How Often Should An Alternator Be Replaced?

Is your car getting hard to start?  Does it stop running after you get it started?  You may be wondering if the issue is caused by a bad battery, a failing car starter, or a bad alternator?  Worried about how often should an alternator be replaced?  So that you can trust your car again, head to your auto repair shop and have these three parts of the starter system checked out.  Although the starter system was designed for repeated use under a variety of weather and road conditions, normal wear and tear, or poor maintenance can all create issues.

There are several things that can ruin an alternator, leading to a needed replacement:  

• Using jumper cables wrong, 
• Overloading the charging system with too many accessories,
• Leaking fluid, or
• A tight belt that can damage bearings.

If the car starter and the battery have been ruled out as the culprit of your starting issues, it leaves the alternator.  Wonder what does the alternator do?  The alternator charges the battery. Then the battery ignites the starter.  But it’s the alternator that keeps the vehicle running by constantly keeping the battery charged. When the alternator goes bad and can no longer keep the battery charged, it will ultimately die.  

Just how often should an alternator be replaced?  There is no set service interval for alternators.  Its lifespan has usually affected the quality of the component, how the car is driven, and how many electronic accessories are being used.  Inappropriately, the alternator can die with little or no warning.  Here are several signs you will notice when it is starting to go bad:

1. The "ALT" or "GEN" light illuminates on the instrument panel.
2. The lights are dimmer than usual and may pulsate from dim to bright.
3. Other electrical systems, such as power windows, power locks, air conditioning, radio, GPS, etc., will start to act up.
4. Bearings in the engine may fail, creating unusual rattles. 
5. The engine will stall as there is not sufficient power in the spark plugs to start the engine or to keep it running.
6. The battery will lose its charge because the alternator can’t keep it charged.  

Are you wondering how often should an alternator be replaced?  Contact our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about car starters, alternators, and batteries and to request an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

When Should Wheel Alignment Be Done?

Do you want to know what it means when your vehicle has the correct front alignment?  First, you should be able to notice that your vehicle has a good grip and traction on the road.  Second, you should notice that the tread is wearing fairly equal on all 4 tires.  Third, it means that your tires are moving together at the same speed and direction.

There are several issues and conditions relating to misalignment problems:

1. Poor roads. Hitting a pothole or a curb, going too fast over a speed bump, or consistently driving on bumpy gravel roads can cause your car to lose its alignment.
2. Worn out suspension. When your car is misaligned, struts and shocks can become loose, unable to keep your vehicle stable on the road.
3. After-market modifications. Modifications to your vehicle, such as lifting the height or adjusting the suspension, make a front alignment service become compulsory.
4. Accident.  The car alignment can be thrown off even in a small fender-bender.

So when should wheel alignment be done?  A front alignment service every few months will advantage you by …

• Prolonging the life of your tires, 
• Improves your vehicle’s fuel economy,
• Preventing issues in the suspension system, and 
• Providing a more comfortable ride. 

A tip to remember:  Take a walk around your vehicle frequently to check the condition of your tires. If the tread is wearing unevenly or if the rubber is looking worn, it would be wise to get your wheel alignment inspected as soon as possible, especially if you’re feeling issues in the steering and control of your vehicle. 

Do you want to know more about when should wheel alignment be done?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about front alignment services and to request an appointment.  Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.