What and Alternator Does
So how do you know if you need an alternator repair? Well, let’s first talk about what an alternator does. Your vital electrical sys
tems in your car, including the electricity to start and run your engine, is generated by the alternator. That’s everything from the onboard like your car stereo and GPS systems. In addition, it includes things like your power seats and windows. If you plug stuff into your outlets inside the car, the alternator is involved. After this, your alternator takes the remaining power and sends it to your battery to keep it charged.
Keep An Eye On Your Battery
If you notice that your battery is continually struggling with low juice or power check the alternator. Of course, there could be other causes since the alternator is one of many components in a proper charging system, but it’s an excellent place to start.
Other Causes Of A Faulty Charging System
Other components that you may want to consider when diagnosing an issue with your charging platform would be things like the serpentine belt, starter, battery, and any cable that connects them. At Wayne’s Automotive Center we have a systematic way of testing these components to diagnose the exact problem. If you try and do this on your own, it could lead to a lot of frustration.
Wayne’s Automotive Can Diagnose Alternator Issues
For example, diagnostic tests at Wayne’s Automotive Center could reveal that the alternator is not generating enough electricity to keep the battery charged. Is the alternator bad? Not necessarily. A worn serpentine belt tensioner could be allowing the belt that spins the alternator to slip. So the perfectly good alternator is not spinning at the proper speed. The solution for Reno and Sparks drivers is to replace the serpentine belt system – not the alternator.
The good news for Reno and Sparks drivers is that our highly-trained technicians at Wayne’s Automotive Center can accurately diagnose all your vehicle troubles and make the necessary repairs to get you back on the road in Northern Nevada.