Car Analogy

The flickering is caused by the dc voltage pulsing. Its 12v, then its zero volts, then its 12v, then zero... Over and over.

This effect really hammers on integrated circuit chips. The comluter chips throughout the car. In the ecu, in the stereo, in all sorts of places.

This sort of damage to ic chips has been studied to be cumulative. Little bits of damage that over time add up. Kinda like a series of concussions that many sports inflict on players brains. In this case, what doesn't kill you makes you more likely to die prematurely.

So bottom line, fix this sooner than later. Its not doing your cars electronics any good.