A faulty alternator can cause the battery to become drained to the point that your car won’t fire up, leaving you stranded and in need of assistance. To avoid such a predicament, you’ll want to get to the shop at the first indication of alternator trouble. At Chuck’s Auto Care, our local mechanics are highly experienced with alternator replacement and auto electric repair in the greater Barboursville area.

Common Signs of Alternator Failure

With a failing alternator, your vehicle’s electrical accessories are liable to malfunction. In today’s vehicles, computers are commonly capable of decreasing power to certain accessories when alternator trouble is detected. This saves more power for the vehicle’s most essential electrical functions, but may cause issues such as power windows taking longer to roll up/down and power seats not adjusting like they usually do. An alternator problem can also cause headlights to start acting erratically, which could create a safety hazard while driving at night. 

It’s common for the first sign of alternator trouble to be an illuminated warning light. If you see a light on your dashboard come on with the letters ALT or GEN, then alternator trouble could be brewing. In some cars, this light instead turns on in the shape of a small rectangular battery. Anytime a warning light flashes on, it’s important to figure out what is triggering it ASAP. This will give you the best chance to resolve the issue before it escalates. 

Another potential sign of alternator failure is that your battery has died. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are several other problems that commonly cause dead batteries, such as leaving on headlights, parasitic draws, corroded/loose connections, and old age. But if you’re sure that none of these issues are at play, then it’s worth further looking into your alternator as the reason that your battery is dead.

Alternator Replacement & Auto Electric Repair in Barboursville, VA

When you need auto repair in Barboursville and the surrounding area, contact Chuck’s Auto Care at (434) 423-4477. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!