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A compromised alternator will quickly turn into a dead battery. Few things are as frustrating as a car that won’t start, so watch for signs of a bad alternator to monitor your car’s electrical system. Stay safe and conveniently start your engine whenever you need it with a fully restored automotive electrical system.
Watch Your Indicator Lights
Your car should be equipped with a battery warning light. Treat this light seriously if it turns on and inspect the electrical system of your vehicle. Here a few components that may be preventing your battery from charging and powering your starter:
- Alternator
- Battery
- Belt
- Alternator pulley
- Alternator brush
- Electrical wiring
Your Engine Is Stalling
A more serious sign that it’s time to replace one or more of these car parts is a stalling engine. If your alternator fails while you’re driving, then you may lose important electrical systems and your engine may stall.
Pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so. You may need to call a tow truck before you can safely drive home to diagnose and repair this serious issue.A stalling engine could be caused by lubrication issues, damaged sensors or even low fuel levels, but don’t rule out a bad alternator until you inspect and test this key component. Apart from this, getting a cold air intake kit would also make a big difference in keep your engine running smooth.
Your Lights Aren’t Working Properly
Your headlights and brake lights are important safety features in your vehicle. Even a minor electrical issue can prevent these bulbs from working correctly, causing them to flicker or not turn on at all.
The alternator powers the electrical system and light bulbs. A dying alternator means flickering and dying light bulbs. This is another serious issue that should be fixed quickly, particularly if you’re driving in low-visibility situations.
Your Car Is Making Unusual Noises
Odd noises can be important warning signs for your car. Don’t wait until a grinding noise turns into a broken component, but treat new and irregular noises seriously. While they may not necessarily point to a damaged alternator, the following noises should be treated seriously:
- Grinding
- Squealing
- Growling
- Clanking
Your Car Won’t Start
One of the most obvious signs that something’s wrong with your starting system is a failure to start your engine. This occurs when your engine won’t turn over or when you only hear clicking as you turn the key in the ignition.
Both issues can be caused by a number of components. Your alternator may be the culprit, but you could also have a bad battery, damaged wiring or a failed starter. Perform a visual inspection to learn more. A battery tester and multimeter are also helpful tools in diagnosing electrical issues.
