Alternator problems can be tricky to diagnose unless you have some experience with cars. Often, car owners assume that their battery is dead, so they try changing the battery before consulting an expert. The alternator and the battery work together, so the best way to identify the problem is by talking with an experienced mechanic.
If you suspect something might be wrong with the alternator, contact our team at Standard Auto Care right away. There are a few signs that you can watch for which might indicate the problem is the alternator.
Battery Function
It is easy to assume that the battery might be bad if you are unable to start the car. Does your car respond when you turn the key? If you attempt to start the car, and nothing happens, it could potentially be a dead battery, but it may also be an alternator problem.
The most common approach to solving the mystery is to check the battery first. It’s always a possibility that the battery was drained if headlights or other battery-dependent functions were left on. Try using jumper cables to start the car. If the car starts when it is jumped but quickly dies, it could potentially be an alternator problem. If needed, an experienced mechanic can also test your battery levels isolate the problem.
How the Batter and Alternator Work Together
For your car to run, it is essential for both the battery and the alternator to work together. The alternator gives a spark to the car engine, and it provides power for all of the electronic gadgets within the vehicle. The battery starts the car; then the alternator charges the battery and keeps doing so as you use the auxiliary functions of the car that require electrical power. If the battery is good and the alternator is bad, you will only have enough power to drive a short distance before you notice power failures. Sometimes this can also cause the car engine to stop working too.
The alternator continues to recharge the battery so that you have electricity stored within the battery when the car is turned off. This reserve is then drawn upon to start the engine the next time you turn the key over. Having this built-in charger is essential so that you never “run out of juice.”
Call an Expert Alternator Repair Mechanic
When something goes wrong with the battery or alternator, you might end up stranded on the side of the road. For this reason, it is very important to call a mechanic right away if you suspect there is a problem. It is not unusual for a car to have alternator problems at some point or another. Inevitably, alternators wear out and need to be replaced.
The best thing that you can do is work closely with an auto repair expert to know when it is time for alternator repairs. A trusted mechanic will help you stay up-to-date with regular maintenance and repairs when they are needed.
At Standard Auto Repair, we offer high-quality alternator repair services in Sacramento, CA. Call us to learn more about the many services that are available: (916) 924-8040