The alternator is quite a simple component in your car, but it plays a very complex and crucial role. It transforms energy from the crankshaft into electrical power to charge the car’s battery and power up the many electrical systems throughout the vehicle. This guide will explain the importance of getting prompt alternator repair when something is wrong, as well as covering some of the most common signs that your alternator may be broken.
The Importance of Timely Alternator Repair
When the alternator starts to struggle, it’s absolutely vital for car owners to seek repairs as quickly as possible. If you wait too long, a range of issues can arise. Your battery might completely give out, for example, leaving your car completely unusable, or you could find yourself in a dangerous situation out on the roads if your headlights suddenly stop working. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs to easily identify alternator issues.
Warning Lights
Many modern vehicles have an array of warning lights on the dashboard which illuminate automatically when the car detects a problem with one of its components. There’s usually a light specifically designated for alternator issues, so if you see the letters ‘ALT’ (alternator) or ‘GEN’ (generator) light up, you’ll know that something is wrong.
Stalling and Struggling to Start
The alternator plays an important role in getting your car started. It provides energy to the spark plugs which help to ignite the fuel inside your engine. So, when the alternator starts to falter or fail, getting the engine fired up can be much more difficult, leading to slow starts and random stalls.
Odd Sounds
Cars can make all kinds of random sounds, and they don’t all mean that something is broken. However, if you notice some new rattles or even a kind of growling or whining sound, the alternator could be to blame.
Bad Smells
As well as sounding a little strange, your car might also start to smell slightly odd when the alternator begins to fail. Many drivers report the smell of burning rubber before their alternators break down, and this is usually caused by the rubber belt of the alternator itself overheating and burning away.
Weak Headlights
You rely on your headlights to help you see and be seen while driving in dark or difficult conditions, and your headlights rely on the alternator to provide them with the power they need. When an alternator breaks down, the lights may start to struggle, which can result in lower levels of brightness and random flickering. In the worst cases, the lights can simply stop working, which could drastically increase your odds of having an accident.
Electrical Problems
The headlights aren’t the only electrical components of your car that can start acting strangely when the alternator is on the way out. Everything from the power windows to the car radio can start to struggle. Your sunroof might get stuck, for example, or the heated seats might be much slower to heat up than normal. If any of your electrical features aren’t behaving like normal, be sure to get your alternator checked out.
Driving around with a broken alternator definitely isn’t a good idea, so make sure to seek out professional servicing and repairs if you notice any of the signs above. Contact Flood Mazda today to arrange alternator servicing or any other essential repairs your car needs.
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