It is your car alternator, that has the job, to generate electricity to recharge the battery.
Because, a car battery, does not have the power to start and run a car on its own.
So, without a properly functioning alternator, a new car battery, might only last about 20 to 30 minutes.
As a result, the car alternator recharges the battery, while the engine is running, ensuring that your battery is good.
Keeping Accessories Powered
Nearly every part of the electrical system, is mostly powered, by the car alternator. Although, some electricity may be taken, directly from the battery.
Electrical system components include:
- Engine cooling fans.
- Fuel injection system.
- Ignition coils.
- Radio.
- Power steering.
- Power windows.
- Headlights.
- Windshield wipers.
So, if you suspect that your car alternator is not working properly, turn off all your accessories. It will help you get where you are going, until your alternator can be fixed.
Common Problems
One of the most common problems, people have with their cars, pertains to their car alternator. These devices have a life span of about 5 years at the most, before you need to replace it. So, you will know when your alternator starts to go bad. Because, the lights of your car will start dimming. There may even be a growling sound or strange smell, that comes from underneath the hood of the car.
And of course, the worst case scenario is, if this happens while you are driving. Because, it will cause your car to stall altogether. Next, your engine will not turn over at all. Finally, you will be forced to, pull over to the side of the road and call someone for roadside assistance.
Diagnosing Car Alternator Problems
People often have a tough time, diagnosing alternator problems. Because, they will assume any problems with the lights in their car, have to do with the battery. Now it is true that a weak battery, could cause similar symptoms. But, if you really want to know, just have your battery charged and see if the car starts up afterward.
You could also try replacing the battery in your car, with a new battery. If you find that you still have trouble with your car, then it is clearly, a problem with the alternator. At that point, you would need to have, the alternator replaced.
Choose Your Car Alternator Help Topic Below
Alternator Or Battery Failure – Function – Failure Symptoms With Testing
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