Your car’s alternator powers the electrical equipment in your vehicle, including your ignition system and headlights, while the engine is running. The alternator also keeps the battery charged to it can start your car. Unfortunately, your alternator isn’t working as it should, it can’t charge your battery properly, and this will cause your battery to drain more quickly than it should. If you want to avoid significant car problems, read on to learn why you need to know about alternators and batteries.
What is an Alternator?
An alternator is an electronic device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy or the DC current that your car needs. If your car’s engine dies when you’re on the side of the road, it could be because your alternator stopped working. If your car’s alternator isn’t generating sufficient charge to keep your car’s engine running, the battery will typically drain very quickly as well. While different manufacturers will have some differences in design, the function of your car’s alternator is to charge the battery.
How Does the Alternator Work?
An alternator is a device that produces an electric current by converting mechanical energy. The alternator can be powered by the engine’s rotation and is driven by the engine’s serpentine belt. When the engine is running, it turns the alternator, which creates electricity. The alternator will then keep a steady charge to the car’s battery and power all of your car’s electrical components. It would be best to have a fully charged battery and a fully functioning alternator for your vehicle to work properly.
How Do Your Car’s Alternator and Battery Work Together?
The alternator is responsible for generating power for your car’s electrical system. Its job is to convert the kinetic energy from the spinning engine into electric current. On the other hand, the battery stores this electricity until it is needed, then supplies the necessary voltage to power the car’s electrical devices. When you start your vehicle, a sensor tells the alternator when to generate power and when to increase or decrease its charge rate.
What Happens if the Alternator Doesn’t Work?
If your car’s alternator doesn’t work, it won’t be able to charge the battery. This means that if your battery is fully charged and working correctly, you will probably be able to drive your car for about 30 minutes before the battery’s charge becomes depleted. At this time, you will notice warning lights and other signs of low voltage, and if you continue to drive your vehicle past this point, it will stall. If you see signs of low voltage, try to avoid driving for too long because you may find yourself stranded.