Car maintenance tips for your alternator!

We’re sure you know the gist of what your car’s engine and brakes do, but would we be far off to say that you don’t know much about your car’s alternator? If you’re nodding your head yes, then keep on reading! With the help of our certified Orlando techs, we’re going to give you a basic overview of what your alternator does, the tell-tale signs it’s failing, and some car maintenance tips to keep it running as it should.

Toyota of Orlando gets technical

 

Your alternator is located on your engine. It has a long and important list of responsibilities:  powering the battery, charging the battery, charging the electrical system, and charging your car’s computers. Through its charging capabilities, your alternator keeps your car’s electrical system working and your battery functioning. Essentially, the alternator is like that precious iPhone USB that we all seem to lose, without it the whole machine wouldn’t work.

All that being said, a failing alternator is no car malfunction to be ignored. Luckily, there are some easy signs you can look out for to catch a failing alternator early on.  Check out these symptoms:

• Pulsing or dimming lights: When your alternator begins to wear, you may notice a dimming in your headlights and dashboard lights. You may notice a slowing of other electronic accessories such as power seats and windows as well. 
• Alternator warning light: The majority of cars today have warning lights to alert you of an alternator problem. These can be shaped like a battery or they might read “ALT” or “GEN”, depending on your vehicle. 
• Burning electrical smell: Your car’s alternator and belts work together closely. If a belt isn’t cycling through correctly friction will cause the belt to heat and produce a burning rubber smell. This smell indicates a slippage of the belt and alternator pulley, the reason for the poor alternator output you’re probably experiencing.  
• Squealing engine noise: There are many contributors to the electrical current of your car. If one of them becomes worn it will produce a squealing noise. Your car alternator is especially known for this when its bearings are worn.
• Weak or dead battery: When your battery goes out it can be hard to tell if the problem is really with the battery or the alternator. To determine the problem, jump your vehicle and fully charge the battery. If once fully charged you still have a hard time starting the car, then you’re most likely looking at an alternator issue. 

Easy car maintenance tips at your service

Your alternator should last you seven years or roughly 100,000 to 150,000 miles. However, if you experience any of these signs make sure to bring your car into our Orlando service center right away. The faster you correct the problem, the lower your chances are of breaking down.

To ensure your alternator sticks along for the ride our Orlando auto techs also want to give you some parting car maintenance tips on how to avoid an early replacement or repair. 

• Never jump start your car incorrectly.
• Ensure all car accessories are installed by an expert.
• Never ignore alternator fluid leaks and/or an ignited battery light.

There you have it! You’re officially an expert on your car’s alternator. If you need any more car maintenance tips or have questions swing by Toyota of Orlando. We're here to answer your questions and give you the car service you need at a price you deserve. We’re located at 3575 Vineland Rd. just off I-4. See you soon!