Search
-
or select -
You may have heard of the term “alternator” before, but what does this component actually do? An alternator is designed to act like a generator to your vehicle. It powers your vehicle’s electrical components and gets its energy from the engine. Because it powers the electrical systems in your car, it’s important to know the ins and outs of it. That’s why the service team at Jaguar Richfield Certified Pre-Owned & Service has put together this guide covering the basics of how your alternator works and how it keeps you running on the roads of Minneapolis.
If you feel that your alternator isn’t functioning properly, then there are some signs to keep an eye out for as you drive around St. Paul. Some of those signs include:
Most alternators can last around 80,000 to 150,000 miles or seven years. However, this can vary depending on your driving habits. Let’s take a look at some warning signs you might notice when your alternator begins to fail:
Now that you know what an alternator does and how to know if it’s not performing well, you can more easily distinguish between needing a new alternator vs. needing a new battery. However, it can still be tricky to tell the difference since their symptoms can be similar. A good way to determine whether you need a new battery or a new alternator is to give your vehicle a jump-start.
After jump-starting your car, take off the jumper cables. If your car dies right after taking the cables off, then you probably have a bad alternator. To be absolutely certain, schedule a visit with our service team in Richfield. This way, you won’t end up buying a new battery when you need a new alternator or vice versa.
Most alternators can last anywhere between 80,000-150,000 miles, but the exact amount will vary depending on your driving habits around Edina, what kind of car you drive, and other factors. Here are some additional factors that can affect the lifespan of your vehicle’s alternator:
Factors That Affect How Long Your Alternator Lasts:
How much is an alternator? The cost of an alternator can range from $100-$500, but the cost varies significantly based on the type of car you drive. To get an estimate of how much an alternator might cost for your vehicle, contact the service team at Jaguar Richfield Certified Pre-Owned & Service. We also have plenty of service specials that you can use to save on the costs of your alternator replacement if a replacement is necessary.
What does an alternator do? If you still have questions about what an alternator does or how much your alternator might cost to replace, contact us. We’ll answer all of your alternator-related questions in detail.
