What Does an Alternator Do?

Many Harvey drivers ask us at Leson Chevrolet Company, Inc., “What does an alternator do?” Our Certified Chevy Technicians are always happy to help. An alternator sends power to your vehicle’s electrical system when the engine is engaged. Some drivers think the battery powers the car, but that’s only for starting it. The alternator is kind of like a generator. Learn more here about an alternator, and contact us if you have any questions or need to schedule service.

What Are the Signs That Your Alternator is Faulty? 

If you experience any of the signs below while driving around New Orleans, contact the Leson Chevrolet Company, Inc. service center immediately.

• The vehicle won’t start
• The battery warning light is on
• The smell of burning rubber is coming from under the hood
• Your devices are not charging
• You hear a whining or screeching sound after starting your car
• You see dimming headlights or interior lights

Signs of a Failing Alternator vs. Battery

Because they share a lot of the same duties, it can be easy to mistake a failing alternator with a failing battery and vice versa. There are a few ways to check to see if your battery or your alternator is experiencing problems. Read them below:

• Sit in your vehicle and turn on your headlights without starting the engine. If your headlights are dim, start your engine and see if they get brighter. If the lights get brighter after you start the engine then your battery is failing, not your alternator. 
• If your lights begin to glow and fade as your engine is running, then your alternator will need to be replaced.
• The other way to see if your alternator or battery is failing is to wait until your vehicle needs a jump start. After you use jumper cables to start your engine again, remove them right away. If the engine dies immediately, then your alternator needs to be replaced.
• If you allowed your engine to run for a while after it was jumped, but it doesn’t start again afterward, then your battery needs to be replaced. 

How Long Will an Alternator Last?

Most alternators last on Metairie roads somewhere between 80,000 and 150,000 miles — or approximately seven years. However, some things can cause your alternator to wear out faster, such as::

• Extreme driving conditions
• Poor alternator quality
• Regular power drain on the alternator

How Much is an Alternator?

Another common question that the service team received is, “How much is an alternator?” It varies by make, model, and year of the vehicle. You can call the %%di_name% service center for a free quote, or if you like DIY projects, contact our parts department or order your alternator online.

Leson Chevrolet Company, Inc. is Always at Your Service

Leson Chevrolet Company, Inc. can help you get the new alternator you need at a fair price. You might want to check our service specials to see if you can save some money on your next service appointment. We are conveniently located near Belle Chasse, so reach out to us today.