Without an alternator, your car won’t run. But what exactly is it, and how does it work? The automotive electric repair experts at Eubanks Auto Electric in De Kalb, TX, specialize in starters and alternators. Here, they give the full rundown on how alternators work and why they’re essential for your car to stay on the road.

Alternators & Batteries: Best Friends Forever

Your alternator produces the energy all of your car’s electronics need, from the air conditioner and headlights to the radio. It sends this energy to the battery, which distributes the energy to each of the car’s components. Without one, the other becomes useless!

From Mechanical Power To Electrical Energy

When your car is running, the engine’s components are in motion. The mechanical energy of these movements is turned into electrical energy by the alternator, which can then feed that energy to the car battery. That’s why cars that haven’t been run in a long time lose their ability to start up — without the mechanical movement of the engine to create energy for the alternator, the battery will lose all of its charge and die.

It’s All Connected

Since your alternator relies on the mechanical movements of the engine to feed the battery, what appear to be electrical issues might be a problem with your serpentine belt. It links engine components so that they all run together, and since the alternator uses that engine movement to generate power, what you think is an alternator problem could actually be something else. Your mechanic will see if the issue is a broken serpentine belt or a busted alternator after all.

If you think your car might need alternator repair, De Kalb, TX’s Eubanks Auto Electric will help. Their expert technicians specialize in servicing and replacing electronic components on any vehicle — even tractor alternators and boat starters. Give them a call at (903) 667-2081 to schedule an appointment. Visit them online to learn more about their services and discover why their business is still going strong after almost 60 years.