Alternator Service

Alternator Service at Griffith Ford Seguin

When parts begin to wear down, they might give you a few signs that you’ll want to watch for. With your brakes, this can be squeaking, while a lack of might cause everything from overheating to knocking. When it comes to your alternator though, you’re going to be left in the dark, as you won’t be getting any electricity when it’s broken. If your model won’t cooperate when you turn the key, you can visit us at Griffith Ford Seguin.

Your Alternator’s Role in Your Electrical System

When the remote starts to die, you’re going to have to go on the hunt for new batteries. When it comes to cars, this is a bit impractical, as batteries are heavy and expensive. Instead of constantly replacing your battery, you rely on your alternator to recharge it as you drive. This is why your battery can last for years at a time while other batteries may only last a few weeks or months. Your car battery works as a storage system for the electricity that your alternator puts out. This is also why your car might die if you leave the door open. When you aren’t driving, your alternator isn’t generating any electricity, so your battery is going to drain overnight. If your starter can’t get the jolt that it needs to start your vehicle, then you won’t be going anywhere. Your starter, battery, and alternator work in tandem, but when one part malfunctions, your electrical system is inevitably going to run into issues.

Signs to Look for Indicating Wear on Your Alternator

A faulty alternator won’t give you the charge that your car needs. Still, there are a few signs that you might run into before it completely gives out.

• A Bad Belt or Pulley: Your alternator connects to your other systems via a belt and pulley. If these become damaged, you may hear grinding sounds and you might notice a burning smell.
• Malfunctioning Electronics: Your alternator is responsible for powering your vehicle, so if you suddenly can’t get the electricity that you need, there’s a good chance it’s having issues. You might notice that your lights are dim or that your battery light is present on your dashboard.
• An Unreliable Battery: Is your battery constantly dying, even though you didn’t leave any lights on? Your alternator is responsible for recharging it when you’re on the road, so if it dies constantly but it’s in good condition, there’s a chance that it’s your alternator causing the problem.

Let the Professionals at Griffith Ford Handle Your Vehicle’s Electrical

This isn’t a repair that you’ll want to handle on your own, as when you start to deal with wiring, things can get complicated fast, as new models tend to have a lot more tech features when compared to vehicles from the early 2000s. If you’re near Austin, Seguin, or Luling, our mechanics will be able to expertly handle your car’s needs so that your alternator is properly installed. While you’re at our dealership, you may want to consider checking on some of your other systems. For example, if you’re having electrical problems, it might be smart to check the current state of your battery. With a voltmeter, our mechanics can give you an estimate of how long it might last on the road. If it’s time to rotate your tires, change your oil, or check on your brakes, we can help you with that as well.

 When it’s time to replace your alternator, you can schedule a service appointment with us at Griffith Ford Seguin.