Whether you just got your first car or you want to start saving money by taking care of your vehicle's maintenance yourself, this website is for you. Every article here is written to help everyday people understand the basics of vehicle ownership. As you read through our site, we hope you feel empowered to take simple repair projects into your own hands. For larger projects, we recommend following up with our professional resources so you can take the best possible care of your vehicle. With a little bit of time and support, you can get to know your vehicle and take excellent care of it.
Getting to Know Your Vehicle
Failed Start! Could It Mean That Your Battery Is Faulty?
Sofia Curtis
Cars have evolved immensely over the last few decades and so have the electrical systems within them. The secondary components of your car's electrical system are the headlights, the air conditioner, the charging system, the ignition system and wiring system' which need to be powered up to function properly. Your car's electrical system is composed of three main parts: the battery, the alternator and the starter, which power the secondary components. The alternator's function is to direct power from the battery to the electrical components of your vehicle. While it's easy to misdiagnose a failed starter as a faulty battery, it could easily be the other two main components. Here are four surefire signs to help tell if your alternator needs to be checked.
Dead Battery
A weak or dead battery may mean that your alternator is not functioning properly. While the alternator is tasked with replenishing the car battery, it can't go on forever. A simple diagnostic test you can carry out is checking the battery gauge on the dashboard before turning the ignition key. A strong charge indicates that the battery is functioning properly. A malfunctioning alternator will cause the electrical components of the vehicle to draw energy from the battery, causing the battery to drain faster than usual, resulting in a dead or weak battery.
Flickering Headlights
This is one of the simplest symptoms to catch and is more noticeable at night when driving. When you notice that the strength of your headlight increases and decrease with your car's speed, then it's likely that your alternator is failing. Ideally, your headlights should maintain the same brightness regardless of the speed you are moving at.
Grinding/Whining Noises
The alternator is a key part of your vehicle's charging systems. While the alternator will not need replacing soon, it contains moving parts that need maintenance. For starters, it is recommended that you change the drive belt during every oil change. If it breaks, you'll begin to hear whining and squealing sounds, leading to slow battery charge. If the internal components such as the bearings wear out, you'll begin to hear some growling sounds.
Electrical Failures
The alternator is responsible for powering the electrical components in your automobile, and when that fails, your electrical systems will also fail. Electrical failures in a car could manifest in a manner of ways, including malfunctioning windows and powers seats, the radio shutting down unexpectedly or the air conditioning failing.
While these signs indicate that your alternator might be failing, they could also be signs of other issues with your vehicle. To be sure, have your vehicle tested by a trained mechanic. Contact a company that offers auto electrical services to learn more.
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