Image via Pixabay. Many drivers don't know much about the alternator. When it comes to the electrical system, the battery seems to get all the press. The alternator is a mini generator that produces electricity for your car and recharges the battery. Over time, parts of the alternator can become worn or damaged, and you'll need an alternator repair. As your Chevy dealer, we'd like to tell you some signs that you need to visit us for that repair. more Damaged Rectifier The rectifier is a small component in your alternator that converts electricity. The heart of your alternator is a bundle of magnets bound with wire. As your alternator spins, the magnets generate magnetic energy. This energy is captured by the stator and turned into AC. Your car's electrical systems, however, require DC. The purpose of the rectifier is to convert this AC to DC. If your rectifier is damaged, it won't be able to convert the electricity produced by the magnets. Without this conversion, your electrical systems will instantly stop working. Our technicians can check your rectifier for damage and replace it if necessary. A new rectifier will continue the conversion, and your electrical systems will work normally again. Your Alternator Is Old An alternator is a relatively long-lived component, with an average lifespan of eight years. The alternator works continuously while your engine is running to produce electricity. As the alternator ages, parts will wear out or get damaged. This leads to reduced electrical production, which affects your car's electrical systems. Your car's systems have a fixed demand for electricity, and the gradually reducing power supply will cause electrical failures. These problems will eventually extend to the battery and prevent of from fully recharging. Our technicians can test your alternator and replace it with a new one if it's failing Strange Noises As a driver, you're familiar with the sounds of your car. Unusual noises from the engine are always a reason to worry. One of the signs of an alternator problem is strange noises like whining or grinding from the engine compartment. These noises will gradually become louder and louder as the problem progresses. The alternator belt, for example, is responsible for powering the alternator. It does this by moving at speed over the alternator pulley, which then causes the pulley to spin to power the alternator. The belt can become damaged in time or can jam on a worn pulley. The whining sound you hear could be the fast-moving belt moving over the jammed pulley. Your alternator will always give you a variety of signs that it's failing. If something doesn't feel or sound right, call us right away at Larsen Auto Center.
