What is an alternator? Although it sounds like a villain from Marvel’s Spider-Verse, the alternator in your car is a very important electrical component. Not only does it charge the battery and help power electrical accessories while your car is running, but it also helps to maintain the correct voltage level in the car’s system. If a failing alternator is not addressed, then, like a dead battery, it can leave you stranded in your driveway or on the road.

But how can you know if your alternator is failing? Can it be stopped? Is there any preemptive effort we can make so we don’t end up stranded? Christian Brothers Automotive is here with a few tell-tale signs that can help you identify an issue and provide some proactive steps to prevent a total alternator failure, as well as what to do if your alternator does end up malfunctioning.

There are always signs that a villain is about to strike. Let’s start there!

Signs of Alternator Failure

While routine car maintenance can help you spot signs of alternator failure early on, you can also look for some warning signs of an issue on your own. Some of the most common symptoms of a bad alternator include the following:

• Dimmed or Flickering Lights – If your headlights, interior lights, dashboards, and other electrical components are dimming or flickering intermittently, this could indicate a problem with your alternator.

• Dead Battery – Your alternator helps keep your battery charged, and if it’s not doing its job, the battery will eventually run out of power. If you need to jump-start your battery often or have trouble starting your car, a faulty alternator may be to blame, especially if your battery is new.

• Burning Smell – If you suddenly notice a burning smell coming from your vehicle, it could be due to the alternator’s rubber belt or wires wearing out. Either way, there’s an issue.

• Odd Noises – Cars make a lot of noise, but any whining or growling noises coming from your car could indicate an alternator problem, most likely due to one of the pulleys that transfer power.

• Warning Lights – Many vehicles, particularly new models, have warning lights that alert you when there is an issue with the battery, alternator, or another electrical component. Have things inspected if you see any warning lights on your dash that won’t go away.

Regardless of the symptoms you've encountered with a bad alternator, it's important to have this issue addressed promptly. A car problem like this will only grow with time, which could catch up with you when it's most inconvenient.

None of those symptoms sound fun, so how can you prepare for the worst? Or better yet, how can you prevent the worst? Let’s talk about that.

How to Prevent Alternator Failure

By following these simple tips, you can help prevent costly repairs due to a villainous alternator failure and keep your car running smoothly for years to come:

• Check the Alternator Belt –The alternator belt transfers power from the engine to the alternator, so it's important to ensure it's in good condition. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or fraying, and replace them as necessary.

• Monitor Battery Voltage – A healthy battery should have 12.6 volts or higher when the engine is off. If the voltage drops below this level, the alternator may not be charging properly and needs to be replaced.

• Keep Connections Clean – Make sure all connections between the battery and alternator are clean and free of corrosion or dirt buildup, as this can prevent proper battery charging.

• Regular Maintenance – It's important to keep up with regular maintenance on your vehicle, including checking fluid levels and inspecting belts and hoses for signs of wear or damage. This will help ensure all components work properly and can reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns due to alternator failure.

A little preventive maintenance can go a long way in avoiding alternator failure. If you’re ever in doubt about what needs to be done, take your car to a local auto shop.

How Often Should I Replace My Alternator?

There is no schedule for how often you should replace or even service your alternator, but drivers must remember that alternators usually last around 150,000 miles. Like the rest of your vehicle, it's important to be inspected regularly and replace your alternator when necessary.

How to Fix a Broken Alternator

To access the alternator on your own, you must first disconnect the battery and remove the serpentine belt. Then, unbolt the alternator and remove the wiring. You may need to rebuild or replace the alternator, depending on what is wrong.

If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can take it to a mechanic for repair.

Dead Battery? Broken Alternator? Jump Start Your Car!

If your battery is dead and your alternator is causing issues, getting your car to a local auto repair shop for help is still possible. Simply jump start your car – this should give you enough power to get your car running, so you can drive it to the shop.

Schedule Your Car Repair with Christian Brothers Automotive Today

Christian Brothers Automotive is here to help with all your auto repair needs, including starter and alternator repairs. Our expert technicians have the experience and skill to diagnose the problem quickly and efficiently, so you can get back on the road in no time.

We also have hundreds of auto repair shops nationwide, so you can get the help and support you need no matter where you are. Schedule an appointment today to have your alternator or battery inspected and serviced – beginning with a courtesy vehicle inspection!

Need your car repaired? We're here to help – find your nearby CBA auto repair shop today! See for yourself why Christian Brothers Automotive, for the 4th consecutive time, is #1 in Customer Satisfaction Among Aftermarket Full-Service Maintenance and Repair Providers in the J.D. Power 2023 Aftermarket Survey Index (ASI) Study.