But it really depends on how often you drive, what model year your vehicle is, and how many miles you put on your vehicle. For most car owners, expect to get somewhere in the range of 60, to , miles on their alternator. Newer cars, especially those known for their reliability such as Honda, Toyota, and Lexus will be on the higher end of that range while older vehicles or economy cars will be near the lower end.
Some car manufacturers may even claim their alternators last the lifetime of the vehicle. It can be tricky to know when your alternator is failing. The symptoms of a failing alternator are almost identical to the symptoms of a failing battery. That is because they are both important power sources for your vehicle. If the volts drop When these regulators stop working, then it is time to replace your alternator.
Alternator failures occur for a variety of reasons. If one or two diodes fail, you may be able to keep the car running and drive your vehicle for some time as long as the electrical system is not overworked.
However, driving with all of the accessories operating and headlights on high could overtax the alternator and deplete your battery as well. Turn off all accessories to keep the engine running and the battery from losing all power.
At some point, the engine will stop running, and a jump start may not even be successful. As soon as a charging problem is observed, take the car to a car repair shop and have your charging system checked and diagnosed to avoid becoming stranded along the highway.
The alternator is a critical component in your vehicle. It generates all of the electrical power required to run the engine, as well as all accessories in your vehicle. Signs of a failing alternator can include a burning smell, pulsing headlights, multiple accessories not working properly. Both the alternator and battery are responsible for starting your car and keeping it on at all times.
Car owners should immediately make arrangements to have their electrical system checked and diagnosed. Important maintenance tips include keeping your alternator dry and clean. The mechanic should check the alternator belt, battery and alternator. For more car repair tips, follow our blog. Table of Contents Show. What causes an alternator to fail? Common Causes or Signs of a failing alternator. Alternator Related Questions How long does it take to replace an alternator?
What is the cost of replace a bad alternator? What can I do to maintain my alternator in good shape? Skip to Main Content. Ask an Expert. You May Also Like. How Do Brakes Work? March 8 The most common reason for the warning light coming on is a bad alternator. The alternator is a fairly simple part of the car, with only a few moving parts.
It is a simple electromagnetic system, but it can be damaged by dust and dirt build-up. There are also bearings that can fail. Below are some causes of a failing alternator:. So keeping your battery in top condition is the aim here:. How long your battery will last when the alternator has gone bad will vary for many reasons. If you carry on driving your car with a bad alternator, you will have to charge your battery regularly.
For the health of your battery and car, replace the alternator as soon as possible once it has failed. Yes, very easily. A failing alternator can overcharge, which will damage the battery. An undercharging alternator will leave the battery flat, which speeds up its failure. Changing an alternator is a relatively straightforward job.
The cost of the alternator and the time taken differs between car models.
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