TELL-TALE SIGNS YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW ALTERNATOR

Many of us have experienced the inconvenience of getting into our car, turning the key and… nothing. This can be a sign of two things –a new battery or a new alternator is needed. We first recommend checking the battery. If no problem is found after a thorough check, you’re most likely looking at a new alternator. When bringing your vehicle to our Omaha auto repair shop, we’ll also double check if a new alternator is needed.

But what is an alternator? The alternator works with the battery to generate power for the electrical components of the vehicle. This includes lights (interior and exterior) and the dashboard panel. Alternators can deteriorate over time – as they become dirty or experience stress from the extreme Omaha summer heat and winter cold. There’s no hard and fast rule on how long an alternator will last, as it varies depending on the manufacturer.

If you think your vehicle might be having an alternator problem, here are a few signs to look for:

• Dimming headlights
• Speedometer and tachometer stop working
• Radio stops working
• A growling noise
• Smell of burnt rubber or hot wires

The alternator is a key component in the running your vehicle and cannot go unrepaired. If you think your car might need a new alternator, please give us a call at House of Mufflers and Brakes, and have one of our Omaha auto repair technicians assess your vehicle.