WHAT IS A CAR ALTERNATOR

Your car’s alternator is an auto part that produces electricity that flows to the battery, which is then used to run the electrical components in your car. The alternator keeps the battery from losing its charge and eventually dying. When the battery dies all electrical features included on your vehicle will die too. Alternators produce alternating currents (AC), which is where alternators got their name. 

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF A CAR ALTERNATOR

Alternators are constructed using an aluminum outer housing, making it lightweight and non-magnetic. This feature is important since aluminum dissipates the heat generated by producing electrical power. Alternators have vents on both the front and back side to dispense the heat that is created. When the engine is running, the crankshaft turns the drive belt, which in turn spins the pulley on the rotor shaft. The back side of the alternator is made up of five terminals which make up many different parts of the component. Having a cool alternator is essential in its efficiency, which is why you will notice cooling fans within the aluminum housing. Inside of the alternator is where triangular finger poles are housed around the circumference. This is the rotor that spins at high speeds. The triangular poles that are around the circumference of the rotor are in a staggered pattern. This pattern creates a magnetic field that in turn induces voltage, allowing for the alternator to do its job. 

INDICATORS OF MY CAR ALTERNATOR GOING BAD

The alternator is essential to keeping your vehicle running for a long time, which is why you should check for signs that it is failing to keep your engine strong. By keeping an eye on your car’s dashboard you will be able to see the “battery” or “alternator” flashing light. If you notice this sign when you start your vehicle you should not drive until the issue is looked into  by one of our technicians. If the lights on your dashboard or headlights are dim or flickering, that is a noticeable sign that something is wrong. By listening to your engine you can note grinding or squealing sounds, which indicate that your alternator bearings are being worn down or your alternator belt is failing. If your vehicle will not start, this is often a main sign of a bad alternator or battery. However, if you are still questioning if the issue is your alternator or not, you should take your vehicle to one of our auto mechanics to have it tested. Performing regular car maintenance is important for the life and quality of your vehicle. 

ALTERNATOR COMPONENTS TO CONSIDER WHEN ADDING ITEMS TO YOUR CAR

Just like most electrical systems, they can only hold a certain power of voltage. If you are considering installing an aftermarket stereo with an amplifier, it is necessary to increase the output of the alternator. For instance, you should make sure that the amount of amp exceeds the amps of the alternator. Having too little amps is not good on your engine, as it can cause overheating because it has to operate too close to its maximum capacity. If you are considering having any aftermarket accessories installed in your vehicle is it best to consult an auto mechanic to make sure you are keeping your vehicle safe. 

The Season for Brake Repair

The only thing that is as important as being able to start your car is being able to stop it. Since winter is just about over with, and you’ve done a lot of stopping or even riding your brakes, it’s probably a good time to have your brakes inspected. Most people do not think about their brakes until they notice a decline in stopping power. You should have your brakes and brake pads regularly inspected, which can be done during a vehicle safety inspection. Your brakes play an integral part in the safety of your car and of the other drivers on the road. You should make sure that you understand the basics of your braking system and warning signs so that you will know when it is time for brake repair or replacement. 

Parts of the Braking System

The brake discs are large, circular discs and they should have a shiny appearance from the outer edge to the inside. The surface of a disc with normal wear would appear to have lines on the surface. If you spot any deep gouges or gashes on the surface, that means that the discs have been rubbing against another metal piece and created those grooves. These grooves can cause the disc to crack if you continue to drive. If you have the discs replaced, make sure that they are done in pairs so that the discs would experience equal wear on both sides of the car. Brake pads are devices that are located at the top of the disc. The pads have a layer of padding that rests against the disc. When you depress the brake pedal, the pads are pressed and clamped against the disc to stop the car. The more you use your brakes, the faster the pads will wear down. If you see less than one-eighth of an inch of cushion on the pads, you should replace them. The brake lines are not lines but hoses that carry the brake fluid through the braking system. If the hoses are rubber, the texture of the rubber should be supple and not brittle; if the hoses are metal, they should be free of corrosion.

When to Engage in Brake Repair

Brake pads need to be replaced frequently, and if you spend a lot of time driving, you may need to replace them even more frequently. If you need to press on the brake pedal more firmly than usual, it might be time to replace the brake pads. Replacing the pads at this stage is easier and cheaper than replacing it later. Ignoring the problem will lead to a grinding sound and a slight shuddering motion of the car when you press on the brakes. At this stage, the metal of one disc is grinding against the metal of the second disc. Your brakes could lock and cause an accident with another car, a pedestrian, or a building. 

Do Not Forget the Brake Fluid

You should have your mechanic check your brake fluid. The brake fluid is the liquid that lubricates the brakes and keeps moisture that causes rust from accumulating in the hydraulic system. The owner’s manual will note the schedule by which this fluid needs to be replaced in order to keep the brake system clean and unobstructed. If the fluid is not changed, the debris will form blockages in the brake lines. Your mechanic can perform this function for you and help you keep your car in good condition and avoid expensive brake repair in the future.