ALTERNATOR REPLACEMENT IN THE VIRGINIA PENINSULA
LIGHTS FLICKERING? IT MAY BE TIME FOR A REPLACEMENT
While many vehicles never require an alternator replacement, others will need a new one within a few years. You may notice that your car's lights flicker on and off, which is one of the most common symptoms of a failing alternator. At American Pride Automotive , our friendly mechanics have the experience and knowledge necessary to fix the problem in good time and with little inconvenience to you.
WHAT IS AN ALTERNATOR?
Many people incorrectly believe that a car battery is responsible for powering the vehicle. However, it is actually the alternator that generates the energy for the electrical components of the car. While the battery initially starts the vehicle, the alternator feeds power to the system and recharges the battery while the car is running. Actually, the alternator used to be called "the generator," which makes sense when you understand the function it serves.
Some of the common signs that your alternator is failing include:
- Flickering or dim lights
- Burning rubber odor
- Screeching sounds under the hood
- The car battery is dead
KNOWING WHEN TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR OR THE BATTERY
It can be difficult to know whether you need a new battery or a new alternator. One of the simplest ways to find out is to jumpstart your car (if it's not starting) and then allow the car to idle. If your car idles without any complications, it might be your battery that is the problem. However, if the engine seems to be losing power while idling, there may be a problem with the alternator. Our auto repair technicians at American Pride Automotive can help assess the issue and determine whether you are in need of an alternator replacement.
