How to Tell if Your Car Needs Alternator Replacement

When a vehicle is experiencing mechanical malfunctions, it will let you know. This is especially true for a car’s electrical system. In fact, one of the most common automotive electrical malfunctions has to do with the alternator. Since the alternator is a significant component to all vehicles, it is important to keep it in good working condition, and address any problems early on.

Continue reading to learn more about alternators, including how they work, common signs of trouble, and what to do if yours breaks down unexpectedly.

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

An alternator, as mentioned before, is a significant engine component in a vehicle’s electrical system. Its job is to turn mechanical energy into electrical energy to recharge a car battery. As an extension of a car engine, an alternator is generally powered by the timing belt. It works by producing electrical energy as the car’s motor runs and the alternator spins. Its role is important because this entire operation is meant to run a vehicle’s electrical system, such as electronic safety programs, personalized comfort settings, and screen displays.

Signs of Alternator Malfunction

When an alternator is experiencing mechanical trouble, it will show in various ways. The key is to know what to look for. The most common signs that suggest your alternator needs repaired or replaced include:

⚠ Illuminated Check Engine Light (MIL)
⚠ Dimming or Flickering Headlights
⚠ Dead Battery
⚠ Smell of Burning Plastic
⚠ Stalling Engine
⚠ Squealing or Grinding Noises
⚠ Electrical Issues (i.e. power seats, power windows, stereo, etc.)

Alternator Repair and Replacement

The cost of a new alternator varies depending on several factors, including the make and model of a vehicle, the retailer, and the cost of installation. You can expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $600 for a new alternator, including the cost for paying a mechanic for installation. Keep in mind that purchasing a new alternator for a luxury and foreign vehicles will likely be more expensive. For those on a tight budget or have an old car that may not last much longer, there is the option to purchase a used or refurbished alternator at a reduced price. Most refurbished alternators come with a warranty, so you can feel confident in your purchase.

What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down Suddenly

If your alternator breaks down suddenly while you are driving, remain calm and attempt to roll or coast along the shoulder of the road or highway. When doing do, avoid turns and curves in the road behind you so that oncoming traffic will see you in advance and have time to react and drive around you.  This also helps when you are ready to get back on the road, you can see the oncoming traffic too. Then, contact a local and trusted 24 hour roadside assistance service for a tow to your house or auto repair shop.

Need Some Towing Assistance in Central Indiana?

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We are fully-equipped with the right fleets to assist cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, construction equipment, trailers, vans, semi-trucks, airplanes, and much more. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Top 4 Signs of a Faulty Alternator

As a local company that provides 24 hour roadside assistance, we get a lot of calls for jump starts. And on several occasions, what seems to be a dead battery issue is actual an alternator one. Our customer’s discover that their vehicle doesn’t need a jump start, but rather, a tow to the nearest auto shop for alternator repair.

Symptoms of a failing alternator often disguise themselves as something else, which is why it is important to always consult a professional for all of your automotive maintenance, repair, and recovery needs. If you suspect that your vehicle is having problems with its ignition, electrical systems, or battery, it could very well all be a result of a faulty alternator.

Continue reading to learn the top 4 signs of a failing alternator, as well as, how to contact us for emergency roadside assistance.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

❶ Dead Battery

When an alternator is not functioning properly, it will quickly drain all of the battery capacity. As a result, the battery will die every time you drive your vehicle. This leads many people to mistakenly believe an alternator issue is a dead battery one. If this sounds like your car, you may think you need a jump start, when really you need your alternator repaired or replaced.

❷ Electrical Malfunctions

One of the most common signs that a car alternator is failing is electrical malfunctioning. This applies to lights, power seats and windows, stereos, navigation systems, and any other components powered by electricity. If you notice that your power seats are moving too slowly, your lights are dimmed or flickering, or your radio shuts off and on, it could be due to a failing alternator. An illuminated check engine, ALT,” or a battery icon indicator is another tell-tale sign.

❸ Strange Sounds

If your car makes strange noises while idling or driving, be sure to listen closely for sounds that indicate an alternator problem. If you hear squealing, grinding, or growl-like noises, it could be due to a faulty alternator. Most often, these sounds are caused by loosened or over-stretched serpentine belts, which cannot provide sufficient charge.

❹ Stalling Engine

If an alternator is not working properly, the fuel injection cannot not get the amount of electrical power needed to operate the engine, causing a vehicle to shut off instantly in the middle of driving. If this has happened to you more than once, you may be in need of alternator repair or replacement.

How to Get in Touch With Us

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484
Indianapolis Towing & Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for safe and affordable Indianapolis tow truck and roadside services you can trust. Our licensed and insured towing operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We also provide numerous community services, roadside assistance services, wrecker and recovery services, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate, anytime!