An alternator is a very unappreciated part of your car. It quietly works to produce the power for your car’s electrical devices. The alternator is a fairly robust component. It also has a lifespan of approximately eight years. When an alternator starts to wear out, your Hyundai dealer can fit a replacement for you. These are some of the signs that you need an alternator repair.
A Dead Battery
A battery may die simply due to age. Batteries have a working life of approximately 3 to 5 years. If you have a newer battery that suddenly dies, there may be a problem with your alternator. One of the functions of the alternator is to recharge your battery. A good alternator can easily charge your battery and maintain the electrical system. If your alternator starts to fail it can quickly lead to a dead battery.
A weak alternator may not be able to provide enough power to fully charge your battery. Your battery uses a significant amount of energy to maintain the electrical devices when your car is stationary. If this power is not replaced, your battery will start to die. Our technicians can test your battery to see if it can maintain a charge. We’ll also check your alternator and replace it if it failed.
Electrical Glitches
The alternator supplies power to your car’s electrical devices. A weakening alternator won’t be able to fulfill all your car’s power demands. If there is limited available power, your car’s computer will have to determine which components should receive power. Power is also supplied to components according to preset priorities. Critical systems will always receive power.
Strange glitches can happen, for example, a sunroof that suddenly refuses to open. It’s always possible for random electrical issues to occur in a car. Frequent electrical problems point to a fault with the alternator. Our technicians will test your alternator and replace it if necessary.
Damaged Alternator Belt
The alternator belt is connected to the crankshaft. When your drive the crankshaft turns, and the turning of the crankshaft causes the alternator belt to move. As the belt moves, it passes over several different pulleys and causes the pulleys to spin. As the pulleys spin, they provide electricity to their attached components.
The belt is made from tough reinforced rubber and has a lifespan of 50,000 to 150,000 miles. Despite its strength, friction and the heat of the engine can wear it down. A damaged alternator belt can also loosen and come off the pulley. The loose alternator belt could flap around in your engine and damage other components.
A damaged alternator will cause numerous problems until its repaired or replaced. if you suspect you have a problem with the alternator, call our service department right away at Mike Kelly Hyundai. Our family-run dealership has been a part of life in Butler, PA since 1953. We provide the service you deserve.