The Effects of a Faulty Alternator
The alternator is an important component to your car functioning properly. Not only does it supply electrical power to your vehicle’s electrical system, it keeps your battery charged. Although your car may run for a brief time on its battery alone, without the alternator, the battery would eventually lose its charge, leaving you with a lifeless vehicle. A new alternator can last, on average, for 8 to 12 years, but replacing one can get expensive. If you feel that a faulty alternator might be the problem with your vehicle’s performance, the experts at Carworks of Longmont have the equipment and training to properly diagnose and make any necessary repairs.
How to recognize a faulty alternator?
- Indicator Light: Most vehicles have an icon that resembles a battery. This typically appears, or lights up, upon starting your car but should turn off once the car is running. If the light, or icon, stays on, this could be a sign that your alternator is having issues.
- Dimming Lights: If the alternator is becoming weak, you may notice the vehicle’s headlights, dashboard displays, or interior lights becoming weak, too. It’s common for these lights to flicker or become dim if the alternator is going bad.
- Sounds and smell: When an alternator starts to go bad, you may hear sounds coming from the motor. Such sounds are usually described as a whining or growling noise. You may also notice the smell of burning rubber.
- Weak or dead battery: The alternative supplies power to the battery. If the battery won’t stay charged, or is weak, this could be an indication that the alternator is failing.
- Difficulty starting car: A battery is often the cause of a vehicle not starting, but if the battery has been tested, or can be ruled out as the problem, then the alternator could be the root of the problem. If your vehicle won’t stay started, or tends to die, this could also indicate an issue with the alternator.
If you are experiencing any of these issues with your car, it’s probably a good time to get your alternator checked. Carworks of Longmont will perform a comprehensive diagnosis of your alternator and its components, and make any necessary repairs to get you back on the road.
