Posted on 3/24/2015
If you knew that the alternator in your car was about to give out on you, you would probably get it to the mechanic and have it fixed. The alternator is responsible for recharging the battery while the engine is running. Without the alternator, the battery in the engine would eventually become drained and the car would not run. The sound of a clicking engine when you try to start the car as you head off to work is something that many people are familiar with. The good news is that it does not take a crystal ball to tell if an alternator is going bad. There are a few simple tests and signs that give car owners the warning they need. How to Test the Alternator If you notice the gauges in your car start to fluctuate wildly, it is a sign that there is a problem with your electrical system and that could be caused by the alternator going bad. The warning lights going on and off are also a sign. When you see something like this happening, consid ... read more
Posted on 3/17/2015
It is easy for a mechanic to tell you that your alternator is bad and that it will cost several hundred dollars to repair it. Before you turn over the money and tell the mechanic to do the job, you may want to find out if the mechanic is telling the truth or if your alternator is actually working the way that it is supposed to. It does not take a degree in auto mechanics to learn how to tell if an alternator is bad, and you do not have to know how to actually replace it yourself. You just have to know what to look for. Signs of a Bad Alternator The first sign that the alternator may be bad is the easiest to tell. The car won’t start. The alternator is responsible for recharging the battery in the car while the engine is running. If it is not working, the battery will be drained and that means the car will not start. If you try to start your car and all you hear is a clicking sound, the alternator is one of the possible culprits. The only ... read more