What Does an Alternator Do?

Car Alternator

If you’ve ever taken your vehicle into a Grafton area mechanic’s shop, they may have mentioned one of your vehicle’s components known as an alternator. What does an alternator do? How much is an alternator, for that matter? Don’t worry – the team at Dan Cava's GMC is here to answer these questions! Continue reading to learn more – and be sure to contact us if you have any questions!

So What Does a Car Alternator Do?

Traditional gas and diesel vehicles use a battery to start, as well as to power various accessories. But the battery only has so much capacity – and if there wasn’t some sort of recharging system, we’d be recharging and replacing batteries on Morgantown roadsides all the time! The car part known as the alternator is what solves this problem, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy that’s used to power accessories and recharge the battery while your vehicle is running.

What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Alternator? 

If your alternator is on its way out, there are a few symptoms that should be fairly easy to recognize. If you notice any of these issues, schedule a service appointment with our team of certified mechanics today!

  • Battery warning light appearing on the dashboard
  • Dim headlights or interior lights
  • Burning rubber smell under the hood
  • Devices not charging
  • Whining or screeching sound after the vehicle has started
  • Unable to start

How Much Does it Cost to Replace an Alternator?

At Dan Cava's GMC, our expert team of certified technicians works on nearly any type of car, truck, or SUV you can imagine! As such, there’s a lot of different parts manufacturers and brands that require specific parts, including alternators. Because of this, it’s difficult for us to say exactly how much your alternator replacement will cost – but calling our team at %%di_phone_number%% and scheduling an appointment will get you closer to finding out! For an estimate on parts cost alone, contact our parts department.

All Your Service Needs in Bridgeport!

No matter what service or repair you need for your vehicle, you can get it taken care of by the experts at Dan Cava's GMC’s Service Department. We’ve got technicians certified to work on a wide range of vehicles, not just Buick products! We’re just a short trip from Fairmont, and our rotating cycle of service specials brings great deals to the table!

 

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