How many miles alternator

You may not know exactly what your alternator does or how it works, but you should keep in mind how vital of a component it is within your vehicle. Consider this fact: Bad alternators are the 1 cause of dead car batteries that leave millions of motorists stranded every single year.

So, it is beneficial to have some basic knowledge of how the alternator works and what you can do to help prevent costly repairs. Like any part of your car, the alternator is not meant to last forever. Often, it can go out without much warning. But there are a few subtle signs you can watch out for that can let you know when you should have your alternator checked out.

First, it is important to cover some basics of how an alternator works. When drivers think about the electrical power of their vehicle, they often think about the car battery the most.

However, the battery produces the least amount of power for a vehicle. It is the alternator which is really in charge of powering the main electrical accessories and features of a vehicle, such as its radio, air conditioner, lights, and so on. All the battery does is produce the electrical charge needed for the ignition to take place when you start the vehicle. It is the component that keeps the car running after the battery helps start the engine.

Alternators certainly last longer than car batteries. On average, you can expect your car alternator to last between 5 and 8 years.

But it really depends on how often you drive, what model year your vehicle is, and how many miles you put on your vehicle. For most car owners, expect to get somewhere in the range of 60, to , miles on their alternator.

At this point, it could either be the alternator or battery that needs repair or replacement. Under heavy electrical load, the alternator is attempting to produce sufficient DC, and the diodes in the rectifier will be running hot. You may notice a burning smell coming from the area of the alternator. Avoid touching the alternator since the housing may be hot enough to burn your hands. A failing alternator or a discharged battery should cause the check engine light to illuminate.

If your car is equipped with a separate warning light for the charging system, it should also illuminate. Check that the serpentine belt is still in place and turning the pulley of the alternator.

Do not shut the engine off since the battery could have lost its charge and may not have sufficient power to restart the engine. Drive your vehicle to a location where it can be checked and replace the alternator.

Another sure sign there is a problem with the charging system is when your headlights do not shine as brightly as they normally do. They may also pulse from dim to bright based on changing RPM levels of your engine. All of these are signs of a dying alternator, and it is probably the time to replace your alternator. Drive your vehicle to a location where it can be repaired before it stops altogether and cannot be restarted. Most of the time, dimming lights will be either your cars alternator or some kind of electrical power problem with wires.

Modern vehicles come equipped with many standard devices that rely on the cars electrical system in your car. These include headlights , dome lights, heated seats, heated steering wheel, GPS, and more. If any or all of these stop working or work intermittently, there could be a problem with the charging system , which continues to worsen as the battery becomes discharged. Sometimes you will notice that the windshield wipers are not working correctly when you start your car.

Also, If you are having problems with your cars electrical system, most likely, you will find something wrong with the alternators.

These electrical components will consume a lot of power from the battery and eventually ends up losing its charge. Once you notice a problem with the charging system, make arrangements to have the problem diagnosed and repaired immediately.

Failing to take action could leave a driver stranded along the highway in need of a tow truck. Applying jumper cables incorrectly could also cause additional damage to the battery and electrical components in your car. The following are several common related questions many consumers have. Most alternators are relatively easy to replace in modern cars. However, before opting for replacement, the alternator should be bench tested to confirm that it is defective.

Also, examine the serpentine belt for wear and tear. Have your battery checked as well to ensure that it has not failed? Diagnosis and replacement can be accomplished in under an hour in most vehicles. Unless your mechanic needs to get the alternator tested on a different facility.