Do you know the signs that your car needs an alternator repair? It’s a good idea to learn how to tell your alternator is in disrepair, as that’ll help you get to the Kia dealer sooner to get it fixed.
Battery Warning Light
A battery-shaped warning light will illuminate on your dashboard if your car’s electrical system is having problems. As soon as this comes on, head to the dealer to find out what the problem is. It often indicates problems with your alternator, but it can be a sign of other problems, too.
Headlight Problems
A faulty alternator can cause problems with your headlights. Commonly, alternator problems result in dimmer headlights. A faulty alternator can also make your headlights flicker, or it could cause them to become brighter when you rev the engine. Make sure you head to the dealer once it’s bright enough to drive without your headlights on.
Dead Battery
An alternator that’s in disrepair may not be able to charge your battery sufficiently. This leads to a dead battery, and therefore, trouble starting your car. Although, if you jumpstart your car, and your car remains on, then your alternator probably isn’t the problem. However, you will need to visit the dealer to get your battery checked.
Faulty Accessories
The accessories in your car, such as the radio, power seats, power windows, and USB ports get their power supply from the battery. An alternator that’s having problems can’t supply the battery with enough power to keep all the accessories running, leading to faulty accessories. However, if just one of your accessories stops working but the rest are fine, then your car may have a blown fuse.
Unusual Noises
A rubbing or misaligned drive belt may make a whining or growling sound. Other problems, such as a bad rotor shaft or failed bearings, can also result in whining or growling noises. Make sure you take a little time out of every drive to listen for strange noises, as different components of your car make different noises when there’s something wrong.
Burning Smell
If there’s a burning smell coming from the engine, then it could be down to your alternator. The drive belt or other components of the alternator may be damaged.
Stalling Engine
Your battery will eventually run out of power if your alternator can’t charge it. This leads to your engine stalling. Even if you jumpstart your battery, it won’t stay running for long, as your alternator can’t charge it to keep it supplied with power.
Stop by Courtesy Kia in Altoona, PA if you notice any of the signs above. Our factory-trained technicians can get your alternator back in great shape in no time.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.