January 16, 2022
There's nothing like that sinking feeling when you turn the key and nothing happens in your vehicle. A lot of us are quick to blame the battery. But it may instead be your alternator that's failing.
Your battery supplies power to start your vehicle, but the alternator is what sends power when your engine is running. The good news is alternators last a fairly long time, and it's not unusual to get seven years out of one. But they can give up the ghost thanks to the harsh conditions in the engine compartment.
Alternators have bearings inside them that keep things turning smoothly. Debris, liquid, dirt and more can team up with the high temperatures your engine generates to cause those bearings to seize up. That's not good, and if that happens, you may even be able to hear the bearings grind.
Other symptoms of a dying alternator are a squealing noise in the engine compartment or your headlights may go dim and bright, dim and bright. You might even notice an electrical smell. Any of these signs warrants a trip to your service facility.
Here's something else to think about. If your alternator's bearings have seized up and the unit's shaft is not turning freely, that can destroy the belt that's attached to it. So don't be surprised if your service advisor says both parts have to be replaced.
There are different grades of alternators you can buy, but consider just how important this part is to keep your vehicle running. Your service advisor will give you options based on your driving style and vehicle. Remember, if you notice any of those symptoms that may signal a failing alternator, have it taken care of before you wind up stuck somewhere at the side of the road.
Tuffy Rockford
6574 E. Riverside
Loves Park, Illinois 61111
815.639.1239
April 21, 2024
It's bad enough when you mistakenly leave a window open in your vehicle on a rainy day and you find your carpet soaked. But what in the world is going on when your windows are closed tight, not leaking and you STILL wind up with wet carpet? The answer could be something you might not even know y... More
April 14, 2024
Today's Tuffy Rockford article focuses on severe service maintenance. Many Loves Park drivers are not aware of them and yet there are also very vocal advocates in Illinois who think that severe service schedules apply to everyone. Somewhere between a complete lack of awareness and the dire blank... More
April 7, 2024
With hotter weather and brutal heat waves becoming more common, the pressure in your vehicle's tires goes up. After all, heat causes air to expand, and the air in your tires follows the laws of physics. Overinflated tires can reduce your vehicle's traction, cause a hard, punishing ride and make ... More