Does Your Car Need an Alternator Repair? 5 Common Signs

Your car’s alternator is responsible for keeping your battery charged, so if it doesn’t work properly, you may end up with a car that won’t start. Recognizing these common signs that your car needs an alternator repair can prevent you from being stranded on the side of a road with a dead battery.

5 Common Signs That Your Car Needs an Alternator Repair

Your Lights Are Too Bright or Too Dim

Since the alternator has the job of charging your battery, when it begins to fail it may provide inconsistent volts of electricity to the accessories that run off the battery. This includes your interior lights, your headlights, your radio, and any other electronic device.. If your lights are overly bright or very dim, it’s possible your alternator is not operating properly. The problem could also be your battery, but either way, you should have the issue checked out immediately.

Your Battery Is Dead

Of course, if your battery is dead, it may just mean that you need a new battery, but it could also mean that your alternator is no longer working correctly. If you know you haven’t left your lights on overnight and you’ve recently replaced your battery, it’s probably your alternator that now needs repair. If you jump start your car and it stays running, your battery was probably drained; but if it doesn’t, it’s more than likely your alternator.

Your Car Stalls While You’re Driving

The alternator provides power to your spark plugs, which then ignite the engine. If your spark plugs are not getting enough power from the alternator, your car will stall, and this can happen at any time, even if you’re in the middle of traffic. This can cause a dangerous situation, so if your car stalls for no good reason, you need to bring your car into a service center so that your alternator can be inspected and repaired if necessary.

You Hear Whining or Growling Sounds From Under Your Hood

Whenever you hear odd or new noises coming from your vehicle, you should have your car checked out by a trained technician. This is because a new sound could mean a new problem. For instance, a whining or growling sound coming from under your hood could mean the alternator belt has become misaligned or is rubbing against the pulley. It could also mean your rotor shaft bearings are starting to fail, which can also lead to additional vehicle repairs.

Your Battery Light Illuminates

Again, this sign could mean that you need a new battery or it could mean that your alternator is going bad. This is because the car only detects when the battery is not charging properly. Since this can be an indication of either a bad battery or other problems with your car’s electrical system, including the alternator, it’s important to have your car checked out as soon as possible. Either problem can be solved at a service center.

Whether your battery needs to be replaced or your alternator is the cause of your battery issues, you want to make sure your car is in good hands. Contact Crain Kia of Fayetteville to have your alternator and battery inspected by our expert technicians.

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