Sterling Tire & Auto Automotive Tips: Alternator
March 11, 2018
Your alternator makes electricity to start and run your engine and all of the vital electrical systems in your vehicle. That’s everything from the on-board computers to the turn signals. And of course there is the entertainment system, seat heaters, power windows and everything you plug into the power outlets. After your alternator makes enough electricity to do all that, it recharges your battery with what’s left over.
When Sterling Heights drivers constantly have a low or dead battery, the alternator is usually a prime suspect. However, the alternator is just one vital component of the starting/charging system, and a problem with any of the other components could be the actual cause.
In addition to the alternator, the charging/starting system includes the battery, starter, serpentine belt system and all of the electrical cables that connect them. Your Sterling Tire & Auto service advisor has a systematic process of testing components and connections to get to the source of your trouble. The initial symptoms determine where to begin the diagnostic process, and he follows the procedure until he tracks down the culprit.
For example, diagnostic tests at Sterling Tire & Auto could reveal that the alternator is not generating enough electricity to keep the battery charged. Is the alternator bad? Not necessarily. A worn serpentine belt tensioner could be allowing the belt that spins the alternator to slip. So the perfectly good alternator is not spinning at the proper speed. The solution for Sterling Heights drivers is to replace the serpentine belt system – not the alternator.
The good news for Sterling Heights drivers is that our highly-trained technicians at Sterling Tire & Auto can properly diagnose all your vehicle troubles and make the necessary repairs to get you back on the road in Sterling Heights.
Give us a call.
Sterling Tire & Auto
34701 Van Dyke Rd
Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312
586-264-7775
Need Service?
More articles from Sterling Tire & Auto
Beginning to See the Light (Check Engine Light Diagnostics)
April 21, 2024
It's a light many drivers fear they'll see turn on at the most inopportune time. It's the one on the dash that says "Check Engine," "Service Engine Soon," or it may be simply an engine-shaped light. Your first instinct may be to pull off to the side of the road and turn off the engine. The truth... More
Oil Times are a-Changin' (Oil Change Synthetic)
April 14, 2024
When it comes to oil changes, things are really changing. Most newer vehicles require synthetic oil, and while it costs more than conventional oil, it doesn't need to be changed as often. When conventional oil was the only game in town, you changed your oil every 3,000 miles/5,000 km. But as tec... More
Automotive Tips from Sterling Tire & Auto: Air Conditioning ? Common Problem
April 7, 2024
Your auto air conditioning system cools and conditions the air in your passenger compartment when you are driving around Sterling Heights. It also removes moisture from the air to keep your windows from fogging up.A common A/C problem for Sterling Heights drivers that visit Sterling Tire & Auto i... More