Alternator Repair

Alternator Repair at Superior Tire & Auto

On this page, you can find all the information you need about Alternator Repair.

What is an Alternator in a Car?

The term or phrase alternator refers to a generator whose purpose is to convert mechanical energy to the car and recharge the battery system. Excluded are hybrid models. All vehicles with a standard alternator will be installed on an internal combustion engine. The alternator, roughly the size of a coconut, is usually positioned at the front of the engine and surrounded by a serpentine belt.

Components of an Alternator

The components of an alternator are geared toward providing the right type and amount of power to this vehicle. Additionally, your car’s charging system involves numerous parts, but here are some of the main components and their functionalities.

Rotor and Stator

An alternator’s rotor and stator are the components that generate energy. The rotor, a cylindrical element encircled by magnets, revolves within the stator, which houses a fixed arrangement of conductive copper wire. The movement of the magnets across the wire is what generates power.

Voltage regulator

The voltage regulator manages the power generated by the alternator. It checks the voltage output to the battery and provides electricity to the remainder of the vehicle.

Diode rectifier

The diode rectifier converts the voltage from the alternator into a form that the battery can use to recharge.

Warning signs that your car needs an alternator repair

Without a functional alternator, your automobile will not start or run for more than a few minutes. However, the usual symptoms of a faulty alternator are frequently misdiagnosed as problems with the battery or other automobile parts that exhibit similar symptoms. In other words, if you are experiencing one of the problems listed below, your alternator may not be the source of the problem. On the other hand, any of the following warning indications may indicate a problem with your vehicle’s electrical system:

Dim or Overly Bright Lights

When an alternator fails, the voltage to your electronic equipment becomes erratic. In most cases, this manifests as under or over-performing equipment, such as headlights that are either too dim or too bright. You may also notice flashing lights or lights that alternate between bright and dull.

Dead Battery

When you try to start the car unsuccessfully, a dead car battery is sometimes merely a dead battery. It has reached the end of its life after a few years of use, or you may have left the headlights on all night by accident. On the other hand, a dead battery might indicate that your alternator is faulty.

A faulty alternator will not adequately charge the battery while the engine is operating, causing the battery’s charge to decrease more quickly than usual. Jumpstarting the automobile is one approach to see if the problem is with the battery or the alternator.

Slow or Malfunctioning Accessories

When your car alternator isn’t working correctly by producing enough power for your car’s electronics, your attachments will often be sluggish or non-functional. If your windows take longer than normal to roll up or down, your seat warmers don’t heat up quickly, or your speedometer and other devices begin to malfunction, you may have an alternator problem.

Many modern cars additionally have a priority list of equipment directing the onboard computer to cut power if the alternator isn’t generating enough electricity. If your alternator fails while driving, you will lose power to your radio (or other non-essential devices) before your headlights.

Growling or Whining Noises

Cars emit various strange noises, some of which are innocuous, while others might signify major mechanical issues. When you have a faulty alternator, you will likely hear growling or groaning beneath the hood.

When the belt that rotates the alternator’s pulley is misaligned, it produces this growling or whining sound. This noise may also be heard if the bearings spin or the rotor shaft fails.

Choose Superior Tire & Auto for your Alternator Repair Service

When you contact Superior Tire & Auto, you will receive excellent customer service and efficient alternator replacement or repair service at a reasonable cost.  We can also help you with any other automotive repair services you require.  Call today to speak with our team!