Posted on 5/30/2025
When your car’s battery dies, most people assume the battery itself is to blame. But in many cases, it’s the alternator that’s at fault. The alternator is responsible for keeping the battery charged and powering your vehicle’s electrical systems while the engine is running. If it begins to fail, your battery won’t stay charged, and you could find yourself stranded—often without warning. Knowing the symptoms of a bad alternator and how to spot them early can help you avoid sudden breakdowns and keep your car’s electrical system operating smoothly. What the Alternator Does in Your Vehicle Your car’s alternator is a small generator driven by the engine’s serpentine belt. It creates electricity by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. That power is used to recharge the battery and operate everything from the headlights and dashboard lights to power windows, radio, and climate control systems. While th ... read more