{"id":1438,"date":"2022-05-20T11:09:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-20T15:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zorestowing.com\/blog\/?p=1438"},"modified":"2022-05-18T17:17:02","modified_gmt":"2022-05-18T21:17:02","slug":"how-to-tell-the-difference-between-a-bad-battery-and-bad-alternator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zorestowing.com\/blog\/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-a-bad-battery-and-bad-alternator\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Tell the Difference Between a Bad Battery and Bad Alternator"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Diagnosing mysterious automotive issues is just part of being a car owner. But without proper training and education, maintaining a comprehensive understanding of automotive mechanics is not easily accomplished. So, when something starts to go wrong with your car, it is impossible for you to mistake it for something else. Such is the case with batteries and alternators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because the car battery and alternator both contribute to electrical power sourcing in the car, they can exhibit overlapping signs of malfunction. If you are having electrical problems in your vehicle, it could be the car battery or the alternator, or possibly even the starter. In either case, it is not safe to drive a vehicle in this condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continue reading to learn how to tell the difference between a bad bet battery and about alternator, plus what to do if you detect these symptoms in your vehicle while driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"24<\/a>
24 Hour Roadside Assistance Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Battery or Alternator? Or Starter?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of a Bad Alternator<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, the car battery is to blame rather than the alternator. That is because alternators typically last between eight and twelve years, only requiring replacement prematurely in the case of acute damage. However, the signs of failing alternator are very similar to the signs of car battery malfunction, sometimes making it tricky to confirm an alternator issue. For this reason, it is important how the car battery tested before having your alternator checked out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common signs of a failing alternator include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25b7 Illuminated Check Engine Light
\u25b7 Flickering Dashboard Lights
\u25b7 Dimming Dashboard Lights
\u25b7 Smell Of Burnt Rubber
\u25b7 Whirring or Grinding Sounds
\u25b7 Car Dying Immediately After Jump Start<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of a Failing Car Battery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, before you have your alternator checked out for any defects, first test to see if it\u2019s the car battery causing your automotive problems. The most common signs of a failing car battery include a battery older than 5 years, dimming dashboard lights, dimming headlights or taillights, and an illuminated check engine light. However, there are many more signs of a bad car battery, and you need to know them all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common signs of a bad car battery include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25b7 Aging Car Battery
\u25b7 Low Battery Fluid
\u25b7 Leaky Car Battery
\u25b7 Dimming Headlights\/Taillights
\u25b7 Illuminated Check Engine Light
\u25b7 Visible Battery Corrosion
\u25b7 Swollen Battery Case
\u25b7 Slowly Cranking Engine<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diagnosing a Bad Car Starter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In many cases, after troubleshooting the car battery and alternator, a person can come up empty-handed. When this happens, is typically the starter to blame. Common signs of a bad car starter include many of the same symptoms of about alternator or battery, but also seeing visible smoke coming from the car after starting it and an engine that refuses to crank over. If your car won\u2019t start, but the lights come on, it is a definite sign that the starter is failing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is your vehicle exhibiting any of these signs of automotive malfunction while out on the road? If so, don\u2019t drive it any further.<\/strong> Contact Zore\u2019s Towing<\/a> for 24 hour roadside assistance<\/a> and towing services in Indianapolis<\/a> and its surrounding locations. We operate 24\/7, year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Posts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Your Car <\/a>Just <\/a>Stopped While Driving<\/a>
First 3 Things to Check if Your Car Will Not Start<\/a>
3 Reasons Why You are Having Problems With Your Car Radiator<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Diagnosing mysterious automotive issues is just part of being a car owner. But without proper training and education, maintaining a comprehensive understanding of automotive mechanics is not easily accomplished. 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