As far as car and truck parts go, an alternator is one of the most important. It turns mechanical energy into electrical energy, making your car run, powering your headlights, and keeping your heater blowing warm air. It’s important to have a high-quality, functional alternator in your car or truck; without it, you won’t get very far.

A Guide to Alternators

The Difference Between a Battery & An Alternator

You might think the battery is what makes a car run. However, the alternator does the bulk of the work in this area. Your car’s battery only starts the engine, giving it an initial spark. After the car is started, the alternator takes over, continually charging the battery and keeping the car running.

How Alternators Function

An alternator has four parts: a voltage regulator, stator, rotor, and a diode. When starting your vehicle, the battery will kick the engine on. From there, the alternator belt spins the pulley on the alternator, making the rotor spin. 

The rotor is a magnet located inside the stator–a bundle of copper wires. The rotor magnet spins quickly inside the stator, creating electromagnetic electricity. That energy travels along the copper wires to the diode, which works to convert the energy from AC to DC power, the type of energy your car battery uses. The current then travels to the voltage regulator, which keeps energy levels balanced and prevents your engine, battery, and other car and truck parts from short-circuiting. Excess energy returns back into the alternator and the cycle continues until the car is turned off.

How to Know When Your Alternator Needs Attention

Unfortunately, alternators don’t last forever. The first thing you’ll probably notice is the appearance of a new symbol or light on your dashboard. It usually looks like a battery icon, but can also indicate a problem with the alternator. You might also notice your car’s electricity is running low or malfunctioning. If your heat isn’t working properly, your headlights are dim, or the dashboard lights start flickering and acting up, it’s time to get your alternator checked.

Looking for a new alternator or other parts to fix your vehicle? Check out the wide array of truck parts at George J. Hust in Cincinnati, Ohio’s Northside. They’ve been providing replacement parts for boats, trucks, agricultural equipment, and emergency vehicles for over 80 years. This family-owned and -operated company boasts a large inventory of car and truck parts and accessories at competitive prices. Visit their website or call (513) 898-9171 for more information.