With so many accessories on today’s newer vehicles drawing on battery power, the alternator is a key component in your car's electrical system. It turns the energy from the crankshaft into useful electricity to power your vehicle's electrical systems, such as computers and sensors, lights, and GPS systems. It also works to recharge the battery, which then provides voltage to the electrical components, including the starter.
But like many parts on our vehicles, the alternator will eventually wear out and fail. When it starts to fail, a lot of other things will stop working too, such as the battery and starter. It creates a domino effect of electrical problems that can ultimately result in a breakdown.
So when do alternators need to be replaced? A bad alternator will ruin a good battery if you don't take care of it quickly. If the battery is relatively new with a good charge, it should survive a failing alternator. But an older battery that is constantly drained and re-charged will have a shorter life span.
If you know the signs of an alternator starting to fail, you can have it replaced before you are suddenly left stranded with a car that won’t start. Pay attention to these warning signs:
- Dash warning light titled "ALT" or "GEN".
- Dimming headlights.
- Other electrical systems start to fail (such as the power windows, power locks, dashboard lights, air conditioning, radio, GPS, etc.).
- Bearings fail in the engine creating unusual noises.
- Car stalls or has difficulty starting.
- Dead battery because it is not getting recharged.
If you are unsure if your starting problem is with the starter, the battery or the alternator, have your vehicle inspected for safety, performance, as well as peace of mind while driving down the road.
Wondering when do alternators need to be replaced? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about starters and alternators and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
With so many accessories on today’s newer vehicles drawing on battery power, the alternator is a key component in your car's electrical system. It turns the energy from the crankshaft into useful electricity to power your vehicle's electrical systems, such as computers and sensors, lights, and GPS systems. It also works to recharge the battery, which then provides voltage to the electrical components, including the starter.
But like many parts on our vehicles, the alternator will eventually wear out and fail. When it starts to fail, a lot of other things will stop working too, such as the battery and starter. It creates a domino effect of electrical problems that can ultimately result in a breakdown.
So when do alternators need to be replaced? A bad alternator will ruin a good battery if you don't take care of it quickly. If the battery is relatively new with a good charge, it should survive a failing alternator. But an older battery that is constantly drained and re-charged will have a shorter life span.
If you know the signs of an alternator starting to fail, you can have it replaced before you are suddenly left stranded with a car that won’t start. Pay attention to these warning signs:
- Dash warning light titled "ALT" or "GEN".
- Dimming headlights.
- Other electrical systems start to fail (such as the power windows, power locks, dashboard lights, air conditioning, radio, GPS, etc.).
- Bearings fail in the engine creating unusual noises.
- Car stalls or has difficulty starting.
- Dead battery because it is not getting recharged.
If you are unsure if your starting problem is with the starter, the battery or the alternator, have your vehicle inspected for safety, performance, as well as peace of mind while driving down the road.
Wondering when do alternators need to be replaced? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about starters and alternators and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
