HOW DOES AN ALTERNATOR WORK?
The stored power inside a vehicle’s battery is not enough to power its electronic features. The battery provides the energy needed to start your car. Once the vehicle is running, the alternator works as a generator, using the engine power to create an electric current that is sent over to the battery to keep it fully charged as you drive.
A fully-functioning alternator not only gives you the luxury of listening to your favorite music or podcast the entire time you are driving, but also provides energy for crucial functions of your vehicle, like keeping your headlights shining and your air conditioning running so you can stay cool on sunny Issaquah days.
Almost all passenger cars and light trucks contain an alternator. It can be found near the front of the engine. Alternators are crafted with an aluminum exterior and contain cooling fans that regulate the immense amount of heat generated from producing electric power. Most alternators last around 100,000 to 150,000 miles and provide the energy your vehicle needs to function smoothly. There are several signs to watch out for that may indicate a failing alternator.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY ALTERNATOR NEEDS REPAIRS?
Like any complex system, it is the sum of many parts that keeps your vehicle running without a hitch. When one part of the system is down, it can affect various parts of your vehicle. Here are five signs that your alternator probably needs repairs:
Your battery light is on.
Luckily, our vehicles have a built-in system that signal you when something is wrong. If the light shaped like a battery is on, this could indicate a failing alternator. Because the alternator generates electric power to power a vehicle’s battery, when there is not enough energy dispensed by the alternator, your vehicle will give you a signal indicating a battery issue. The light may turn on when more than one electric feature is activated. For example, you may have no issue if you are driving at night with your headlights on, but if it starts to rain and you then use your windshield wipers, the warning signal turns on. The increased energy needed to perform two tasks at once is too much for the alternator to handle, indicating that there is an issue.
Your vehicle’s electronic accessories have slowed down.
One of the most common signs of a failing alternator is dim or flickering headlights. In a similar vein, your vehicle’s windows may roll up and down more slowly than usual or your backup camera may have glitches. Of course, it is possible that there is something wrong with the accessory itself, but if you are experiencing more than one of these issues simultaneously, there is a high possibility the problem is the alternator.
Your vehicle’s serpentine belt is loose.
If you are experiencing the signs outlined above, it may be a good idea to open the hood of your vehicle and check your serpentine belt. The serpentine belt is one long, snaking, winding belt that keeps your alternator and other parts running smoothly and effectively. If this belt is loose, we strongly suggest you bring your vehicle to us.
You hear strange noises coming from your vehicle.
Negative sensory cues are a sure indicator something is wrong with your vehicle. If you are hearing grinding or whining noises, this could mean one of the parts inside the alternator is worn out or broken.
