CAR CARE TIPS BLOG

Some drivers may not have heard the term alternator before so they associate starting problems with a dead car battery or a bad car starter. However, in many cases, starting problems are related to a failing alternator.

You may be wondering just what does an alternator do? The alternator charges the battery by turning mechanical energy from a rotating pulley into current while the vehicle is running. The job of the car starter and the battery is to actually start the car, and the alternator keeps it running. If the alternator fails, the electronic accessories will try to draw all of their power off the battery, which in turn causes it to lose its charge.

Oftentimes, the alternator will go out with little or no warning. Over time, the rotor, brushes, and other internal parts of an alternator wear out, so if you keep your car long enough, you will eventually need to replace it.

What are the signs of a bad alternator?

How often does your car need a tune up? Has your vehicle seemed sluggish when trying to go up a hill or passing a slower vehicle? Has a dashboard light come on and you don’t know why? Summer’s hot temperatures are hard on vehicles and with cooler fall days coming, now is a good time to schedule a car tune up. This will include an inspection of the engine, the performance of your vehicle analyzed, and any needed adjustments made to the operating systems.

The tune-up checklist should include both preventative and restorative engine assessments. Following the inspection, your mechanic should then recommend the appropriate maintenance and service items needed.

So that you know what should be included, here is the basic car tune up checklist:

Whether you have had your vehicle for many years or for just a few months, there will come a time when you need to find an auto repair shop that you can trust. It seems that there is an auto shop on every corner competing for your attention with tempting advertising and special deals. How do you know where to go to receive the best auto repair services possible at affordable prices?

Take a look at the four factors listed below that will help you know what to look for when visiting an auto repair shop: