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If you’ve ever had trouble starting your car, you may have heard several parts mentioned that could need auto repair: the battery, starter, and alternator are all common components to troubleshoot. The starter helps start your car by turning over and allowing the engine to intake air, creating an electric current. Car batteries act as the conduit, while your alternator provides the energy to keep going. Next to your battery, your car’s alternator is one of the most important components in keeping it running smoothly. Without a properly working alternator, your car won’t get very far.

3 Useful Facts About Alternators

What Is an Alternator?

Alternators have also been called generators, and just like any other electrical generator, it’s a source of power. Your alternator is a part in your car ‘s electrical system and helps keep it running once it’s on. Without your alternator, your car will have trouble staying on and will likely die, just as if you have a bad battery.

What Does an Alternator Do?

Your battery helps the motor start, but the alternator provides energy to the battery to keep it running. Under the hood, the car’s engine spins the wheels, which in turn generate energy and keep the car running. 

How Do You Know If Your Alternator Is Bad?

alternatorIf your alternator is bad, your car not run for long after being started. Even if it starts and cranks without issues, a bad alternator will eventually cause the car to shut off. You will probably see a light on your dashboard indicating that you have a bad alternator. But the part may still be malfunctioning, even if there is no engine light on. It’s easy to mistake the problem for a bad battery, but in most cases, a jump-start will help charge your battery enough to keep the car running. However, if you jump-start your car and remove the cables only to have the engine shut off, the issue is probably with the alternator and not the battery.  

 

If you are worried that your alternator is bad, or if you think you have any other auto issues to address, you should call the mechanics at Car Care Clinic at Gateway Transmissions in Oak Harbor, WA. They have been in business since 1999, providing stellar auto repair for domestic and foreign cars. If you want to schedule an appointment, call (360) 679-0700 and speak to an auto repair specialist today. You can also visit their website to find out more about their repair services. 

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