Back to all

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Pickerington Automotive Tips: Alternator

January 31, 2018

Your alternator makes electricity to start and run your engine and all of the vital electrical systems in your vehicle. That’s everything from the on-board computers to the turn signals. And of course there is the entertainment system, seat heaters, power windows and everything you plug into the power outlets. After your alternator makes enough electricity to do all that, it recharges your battery with what’s left over.

When Pickerington drivers constantly have a low or dead battery, the alternator is usually a prime suspect. However, the alternator is just one vital component of the starting/charging system, and a problem with any of the other components could be the actual cause.

In addition to the alternator, the charging/starting system includes the battery, starter, serpentine belt system and all of the electrical cables that connect them. Your Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Pickerington service advisor has a systematic process of testing components and connections to get to the source of your trouble. The initial symptoms determine where to begin the diagnostic process, and he follows the procedure until he tracks down the culprit.

For example, diagnostic tests at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Pickerington could reveal that the alternator is not generating enough electricity to keep the battery charged. Is the alternator bad? Not necessarily. A worn serpentine belt tensioner could be allowing the belt that spins the alternator to slip. So the perfectly good alternator is not spinning at the proper speed. The solution for Pickerington drivers is to replace the serpentine belt system – not the alternator.

The good news for Pickerington drivers is that our highly-trained technicians at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Pickerington can properly diagnose all your vehicle troubles and make the necessary repairs to get you back on the road in Pickerington.

Give us a call.

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Pickerington
1223 Hill Road N.
Pickerington, Ohio 43147
614-751-0111
http://www.tuffypickerington.com



Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Tuffy Pickerington

When You Hear the Crash in Pickerington: What to Do After an Accident

March 24, 2024

Motorists in North America drive about 3 trillion miles/4.8 trillion kilometers every year. There are over 250+ million licensed drivers, and approximately 6.2 million accidents happen every year. Unfortunately, if we're going to drive vehicles, there are going to be accidents. Knowing what to do... More

Engine Air Filter from Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Pickerington

March 17, 2024

Many Pickerington drivers have found themselves in the following situation: They go to get their oil changed and their friendly service advisor at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Pickerington recommends a new engine air filter. They say yes, but don't know what an air filter is or what it does.If this... More

Your Well Trained Technician at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Pickerington

March 10, 2024

When your vehicle has a problem or just needs some routine service, you might get a little nervous. Your vehicle's so important to your life in Pickerington, you need to get back on the road as soon as possible with the problem fixed right the first time.If you've ever checked into some of the t... More