself and indicated in the vehicle manual next to the fuse box diagram.

⚠️ Never install a fuse of higher amperage to "solve the problem." The fuse is sized for the circuit's wiring. Increasing its value removes protection: the cable itself can then melt or catch fire in the event of a short circuit.

Mini ATO fuses are color-coded for quick amperage identification:

• Violet = 3 A
• Pink = 4 A
• Orange = 5 A
• Brown = 7.5 A
• Red = 10 A
• Blue = 15 A
• Yellow = 20 A
• Transparent = 25 A
• Green = 30 A
• Turquoise Blue = 40 A

Different car fuse formats

Four main formats depending on the age and type of vehicle:

• Mini fuse (ATO / ATC) — the most common on modern cars (since approximately 1990). Compact format and standardized color code.
• Maxi fuse — larger casing, used for high-power circuits (alternator, starter, ABS). Found in the main distribution box under the hood.
• Medium blade fuse — intermediate format, on some recent cars for specific consumers.
• Glass fuse — old cylindrical format with a transparent glass body. Still present on vehicles before 1990 and some industrial equipment.

Assortment or individually?

For individuals, an assortment is much more practical: you have all common amperages (from 5A to 30A) at hand, ready to replace a faulty fuse while traveling. Ideal for keeping in the glove compartment in case of a breakdown on the road. For targeted replacement of a precise amperage (workshop maintenance, fleet management), buying individually remains more economical.