What is a Car Alternator & What Exactly Does it Do?
While the battery provides power when the engine isnt running and helps start the vehicle, an alternator does the rest. Components such as wipers, radio, and headlights receive power from the alternator instead of the battery. An alternator is a critical part of your cars charging system. Hence, its beneficial to know what it is and how it works. Today, well tell you how an alternator operates, factors causing it to go bad, and answer some other frequently asked questions. An alternator converts mechanical energy into electricity used by various car components. The electricity generation begins with the engine, as the crankshaft drive alternators in most modern vehicles. However, there might be a separate pulley running from the crankshaft to the alternator if you have an old car. An alternator generates electricity as its rotor spins. The rotor has magnets surrounding it, forming a magnetic field. The magnetic field then produces voltage stored by the stator, later reaching the voltage regulator. The regulator then diverts the power to different electrical components in your car and determines how much voltage the battery should receive. - Advertisement -  Several factors can cause your cars alternator to go bad. Some of these common reasons include the following. 1. Dust and Dirt  Dust and dirt accumulating on the alternator can trigger issues. These can instigate shorts or wear on the brushes. However, avoid using a carb cleaner or gasoline to remove dust, as it can damage the thin insulation on wire windings, adversely affecting the magnetic field. 2. Heat and Oil  Heat and oil exposure to the alternator can be damaging, and it tends to shorten the alternators life. Frequently inspect under the hood to notice any leaks and tackle them immediately. 3. Faulty Components  An alternator consists of different components, and issues with any of them can cause it to fail. Examples include worn-out wires, problems with the ECM computer system, bad fuse, and broken pullet or belt. Problems with any of these parts can affect the power transfer to your cars electrical components. Among the different functions of an alternator is battery recharging. However, a bad alternator can also drain the battery. It is because a faulty alternator fails to transfer enough power, eventually draining the battery out. Heres our article on how long car batteries typically last. Therefore, next time your battery dies, we advise you to check the alternator for any fault before replacing the battery. - Advertisement -  The alternator prices vary according to the brand, size, and amp requirements of your car. Generally, an alternator costs around $130 to $300 or more. However, also consider the mechanics charge for installing the alternator. Furthermore, if your bad alternator has drained your battery, you have to worry about replacing it. Takeaway  While the battery helps start the vehicle, it does not power all the electrical components in the car. An alternator, part of the cars charging system, is responsible for producing electricity for wipers, radio, headlight, and other components. Its made of different parts, such as rotors that spin to produce electricity and transfer it to the voltage regulator, diverting power to the rest of the car. However, dust, dirt, heat, and oil can damage the alternator, which in turn can drain your battery. A failed alternator would require a replacement, which may cost about $130 to $300, excluding the mechanics installation charge.