What happens when a car alternator fails?
2 Answers
Issues such as the car's inability to charge, too small charging current, too large charging current, unstable charging current, and the alternator not generating electricity may occur. Methods to prevent alternator failure: 1. Pay attention to the service life: Monitor the vehicle's condition and the service life of important components. Replace them promptly when they expire, which not only benefits the vehicle itself but also ensures safer driving. 2. Check the alarm: For general current faults, the vehicle's alarm will light up. At this point, promptly identify and address the issue. Additionally, some impending problems can be detected while driving, such as difficulty starting or frequent battery disconnections. Do not ignore these signs. 3. Monitor the battery: The battery and alternator are complementary. The battery provides power for the car's operation, while the car's movement drives the alternator to generate electricity for the battery. Therefore, failing to address battery issues promptly can significantly affect the alternator.
I've been driving for many years and once encountered a situation where the alternator failed. While driving, the battery warning light on the dashboard suddenly came on. At first, I didn't pay much attention, but within minutes, the headlights dimmed, and the radio started cutting in and out. The worst part was when the steering wheel became extremely heavy, and the accelerator pedal also got harder to press. Eventually, the car just stalled completely on the road. After calling a tow truck to the repair shop, the mechanic said the alternator had completely failed, draining all the power from the battery. This kind of issue is particularly dangerous, especially when driving on highways or at night. My advice is to pull over and check immediately if you see the battery warning light come on.
