Is Your Car Alternator Starting To Fail?
What Is An Alternator?
The alternator in your car generates the electrical power in your vehicle while the engine is running. While the engine runs, the alternator charges your battery and supplies the car with electric power for all other electrical systems.
Essentially, the battery’s job is to start the car and the alternator’s job is to keep it running.
If your alternator fails, your car may still survive for a short while on your battery. An alternator can last quite a long time without needing repairs for around 10-15 years.
Signs The Alternator Is Failing
There are a couple different ways to diagnose a failing alternator and determine if it is time to replace it so your car works properly.
Your battery and alternator work in conjunction with each other to get your car working. It’s important to know what to look for to keep your car in great shape and keep you on the road. Trust AAMCO Minnesota to properly diagnosis any problems you may be having with your car and schedule an appointment with us today.
The Battery Light Is On
It’s normal to see your battery warning light on the dash light up when you first start the car. You should worry when that light doesn’t go off after the engine is running. Most people would jump to the conclusion that they have a dead battery but it could be something else.
This is an indication that something is wrong with your charging system and your car alternator may not be working properly. If your alternator stops working, eventually your car battery will die without proper charging.
Don’t assume that your car battery is dying right away. Take your car in for a proper battery diagnostic at AAMCO Minnesota and our team of experts can help get your car back into tip top condition.
Your Car Is Making An Odd Noise
Another signal of a bad alternator could be your car is making some odd noises lately. You may hear a squealing, rattling, whining or grinding noise when you start the engine. Don’t turn up the music louder to try and drown out the noise.
This could be caused by a faulty alternator serpentine belt or the bearings may have failed.
If you find your car is making any odd noises, don’t hesitate to bring it to trained professionals to get it properly diagnosed.
Your Headlights Are Dim
A common symptom of a car alternator that needs replacing is dimming headlights. You may find your headlights are dimming, pulsing or flickering lately when your car is running.
A failing alternator isn’t able to power your headlights effectively and can lead to issues keeping your headlights illuminated at night.
Don’t wait until the authorities stop you for your faulty headlight issues. Be sure to address any issues in your vehicle that are occurring and have the right experts there to assist you.
At AAMCO Minnesota, each member of our expert team is equipped to efficiently and quickly diagnose any issues in your vehicle. Be sure to schedule an appointment today.
Odd Smells Escaping From Your Vehicle
If you detect any odd smells emitting from your car such as burning rubber or electrical burning. This is a warning sign of an alternator and electrical problem.
Your alternator has a series of belts working to power your car and if the belts aren’t moving together as intended, they can generate too much friction and overheat the belts. That can be why you’re smelling something resembling burning rubber.
If a belt in your alternator is slipping and needs tightening, you may smell something akin to an electrical fire. If you attempt to tighten the belt and still smell this, we highly recommend visiting a trusted mechanic to properly address the issue.
Car Has Difficulty Starting or Is Stalling
Your car alternator provides electricity to the spark plugs which in turn ignite the gas in your engine to start the car. A bad alternator wouldn’t be able to provide enough power to the spark plugs to start the engine.
Some people automatically assume this to be a car battery issue, but if you find that the car continues doing this after a jump or even after replacing the battery, it could be your car alternator.
Don’t leave it up to guesswork, employ the AAMCO Minnesota professionals to help accurately diagnose any issues you’re having with your vehicle.
Need To Service Your Car Alternator?
AAMCO Minnesota Can Help
At AAMCO Minnesota, our professional team can diagnosis any issues your vehicle is having and get you back on the road in no time.
Go one step further and get a thorough review of all the major systems in your car. Our mechanics team will make sure you are completely up to speed on regular maintenance.
Our AAMCO Multi Point Inspection includes a thorough review of many things that most other shops don’t include in their services or even overlook in their diagnoses.
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