When Do You Know You Need an Alternator Repair?

Loose or Damaged Belt

Your vehicle’s electrical demands are satisfied by a small component called the alternator. The alternator is a vital part of your charging system, as it converts the mechanical power of the crankshaft into electrical power. Like any other device, it can wear out and eventually fail. As your Staten Island car dealership, we’d like you to know the signs that you will need an alternator repair.

Your charging system is powered by the alternator belt. This belt connects your crankshaft to a series of pulleys. When your car moves, the crankshaft turns, and this movement causes the alternator belt to run. As the belt runs across a series of pulleys, it causes the pulleys to spin. These pulleys spin three times faster than the crankshaft turns. The spinning pulleys power the devices connected to them. Your alternator is connected to one of these pulleys.

The alternator belt is made from tough, reinforced rubber. It must operate at high speed, for long periods, and in great heat. Over time, this belt can wear or slip off one of the pulleys. If the belt partially slips, the constant speed it travels means it will continue to slip further. A belt that runs off the track will heat up, and you’ll smell burning rubber.

A Bad Battery

A bad alternator can kill your battery. A bad battery can also damage your alternator. As your car moves, the alternator produces power, and some of this power is diverted to recharge your battery. Your alternator only provides a full charge to the battery for about five minutes then it switches to a reduced charge of 10% of the battery’s capacity. This feature allows your battery to fully charge without placing too much stress on the alternator.

If your battery is damaged, it won’t be recharging as it should. The alternator will have to work harder to charge the battery. As your alternator works harder to supply power, the battery becomes an energy sink rather than an energy storage unit. The additional demands placed on your alternator can easily damage it. This is why you don’t want to drive for long periods with a dead battery.

Extreme Temperatures

Hot weather can damage your alternator. When your engine starts, your alternator begins providing power to the electrical systems. As the alternator starts up, it loses about 10% of its efficiency. An alternator works at a high temperature. When you add the heat from the engine and hot external conditions, your alternator can start showing signs of strain.

If your engine is running at 2000 RPMs or more, your alternator gets a chance to cool down a little due to the increased level of air flowing through your engine. Driving for too long under hot conditions can easily damage your alternator.

If your alternator shows signs of strain, call us right away or schedule a service appointment at Island Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Our Staten Island service department will examine your alternator and repair any damage needed.

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