Can the car still run if the alternator is broken?
4 Answers
If the car's alternator is broken, the car can still run, but continuing to drive may lead to insufficient power supply, posing a risk of sudden stalling. It can also damage the battery and reduce its lifespan. The car relies entirely on electrical energy to power the ignition system, so it's advisable to minimize the use of electrical appliances in the car (except for brake lights and turn signals) and drive at reduced speed. Methods to check for alternator failure: 1. Keep the alternator running and use a voltmeter to test the battery; 2. Turn on the car's headlights and observe their brightness—if they dim after starting the car, it may indicate a problem; 3. Turn on the radio—poor sound quality can be a sign; 4. Measure the battery voltage with a voltmeter when the car is in a paused state.
The other day while I was driving, the alternator suddenly stopped working. At first, the car could still start and run for about ten minutes without issues, but the battery warning light on the dashboard came on, and I knew the battery was being drained. If I didn’t pull over for repairs soon, the car would completely shut down before long—especially when driving at night, the headlights might go out, which is extremely dangerous. I advise everyone not to risk driving long distances in such a situation. Instead, find the nearest repair shop to get it checked. Fixing a faulty alternator might cost some money, but it’s still cheaper than replacing the battery as well. Regular maintenance of the electrical system is crucial to prevent problems—it saves both hassle and money. Safety always comes first.
I found that when the car's alternator fails, the vehicle can still barely move for a while because there's some power left in the battery to keep the engine running. But this won't last long, usually just a few kilometers at most, maybe ten. If you keep driving, all the electrical components like the air conditioning and radio might stop working. If you lose your lights on the highway, that's a big deal—the risk of a rear-end collision skyrockets. My personal advice is to pull over immediately to check the fuses or call a tow truck. Don't push it to save trouble, as it could easily lead to other malfunctions. Replacing the alternator isn't too expensive, costing just a few thousand, which is more cost-effective than repairing other issues.
Buddy, if the alternator goes bad, the car can still move for a short while, but you'd better pray the battery has enough juice. Last time I was driving when the dashboard lights started flashing like crazy. It lasted about ten more minutes – would've been screwed on a long trip. Quickly shut off unnecessary stuff like the AC to save power, then head straight to the shop for new parts. Don't delay – a fried battery costs way more. Can't mess around with safe driving.
