Your alternator is an integral part of your vehicle. The main job of the alternator is to keep the battery of your car charged. If the alternator is faulty, you won't be able to turn the engine over. You also won't be able to access any of the electrical components of your vehicle like the headlights, radio, etc. Here are some indicators that it might be time for an alternator repair in Silver Spring, MD. Your Battery Is Constantly Dying If you're having problems starting your car, the problem may be that your alternator isn't able to do its job of charging the battery. If you notice this happening frequently, it's time to take it to the shop. You don't want to end up stranded in the middle of the highway when the alternator finally conks out. Letting this problem go too long could also cause irreversible damage to the starter and the battery. more Dimmed Lights If you notice that your interior lights, headlights, or dashboard lights appear dimmer than usual, there's a good chance that your alternator is needing to get replaced or repaired. They can appear faded and dull, and sporadic blinking or flickering may occur. This is your alternator telling you that you're going to want to book a service appointment before it's too late. You Smell Burning Rubber This isn't the most common sign, but still one to look out for. When your alternator belt can't move freely on the pulleys, it results in friction. This friction will often produce the smell of burnt rubber because of the heating of the belt. Any type of burning smell should not be ignored whether it relates to your alternator or not. There's a Grinding Sound A grinding sound from your vehicle could be from a number of problems, none of which are good. When it comes to the alternator, it could be because of a dirty or worn bearing. If you hear more of a whining sound, this could be a result of the voltage regulator malfunctioning and telling your alternator to recharge more often than it should. It's also a good idea to check the battery if you hear these noises. Accessories Are Malfunctioning Just like dimming lights, if your vehicle accessories are malfunctioning, the alternator could be to blame. This could mean your automatic windows aren't working properly, or you're having issues with seat warmers or even the speedometer. These are all early signs of an alternator that is on its last legs. Difficulty Starting Your Car If you notice that it keeps getting increasingly difficult to turn your engine over, it could be a signal that you need a new alternator. It might not be finished but could need service due to the brushes not reaching the coils the way they should, causing the alternator to not work properly. Schedule Silver Spring Alternator Repair Today If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, head down to DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Silver Spring and have our team of talented service professionals take a look. You can get a service scheduled so that the certified service experts at our car dealership can inspect your vehicle’s alternator. You can visit us for all sorts of other auto repair in Silver Spring, MD as well!
