What is the purpose of fuses in a car's electrical system?

Fuses serve a critical role in a car's electrical system by acting as safety devices that protect the system from overload and damage. When a current exceeds the designed safe level, the fuse "blows," breaking the circuit. This interruption prevents excessive current from damaging wiring, components, or other sensitive parts of the electrical system, effectively safeguarding the vehicle's functionality.

Moreover, while other options mention boosting signals, preventing short circuits, or storing energy, these functions are not the primary purpose of a fuse. Fuses do help mitigate the effects of short circuits indirectly by breaking the circuit before damage can occur, but their main function centers on protecting the electrical system by ensuring that the circuit is interrupted in case of an overload. This is what makes the correct answer particularly relevant and essential for understanding the overall safety mechanisms in automotive electrical systems.