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United Tire and Service News
Signs of a Bad or Failing Alternator
10/22/2021 4:46:00 PM
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If you’re like many car owners, you’ve at least heard the word “alternator” before. You know your car has one, and you know it’s essential to your vehicle’s proper function. However, you might not know exactly what it does or how to tell if a problem you’re experiencing might be due to a faulty one.
In short, your car’s alternator is responsible for keeping your
battery
charged and functional. So if yours is failing, you may eventually experience battery issues, as with your vehicle failing to start at all. However, your alternator is bound to give you a few warning signs first. Here are a few common ones to be on the lookout for.
1. Dead or Unreliable Battery
Car batteries last a long time, but they don’t last forever. Sometimes a dead battery is simply due for replacement or a sign that you accidentally left your
headlights
on. However, it can also point to an alternator with issues. One way to tell for sure is to jumpstart your car and see what happens. If it continues to run, the problem is likely your battery. But if it only runs a short while before dying, it’s a sign your alternator is the issue instead.
2. Issues with Vehicle Accessories
Another early sign that your alternator might be getting ready to go kaput is car accessories that just aren’t working the way they should. Think windows that seem slow to roll down, dashboard gauges that seem off, or a stereo system that seems touchier than it used to be. Newer cars feature electronic systems that prioritize vehicle features in order of importance, so you’ll likely have issues with your seat warmers or your radio before your headlights cut out on you.
3. Stalling Vehicle or Frequent Start Failure
Vehicles with failing alternators will eventually run or start unreliably. Has your car been stalling a lot when you’re driving? Or maybe you do go to start your vehicle only to hear a series of clicks instead of your engine roaring to life the way that it should. Engine troubles like these, especially if they’re frequent, are often signs that it’s time to have your alternator looked at, serviced, or replaced.
4. Activated Battery Warning Light
A lit battery
warning light
on your dashboard could be indicative of an actual battery problem, but not always. It can also be a sign that something is wrong with some other part of your car’s electrical system, up to and including your alternator. For example, alternator issues may cause your battery light to activate once its voltage falls below a certain level. However, it can also happen if your alternator’s voltage exceeds its limit, so it’s not something to simply ignore.
5. Troubling Sounds
Nothing strikes fear into the heart of a car owner quite like a strange sound that starts out of nowhere. However, while some sounds are relatively harmless, others can indicate serious issues you’ll want to have checked out, so never just ignore them. For example, alternator issues can cause whining or growling noises that seem to be coming from under the hood. These sounds occur when your alternator’s pulley
belt
becomes misaligned or if the rotor shaft bearings are beginning to fail – both signs that you should have your alternator checked at your earliest convenience.
6. Troubling Smells
Strange smells are another indicator that it might be time to take your car in for service. Although any strong or disturbing odor is worth checking out, the smell of a bad alternator is similar to burning rubber or hot wires. That’s a sign that your alternator’s belt or wires may be working too hard or coming close to wearing out. Any smell that reminds you of an electrical fire is very serious and constitutes a potential safety issue, so always check it out.
A faulty alternator is definitely stressful for many reasons, but it’s always best to address things sooner than later. The earlier your local United Tire catches a potential issue, the better. Not only will you be doing the right thing for your own safety, but catching issues early often results in a friendlier service bill, as well. If you think you are experiencing issues with your alternator, call your closest United Tire location or
schedule an appointment online
.
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United Tire & Service
15 Evergreen Dr,
Concordville, PA 19331
Phone:
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Fax:
19331
39.88292,-75.52377
United Tire & Service
637 West Bridge St,
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Phone:
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19460
40.12979,-75.52659
United Tire & Service
1140 Easton Rd,
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19090
40.15891,-75.12309
United Tire & Service
87 E Lancaster Ave,
Paoli, PA 19301
Phone:
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Fax:
19301
40.04239,-75.47919
United Tire & Service
340 Street Rd,
Southampton, PA 18966
Phone:
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Fax:
18966
40.17837,-75.0511
United Tire & Service
224 E Street Rd,
Feasterville, PA 19053
Phone:
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Fax:
19053
40.14797,-74.99648
United Tire & Service
4094 Chestnut Street,
Emmaus, PA 18049
Phone:
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Fax:
18049
40.51937,-75.52203
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614 Westtown Rd,
West Chester, PA 19382
Phone:
(610) 590-8479
Fax:
19382
39.95898,-75.58625
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980 E Lancaster Ave,
Downingtown, PA 19335
Phone:
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Fax:
19335
40.01662,-75.68335
United Tire & Service
100 Robbins Rd,
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Phone:
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Fax:
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