What is an Alternator?
Your vehicle’s alternator is an electrical generator that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy. Driven by the crankshaft, it works alongside the battery to provide electricity for parts like interior and exterior lights, the air conditioner and the instrument panel and can be found at the head of the engine.
What is a Starter?
Vital for ignition, the starter–in conjunction with an attached solenoid–lets electricity flow from the battery to the motor when you turn the key or push a button. If the starter malfunctions, the vehicle can’t turn on.
Signs the Starter or Alternator Needs Service
With time and use, the main parts of a starter can become inefficient. The first signs of age involve a car that struggles to crank when started. This happens because components can’t turn the flywheel at the right speed. Over time, the engine will cease to turn on.
Alternator trouble generally starts with a faint clicking when you engage the ignition, since the battery isn’t receiving a sufficient charge. Like problems with the starter, over time, the vehicle won’t respond at all when you turn the key.
Problems with these parts are often mistaken for a bad battery, since the most common sign of malfunction is a car that won’t start or a battery that can’t hold a charge. Maybe you have to frequently jump your battery or a new battery can’t seem to stay fresh. Unfortunately, all these components influence each other, so issues with one can affect the others.
Diagnosing the Issue
Chasing down the source of dysfunction with these parts can take time and patience. The problem might be with wiring, and replacing it could make all the difference. On the other hand, the starter motor or flywheel could be degrading, causing the starter to fail. Whatever the problem, finding it can be overwhelming if you don’t have proper training and experience.
How Accurate Auto Care Can Help
Let our certified mechanics take the stress out of a dead vehicle. Our convenient towing service can bring you and your car to the shop, and our knowledgeable crew can locate the source of disturbance and fix the issue so you can get back on the road and into your life.
If you are having trouble starting your car or simply want a checkup to ensure all parts are in working order, call Accurate Auto Care at 928-680-4046 or stop into our Lake Havasu City shop today!
