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United Tire and Service News

Signs of a Bad or Failing Alternator

10/22/2021 4:46:00 PM | (1303) View Count | Return
If you’re like many car owners, you’ve at least heard the word “alternator” before. You know your car has one, and you know it’s essential to your vehicle’s proper function. However, you might not know exactly what it does or how to tell if a problem you’re experiencing might be due to a faulty one.
 
In short, your car’s alternator is responsible for keeping your battery charged and functional. So if yours is failing, you may eventually experience battery issues, as with your vehicle failing to start at all. However, your alternator is bound to give you a few warning signs first. Here are a few common ones to be on the lookout for.
 

1. Dead or Unreliable Batteryalternator

Car batteries last a long time, but they don’t last forever. Sometimes a dead battery is simply due for replacement or a sign that you accidentally left your headlights on. However, it can also point to an alternator with issues. One way to tell for sure is to jumpstart your car and see what happens. If it continues to run, the problem is likely your battery. But if it only runs a short while before dying, it’s a sign your alternator is the issue instead.
 

2. Issues with Vehicle Accessories

Another early sign that your alternator might be getting ready to go kaput is car accessories that just aren’t working the way they should. Think windows that seem slow to roll down, dashboard gauges that seem off, or a stereo system that seems touchier than it used to be. Newer cars feature electronic systems that prioritize vehicle features in order of importance, so you’ll likely have issues with your seat warmers or your radio before your headlights cut out on you.
 

3. Stalling Vehicle or Frequent Start Failure

Vehicles with failing alternators will eventually run or start unreliably. Has your car been stalling a lot when you’re driving? Or maybe you do go to start your vehicle only to hear a series of clicks instead of your engine roaring to life the way that it should. Engine troubles like these, especially if they’re frequent, are often signs that it’s time to have your alternator looked at, serviced, or replaced.
 

battery warning light on car dashboard4. Activated Battery Warning Light

A lit battery warning light on your dashboard could be indicative of an actual battery problem, but not always. It can also be a sign that something is wrong with some other part of your car’s electrical system, up to and including your alternator. For example, alternator issues may cause your battery light to activate once its voltage falls below a certain level. However, it can also happen if your alternator’s voltage exceeds its limit, so it’s not something to simply ignore.
 

5. Troubling Sounds

Nothing strikes fear into the heart of a car owner quite like a strange sound that starts out of nowhere. However, while some sounds are relatively harmless, others can indicate serious issues you’ll want to have checked out, so never just ignore them. For example, alternator issues can cause whining or growling noises that seem to be coming from under the hood. These sounds occur when your alternator’s pulley belt becomes misaligned or if the rotor shaft bearings are beginning to fail – both signs that you should have your alternator checked at your earliest convenience.
 

6. Troubling Smells

Strange smells are another indicator that it might be time to take your car in for service. Although any strong or disturbing odor is worth checking out, the smell of a bad alternator is similar to burning rubber or hot wires. That’s a sign that your alternator’s belt or wires may be working too hard or coming close to wearing out. Any smell that reminds you of an electrical fire is very serious and constitutes a potential safety issue, so always check it out.
 
A faulty alternator is definitely stressful for many reasons, but it’s always best to address things sooner than later. The earlier your local United Tire catches a potential issue, the better. Not only will you be doing the right thing for your own safety, but catching issues early often results in a friendlier service bill, as well. If you think you are experiencing issues with your alternator, call your closest United Tire location or schedule an appointment online. 

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At United Tire & Service, our staff is here to serve customers throughout Pennsylvania. We offer top-quality auto repair services done by expert technicians. From an oil change or brake repair to auto air conditioning repair, muffler repair, engine diagnostics, wheel alignment, car batteries, fleet repair, tire repair, suspension repair and Pennsylvania state vehicle inspections, we do it all. We also stock a wide selection of tires from all the top brands in the industry including Goodyear Tires, Dunlop Tires, Kelly Tires, and many more. Schedule an appointment with us today at one of our locations in Concordville, Downingtown, Emmaus, Feasterville, Phoenixville, Southampton, Paoli, West Chester or Willow Grove, PA. We are your number one source for top quality, affordable auto repair and tires!