What Does an Alternator Do?

Whether you’re a first-time car owner or you’ve been cruising Henrico streets for years, the inner workings of your vehicle can be baffling. If you’ve ever wondered, “what does an alternator do?” you’re not alone. To keep it simple, the alternator provides your car’s electrical system with the power it needs to operate. If you thought the battery powered your car, again, you’re not alone – the battery is only used to start it. You can regard the alternator as a gas-powered generator. Get to know your car’s alternator a little better with the Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Richmond service pros!

How to Know if Your Alternator is Failing

If recent issues during your Glen Allen commute have led you to suspect an issue with your car’s alternator, here’s how you can determine that it may in fact require service:

• The car fails to start completely
• The headlights or interior lights have lost some brightness
• Devices failing to charge
• A burning rubber smell emits from under the hood
• The battery warning light is illuminated on the dash
• The car produces a whining or screeching sound after you start it

Failing Alternator vs. Failing Battery: How to Tell Them Apart

It is all too easy to mistake a bad alternator for a bad battery. The easiest way to determine the root of the issue is to simply wait until your car cannot start without a jump. Follow through with a jump-start, being sure to disconnect the cables once it starts up. If your car proceeds to die again directly after the jump, you’re more than likely dealing with a bad alternator. The expert technicians at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Richmond would be glad to take a look – schedule a service appointment with us today!

What is the Average Lifespan of an Alternator?

Alternators usually go bad after 80,000 – 150,000 miles or about seven years on the road. With that said, certain factors may cause your alternator to go bad sooner than predicted:

• The driving conditions your car is subjected to
• Type/quality of the alternator
• Dirt and dust can get in the alternator and cause a power shortage

How Much is an Alternator Replacement?

If your alternator needs to be replaced, your next question will likely be, “how much is an alternator going to cost?” Different makes and models require different types of alternators, so the price will vary based on your vehicle. If you’d like to get a quote from Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Richmond, just give us a call at (844) 415-1110 and our service advisors will be glad to assist. Be sure to ask about our rotating parts specials, as you may be able to get an alternator at a lower price.

Alternator Service in Richmond

Searching for reliable alternator service near Goochland? Turn to the service pros at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Richmond! With any additional questions pertaining to “what does an alternator do?”, you can contact us online or check out our service tips! From information on how much an alternator is to when to replace a car battery, we are here to help you become a more confident car owner.