The Alternator and Your Car

Your car’s electrical charging system is generally made up of three major components: the battery, voltage regulator, and alternator. The battery and alternator work together to generate power for the electrical components of a vehicle.  Alternators are generally found near the front of the engine.  They are driven by the crankshaft which converts the up and down motion of the pistons into a circular movement.  When this movement turns the components of the alternator it produces AC power through electromagnetism.  

History of Your Alternator

An alternator gets its name from the term alternating current (AC).  Thomas Edison is known for inventing the first light bulb and many other electrical mechanisms.  It was actually Nikola Tesla that developed the first AC induction motor in the late 1800s.  While Edison was out to promote direct current or DC power, it was Tesla who proved that AC power was superior.  AC power can produce higher voltage much more efficiently and that is very helpful to run a car’s electrical system.

Alternator Components

Alternators are usually small and lightweight.  Most alternators found in passenger cars and small trucks are constructed using an aluminum outer housing since lightweight metal does not magnetize.  Aluminum also dissipates the tremendous heat generated by producing the electrical power.  If you look closely at an alternator, you will also see vents on the front and back also for relieving heat.  A pulley is attached to the rotor shaft on the front of the alternator.  When the engine is running, the crankshaft turns the drive belt, which spins the pulley to turn the rotor shaft.  The alternator transfers this mechanical energy from the engine into electrical power for the car.  

Lifespan of the Alternator and Replacement

If your alternator is not functioning, the electrical components of your vehicle will quickly drain your battery.  Since today’s automobiles cannot properly function without the electrical system, this can be a big problem.  Alternators have moving parts, get dirty, and are subject to stress from the drastic temperature changes.  All of these causes can make the internal parts gradually wear out.  The most common is bearing failure.  The needle bearings allow the rotor to spin freely to produce electricity.  When these fail, the alternator will not work efficiently and can completely seize up.  This failure will normally cause a loud grinding noise.  If you suspect this problem, quickly consult one of our mechanics to prevent a breakdown.  Older vehicles with generators tend to require much more maintenance than newer models, but there's no standard rule for how long an alternator will last.  Generally, alternators are less expensive to replace than many other parts of the car.  Some people still may search for an alternative to purchasing a new replacement alternator.  Some new alternators can be around $230 but if you are willing to use a remanufactured one, it might only cost $160.  Many times remanufactured alternators are easy to access and simple to replace.  More often today, cars are running out of room under the hood.  This has caused some manufactures to place the alternator in a less accessible spot.  If this is the case, you may want to let an experienced mechanic do the job.  They can save you a headache and get the job done much quicker than most people.

Which Headlights are Best for Me?

Headlights are lamps that are installed in the front of the car to help you see in the dark while driving. They are so important that you can receive a citation or have to pay a fine if you are pulled over for nonworking headlights or for forgetting to turn them on when you get in your car. The technology has progressed from a simple light kit enclosed behind a covering to the more energy-efficient advanced models of recent years that are being installed in cars. Some car manufacturers have created headlights that will automatically illuminate when the car is put into gear, such as daytime running lights. With all of the advances made, it may be daunting to determine which ones you should use for driving during the winter months. If you are thinking about replacing your headlights, you should know some things about them first.

Types of Headlights Available

There are several types of headlights that are available on the market today. The most basic light is the incandescent lights. These lights are similar to the average household light bulb except they are bigger and will not fit in a household socket. Inside the bulb is a tungsten filament that is heated to produce light. Halogen lights are filled with halogen gas that caused the tungsten from the filament to redeposit. This makes the filament last longer. Xenon lights are similar to halogen bulbs except that they are filled with xenon gas rather than halogen. Xenon burns brighter than halogen and it is less taxing on the car battery. Many newer model cars include either xenon or halogen headlights as standard equipment. Fog lights are smaller and they focus the light beam so that it does not reflect off the fog, snow, or rain, making driving in those conditions a bit safer. Some cars have these as standard equipment as well. Pencil beams are lights that have the longest visibility range, but they burn so brightly that they are illegal in some jurisdictions. Pencil beams are usually reserved for off-road driving. 

Replace or Repair?

If you have older or incandescent light bulbs, you may be thinking about replacing them. In the interest of safety and saving money, replacement may be a good choice. If you already have xenon or halogen bulbs but you noticed that they do not burn as brightly, then you may need to clean or replace the covers. Cleaning headlight covers can be difficult and there are several cleaning kits available on the market; however, this is a job that is best performed by your mechanic. The mechanic would have special cleansers that are specifically formulated to remove the road salt, grime, and dirt that accumulates on the surfaces. If they cannot be cleaned, then they may need to be replaced. The mechanic can replace them for you since removing, reinstalling the cover can be difficult, and replacing the bulb inside can be just as difficult. 

Which One to Choose?

Before you decide if you should replace or repair your headlights, you need to know which type of headlights you already have installed. You can consult your owner’s manual for this information. The make, model, and year of your car will guide you toward the kind of headlights you can use for replacement. For the best advice, you should always talk with a qualified mechanic to help you choose and they can install them for you.