An alternator is a crucial component of your car’s charging system, responsible for generating electricity to power the vehicle’s electrical systems and recharge the battery. If your alternator fails, it can cause a variety of issues, such as a dead battery, dimming lights, and a slow-cranking engine. Because the alternator controls so many systems in your car, your car just won’t run if it starts working, so you want to head to your car repair shop sooner rather than later.
Here are some signs that indicate your alternator is sending you on a trip to the car repair shop.
Dead battery
One of the many things your alternator does is charge the battery while your engine is running. A failing alternator will not be able to keep the battery charged, leading to a dead battery even after a short drive.
Dimming lights
The alternator also keeps the electrical systems in your car powered. That’s why the most recognizable sign that your alternator is about to go is that the radio stops working. Another sign of a failing alternator is that the headlights and interior lights dim while driving. That happens because a consistent amount of electricity is not flowing into these systems.
Strange noises
A failing alternator can make a whining or grinding noise, which you can hear from the front of the engine. Lots of systems make similar noises when they need repairs, so it’s best to have a mechanic check it out if you hear anything unusual coming from under the hood.
Slow-cranking engine
If the alternator is not working properly, the battery will not have enough power to start the engine, leading to a slow-cranking engine or difficulty starting. However, a bad battery can also cause this problem, so it’s smart to have them both checked out.
Car Repair Shop | Road Runner Auto Repair
If you think anything is up with your alternator, you should head to your local car repair shop right away. It could be that all you need is a new belt, but you could also need to replace your alternator. No matter what the solution is, you can trust the mechanics at Road Runner Auto Repair to take care of it.