FRIDAY TIDBIT: Alternator



Alternator

 The alternator's purpose on the car is to run the electrical system while the engine is running. Alternators are driven using a belt that is turned by the engine's crankshaft pulley.

Alternators are a high failure item on vehicles. Keeping the battery properly charged and not relying on the alternator to charge it up is one way to prolong the alternator's life.  Many people think that when a battery is ran dead the alternator can charge the battery all the way. That is false. The alternator will only put a partial charge back on the battery and this will in time shorten the life of the alternator and the battery.  The battery should be brought back to a full charge using a battery charger.

For more tips and information like this one, visit our Auto Care Tips Page.