Need to Know How Often do Alternators Need to be Replaced?

If your car is getting hard to start, or if it stops running after you have it started, you may be wondering what could be wrong. Is a weak battery the culprit, a bad alternator, or is the car starter itself going bad? Head to your auto shop and have the starter system checked out. If your mechanic rules out the car starter and the battery as the cause of your starting problems, that means that your alternator is more than likely the culprit.

While the battery is essential for starting your car, did you know that it is the alternator that keeps your car running, re-charging the battery while you are driving? The alternator also powers most of your car's electronic components, including the headlights, electric steering, power windows, windshield wipers, heated seats, dashboard instruments, and radio. Designed for repeated use, the alternator will typically last the lifetime of your vehicle.

However, in addition to general wear and tear, there are other issues that can ruin an alternator, such as:

• Using jumper cables wrong,
• Exposure to water,
• Faulty parts or frayed wires,
• Overloading the charging system with too many accessories,
• A tight belt that can damage bearings.

Just how often do alternators need to be replaced, you wonder? Unfortunately, there is no set service interval for alternators and they can die with little or no warning. There are some signs you may notice when your car’s alternator is starting to go bad:

1. The "ALT" or "GEN" light on the instrument panel illuminates.
2. The lights are dimmer than usual and may pulsate from dim to bright.
3. Other electrical systems, such as power windows, power locks, air conditioning, radio, GPS, etc., will start to act up.
4. Bearings in the engine may fail, creating unusual rattles.
5. The engine will stall as there is not enough power in the spark plugs to start the engine or to keep it running.
6. The battery will lose its charge because the alternator can’t keep it charged.

Have questions about how often do alternators need to be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at B & L Auto Service for more information about problems with car starters, car batteries, and alternators, and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop is proud to serve vehicle owners in Whitehouse, OH, and the surrounding areas.