The alternator is a crucial component to keeping your car going and possibly the most important part besides the engine itself. Its job is relatively simple, even if it is done in a complex way, but essentially what the alternator does is that it takes mechanical energy and turns it into electricity. This is then used to supply several components in your car, like the motor that recharges your battery. Without an alternator, your vehicle will start to degrade in performance and might even have issues starting. If you are suspicious of possibly having a bad alternator, get it checked out as soon as possible before more neighboring components get affected too. Taking the extra step in keeping your vehicle up to date will save you time and money when you don't have to fix one issue after another due to a chain reaction of compromised parts failing. Wrench has made it easy to get your car diagnosed by simply clicking on the button below for a free quote.
Get a free quoteBy booking with Wrench, you don't have to wait in line at an auto repair shop or wait all day for your car to be serviced. We made it possible to have our ASE-certified mechanics come to you and make your life less stressful. For more information on our expanding market and general tips on car maintenance, check out other social presence like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Signs of a Bad Alternator
Unless you have an ODB meter, knowing exactly what issue your car is dealing with can be complex, but luckily you can look out for symptoms that can help you understand better what's going on under the hood. Like most parts inside a car, the alternator works with other essential parts such as the battery, starter, and engine. Without a properly functioning alternator, you'll soon start seeing other issues arise, mainly with electronics such as lights. Here are the most common symptoms to look out for; if you suspect your alternator needs replacement, book an appointment with Wrench before it worsens.
Headlights are Inconsistent
Headlights and other electronics start acting up when an alternator needs replacement because the voltages it produces become inconsistent; whether under or overcharging equipment, the headlights will start being either dim or dim extra bright. Flickering of lights can also be common, so it is important to note how your lights act when starting the vehicle; it might need repair.
Dashboard Lights Appear
If your battery warning light appears, it can be a common misconception that the issue is with the battery, but it could possibly be the alternator at fault. The battery warning is to let the driver know that there is an issue with the vehicle's electrical system. This could be because the alternator is producing too much or too little voltage.
Weird Noises and Smells
Unfortunately, cars make all kinds of noises all the time, and pinpointing the issue, well, that can be not easy. In a situation where the alternator is being overworked, you will most likely hear or smell the driver belt due to its stress. The smell could be due to the constant pressure from the tension and being close to a scorching engine, and the belt is misaligned, which could also be the cause for the whining noise.
Stalling or Trouble Starting
The alternator's job is to charge your battery, so when a car fails to turn on, it could be a sign to replace the alternator. When stalling occurs, the main culprits most likely are the alternator, battery, spark plugs, or even starter. If your vehicle is constantly stalling while driving, it most likely will be the spark plugs that need replacement.
Booking An Appointment
By filling out a free quote below, you can easily book an appointment with us. All you have to do is fill out some information regarding your vehicle and yourself, such as your license plate number, make and model of your car, and location where you'd like to receive services on your car. When you've filled out all the necessary information and selected the appropriate services, the quote will provide you with a wide selection of times available and an estimation of the cost for our mechanic to come to you. Although we want to have your appointment scheduled as soon as possible so that you can go back to your busy life, we recognize that there are a number of considerations to consider before scheduling the appointment. Even after giving your information to our specialists, you still have time to look over your quote before finalizing your decision. Make sure to look over the time and dates to fit your schedule. We made sure our process is simple as 1,2,3; all you need to do is confirm your booking, date of choice, and a location that works best, and then you are all set!
Get a free quote
Our quotes are always entirely transparent and affordable, ensuring that your repair experience with us is as pleasant as possible. You don't know much about vehicles, and you're wondering why your car is making an unusual noise, or you're not sure what the problem is? No issue, you can reach out to our representatives by phone or by filling out our Diagnostic Input Form, ensuring your complete pleasure with our flexibility. We understand that automotive problems might disrupt your daily routine, so let us handle it for you by requesting a free quote today!