Back to all

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Aurora Automotive Tips: Alternator

March 8, 2020

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 Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora drivers is to replace the serpentine belt system – not the alternator.

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

Give us a call.

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Aurora
3190 N. Aurora Rd.
Aurora, Illinois 60502
630-898-6688



More articles from Tuffy Aurora

Drivers that "T" Us Off (Bad Driving Practices)

April 21, 2024

We've all seen drivers who do things thatlet's be frankreally irritate us. They're inconsiderate, can put people in danger and make the road a much less friendly place. They really "T" us off. These are the bad drivers who fit their description to a "T." The Tailgater. You've seen this terr... More

Change is Good (Oil Change)

April 14, 2024

You've heard that expression, change is good. When it comes to your vehicle's oil, change is not only good, it's vital for the health of the engine. But there's one question that puzzles many drivers: how frequently should my vehicle's oil be changed? There is not one simple answer, but here ar... More

I Want a New Vehicle. Or Do I? (Vehicle Maintenance Payoffs)

April 7, 2024

Spring is a peak season for vehicle sales; companies aggressively market new models and offer all sorts of incentives. So you may be tempted to buy a shiny new beauty. But should you? If you've regularly maintained the vehicle you're driving now, you probably don't NEED a new one. Even if your... More