Alternator

You may be wondering, "What is an alternator?" Many car owners believe that the car abattery powers electric energy to your car. However, the battery only provides power to make the starter motor crank and start the engine. The alternator of your car's engine creates the power to not only run the car, but it also generates power for other components of your car. The alternator also charges your car battery since the vehicle requires a lot of power. Without an alternator, your car's battery will quickly run out of charge.

How Do Alternators Work?
Exactly how do alternators work? Since alternators convert mechanical energy to electric energy, you need to understand how they work. The alternator of your car is mounted on the block with either a bracket or with bolts. To create the required levels of electric energy, the alternator must be rotated. A rubber belt connects the alternator to the engine crank pulley. As the engine rotates, the belt turns the rotor found in the stator. The rotor and stator are made from copper and electric steel. The rotor also has an electric current flowing through it, which induces a magnetic field.

The magnetic field results in an electric current in the stator that winds the alternator. The current, in the form of AC, needs to be changed into DC. Diodes are used to create the DC voltage.



Signs of a Bad Alternator
If the alternator of your car is bad, you will notice a reduction in your car's performance. Signs of a bad alternator include dim or flickering headlights or interior dash lights, the check engine light, a dead battery, or other electrical issues. The engine can even stall while driving. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you can open the hood to visually inspect the alternator for common problems or bring it in to AutoZone for testing.

Importance of Replacing Worn Alternators
Since being introduced to production cars with the 1960 Plymouth Valiant, the alternator has become one of the most important auto parts in modern cars. Without an alternator, your vehicle has no way to charge the battery. The alternator, driven by the crankshaft, generates AC power through electromagnetism. Electricity is channeled into the battery where it can provide the current needed to start the vehicle, or to run electronics like headlights or the radio. The alternator outputs between 13.5 and 14.8 volts to keep the battery 100% charged.

In addition to starting trouble, a worn alternator can impair the overall driving experience. Without enough current from the alternator, the battery can die even while you are driving.

The alternator is an essential part of your vehicle's electrical system. You need to check the components of this critical part for any damage. If you suspect the alternator is worn out, do not hesitate to contact AutoZone.