By: Klon Perez Updated May 2022, 8: 57 am EDT
The alternator is one of the most important components of a car because it is responsible for transforming mechanical energy into electrical energy. It takes its name from the alternating current it produces through the different induction phenomena to which it is subjected to fulfill its function.
But in addition to transforming energy into electricity, the alternator is capable of storing it in the battery so that it is useful to us even if the car has not been started.
Parts of an alternator
- An inductor that is capable of creating the magnetic field that will cause the electrical voltage when it receives mechanical energy. This piece is commonly known as the rotor.
- An armature that is the conductor subjected to the force field where it has place the transformation called stator.
- A voltage regulator that It is conditioned by the engine revolutions, so that more energy is generated when the vehicle increases rpm and therefore requires more power.
- Alternator or battery light: All cars have key part symbols on their dashboard that warn if something is wrong. If the battery light comes on in your car, the alternator may be failing.
- Faults in electrical accessories: when the alternator is damaged it does not allow the battery to charge optimally. The first failures that we usually notice is in the performance of the lights and some failures in electrical systems. If not checked in time, these faults could cause major damage to the headlights, sound equipment, or even the air conditioning.
- Strange and unusual noises: A faulty, cracked or worn alternator belt can be recognized with the naked eye. But if it happens on the road, the clear proof is a very noticeable noise. You have to be very aware of this component since its detachment can cause parts of the system to come out.
- Low battery: with a digital voltmeter connected to the battery output we can verify if its voltage has dropped. This test should be done with the engine off, but below 03 V the fault is from the battery. With the engine running if it reaches 57.8V is alternator problem.
Frequent failures in an alternator
Cars require more energy every day due to the increase in technological comforts with which they are equipped. This shortens the useful life of some of its components, but it also helps us to identify when there is a fault, because more parts depend on its optimal operation.
These are the symptoms that warn of a possible fault:
The duration of an alternator will always depend on its use or wear. But there are also ways to prevent this from happening by avoiding installing poor quality batteries, leaving lights on, driving often on rural roads that can bring a lot of dust to your parts, or exposing the car to extreme weather conditions.
In principle, the useful life of an alternator, as a whole, is between 125 thousand miles and the 250 thousand, but over time it is very likely that some of its components may need to be replaced. For this reason, you should check the brushes, the rectifier bridge, the rotor and the voltage regulator from time to time.
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