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Whether you drive a small sedan, your vehicle has to be maintained regularly for your own safety. One of the many troubles a vehicle has is not working alternators, which is why many car owners ask, how often should an alternator be replaced? An alternator is responsible for charging the car’s battery when the engine is running. This is why it is important to check your alternator several times.

This Is What To Expect From An Alternator: Its Lifespan

Good-quality alternators should work approximately 100,000 miles up to 150,000 miles before you start seeing check engine warning lights. However, keep in mind that if you use your vehicle daily, the alternator mileage applies better than when the vehicle is not used regularly.

When Should Your Alternator Be Replaced?

Any fault with the alternator can develop at times, but you will also get warning signs that it may be time to change the starters or the alternator. Some signs include:

  1. The red battery light comes on:  One of the most apparent and common problems with your car is seeing a red battery-shaped light turning on the dashboard. There are many reasons why this light can turn on, but usually, it is there because of a malfunctioning alternator or starters.
  2. The lights are dim:  A dim battery-powered TV is another widespread complaint people have when they have a poor working alternator. If the lights are dim when the engine is off but become bright when revved, you have trouble with your alternator.
  3. The engine is making some squeaking noises:  Every car driver is aware of this yellow light. If anything unusual occurs with the engine, a diagnostic check should be performed immediately. However, it would be rather premature to say that squealing is synonymous with warning signals regarding underlying alterations in the engine due to some faults within it.

Next, immediately arrange for service if you ever find yourself in a situation where the engine is squealing while the car is on.

Wondering how often should an alternator be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about starters, alternators, and car batteries and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

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If your car is getting hard to start, you may be wondering how often should an alternator be replaced and will it affect the car starters.

Whether you drive a small sedan, your vehicle has to be maintained regularly for your own safety. One of the many troubles a vehicle has is not working alternators, which is why many car owners ask, how often should an alternator be replaced? An alternator is responsible for charging the car’s battery when the engine is running. This is why it is important to check your alternator several times.

This Is What To Expect From An Alternator: Its Lifespan

Good-quality alternators should work approximately 100,000 miles up to 150,000 miles before you start seeing check engine warning lights. However, keep in mind that if you use your vehicle daily, the alternator mileage applies better than when the vehicle is not used regularly.

When Should Your Alternator Be Replaced?

Any fault with the alternator can develop at times, but you will also get warning signs that it may be time to change the starters or the alternator. Some signs include:

  1. The red battery light comes on:  One of the most apparent and common problems with your car is seeing a red battery-shaped light turning on the dashboard. There are many reasons why this light can turn on, but usually, it is there because of a malfunctioning alternator or starters.
  2. The lights are dim:  A dim battery-powered TV is another widespread complaint people have when they have a poor working alternator. If the lights are dim when the engine is off but become bright when revved, you have trouble with your alternator.
  3. The engine is making some squeaking noises:  Every car driver is aware of this yellow light. If anything unusual occurs with the engine, a diagnostic check should be performed immediately. However, it would be rather premature to say that squealing is synonymous with warning signals regarding underlying alterations in the engine due to some faults within it.

Next, immediately arrange for service if you ever find yourself in a situation where the engine is squealing while the car is on.

Wondering how often should an alternator be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about starters, alternators, and car batteries and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

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Steve Clausen
Clausen AutomotiveAuto Repair Shop in Madison, WI

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2118 S. Stoughton Rd., Madison, WI 53716608-221-8321Service@ClausenAutomotive.com
Mon:7:00am - 5:30pm
Tue:7:00am - 5:30pm
Wed:7:00am - 5:30pm
Thu:7:00am - 5:30pm
Fri:7:00am - 5:30pm
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed
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