When you know what to look for in terms of alternator issues, you can take proactive steps before you have a big problem with your car not starting when you need it to. Here’s what Fountain City Auto Clinic wants you to know about alternator issues.
You’re Hearing Some Interesting Sounds
Your car’s alternator is made up of a lot of different bearings and moving parts, which means that when the alternator starts to have trouble, it’s likely to make some interesting sounds. Those sounds are more likely to be obvious when the alternator is under a load, like when you turn lights and other things on at the same time.
You’re Seeing Other Signs of Electrical Issues
You might also experience some other symptoms of electrical gremlins. When you plug in some external accessories, you might find that they respond in unexpected ways. Or they might not power on at all. You might also smell hot electrical smells, which can be a really big sign of trouble.
You’ve Got Warning Lights on the Dash
Depending on the issues that your alternator is having, you might see a warning light on the dashboard. As with other dashboard warning lights, you don’t want to ignore one about your car’s electrical system. It’s very important that if you do see warning lights you get the situation assessed as soon as you can. That’s likely to help you to avoid a big problem that isn’t just expensive, but that could also leave you stranded somewhere.
The Battery Is Having Problems
If you can tell that the battery is having issues, you really don’t want to ignore that. Problems with your battery are going to look like hard starts, the car not starting at all, and even intermittent power issues. Never play around with your battery’s health. It’s easy to get it tested and you can quickly find out if your battery needs a charge or if it needs to be replaced before it completely goes bad.
Your alternator is a key piece under your car’s hood. It needs to be working properly all the time, not just every once in a while. Noticing issues with your car’s alternator? Call us at Fountain City Auto Clinic in Knoxville, TN to set up an appointment. We’ll thoroughly diagnose the issue for you and let you know what needs to happen next to keep your car running perfectly.