Indications of Impending Alternator Failure
All vehicles have electrical components. To ensure that these electrical components are being serviced with sufficient power, your vehicle has an alternator. This device functions to create electricity, which is then stored in your vehicle's battery. Motorists typically do not pay much mind to the alternator as long as it is functioning. However, over time, you are alternator may start experiencing problems that will impede its ability to create sufficient electricity to run your vehicle. It is crucial to spot the signs of impending alternator failure so as to prevent a situation where your car breaks down at the most inopportune moment. Here are some of the indications of impending alternator failure.
Your vehicle is experiencing electrical problems
One of the surefire signs that you require alternator repairs is when your vehicle begins to show signs of electrical failure. Electrical failure can present itself in an array of ways. Some of the things to look out for would be your air conditioning not working, inability to power your seats or your vehicle's windows, being unable to switch on the radio and more. These signs may present themselves individually or all at once. When only one of these signs is present, some motorists make the mistake of ignoring it under the assumption that it will sort itself out. The truth, though, is that the problem with your alternator will simply become exacerbated.
Your vehicle's headlights keep flickering
Another sign that you could be heading toward alternator repairs is consistently flickering headlights. This will usually come about when there is a low output of electricity from the alternator. With low power, the vehicle will not be able to keep your vehicle's lights on. In some cases this may present itself as dimmed headlights. A misconception some motorists make is that their vehicle's bulbs are wearing out; however, you will find that changing the bulbs will not fix the problem. You would have to seek alternator repairs to ensure that the device can create sufficient electricity to keep your headlights burning bright.
Your vehicle is experiencing hard starts
When you turn on your vehicle, the alternator is given a signal to send power to the spark plugs. This electricity directed to the spark plugs is used to ignite the fuel and air located in the engine. The combustion process then starts up your car. If your alternator is compromised, it will be unable to provide the spark plugs with the appropriate amount of electricity. This will then cause you to experience problems when starting your car up such as hard starts. Your vehicle may also start stalling when you drive it.