Learning About Your Car’s Alternator

For many people looking for auto repair in Greeley, the alternator is a common problem. It can cause many costly repairs and is frequently the bane of many Northern Colorado drivers’ existence. Numerous people come in with alternator problems, but they don’t know why the alternator is so important or what it does.

What the Alternator Does for Your Car

According to Samarins.com, your car’s alternator is a generator of electric power and a major component of the engine’s charging system. Every car with a combustible engine, with the exception of some hybrids, has an alternator. When the engine runs, the alternator charges the battery and acts as an energy supply for the vehicle’s electrical systems. When your battery runs down and you have to run your engine to charge it again, the alternator does the work. Alternators are bolted to the engine and are driven by a serpentine, or drive, belt.

You might be surprised that your alternator is usually maintenance-free. Typically, they last 10 to 15 years without needing to be repaired. When the alternator fails, the battery sometimes runs the car for a time, but eventually, the battery will run out of power and die.

The most common action car repair experts will take is to simply replace the part, a task that is actually not so simple and can be very expensive.

Typically, your car expert will test your alternator by using a charging system device, which will indicate if the charging system is weak or inoperable. Maintenance experts can also use this to determine if one of the alternator diodes has failed.

Rebuild vs. Replacement

An auto repair expert in Greeley can also rebuild your alternator, instead of replacing it, for much less. Usually, your auto repair shop will need to send the failed alternator to a specialized alternator/starter rebuilding shop.

Many times, if you see a battery warning light or a dashboard light that says GEN or ALT, the problem could be the alternator. An alternator replacement or rebuild will be your options. Car experts can also rebuild an alternator at home, but it is difficult to do on your own and can take longer than replacing it. However, alternator rebuild kits are usually available for less than replacing the alternator or going to a rebuild shop. Please remember that it’s not advisable to do a DIY repair if you don’t have the experience necessary just to save money when the function and safety of your car are at stake.

Alternator or Battery?

It can be difficult at first to diagnose your vehicle’s electrical issues without taking your car to the shop. Obviously, the difference between replacing a battery and replacing an alternator is hundreds of dollars, but there are a number of signs that could point toward whether it’s your alternator or battery. Some indications of a failing alternator could include service engine lights as we mentioned earlier, a stalling engine, strange noises, and more. Check out this article for more about diagnosing a bad alternator.

How to Maintain Your Car’s Alternator

Keeping your alternator from failing will save you hundreds of dollars in the future. Keeping it up and running properly comes down to three basic concepts: make sure you have the right drive belt, keep your engine relatively debris-free, and keep your alternator properly aligned.

One of the first things auto repair experts look at when examining your alternator and engine is the drive belt. These belts will fray and crack over time, usually between 40,000 and 70,000 miles. It’s a good idea to replace the belt at the first sign of aging or damage.

Alternators, just like engines, run best when they’re not overheated. Dust, dirt, and other debris are often the culprits of overheated engines and alternators. Always inspect your engine and alternator and clean out any debris. If you see an excessive amount of debris there, air could not be getting to your alternator.

As things get jostled around by the roadways, all that movement can tip your car’s pulleys, throwing off your engine’s alignment. The crankshaft and alternator pulleys have to be perfectly aligned to work properly without excessive wear and tear. Minor damage to the drive belt and other small factors can affect crankshaft and alternator alignment.

If you have questions about your alternator or other maintenance issues, contact Autotailor today.