There’s nothing worse than discovering your car won’t start. While it’s instinctual to blame your vehicle’s battery, sometimes it could be the fault of the alternator.
It might surprise some, but your vehicle’s battery and alternator form a dynamic duo that keeps your car running smoothly.
Before we go any further and discuss what your car’s battery’s primary function is.
What Does the Car Battery Do?
Your car’s battery is your vehicle’s primary power source and supply when the engine is off. Its main job is to store energy and deliver it when your car needs it most, especially when starting the engine.
The battery provides power to the car’s starter motor, which turns the engine over when the ignition is turned on. The battery also energises the ignition system, which ignites the fuel and air mixture in the car’s engine.
The battery starts the car and also powers the lights, the radio, and other electronic components when the engine isn’t running.
Its last function is to act as a voltage stabiliser, which helps prevent sensitive electronics from malfunctioning when voltage levels fluctuate.
While your car’s battery is incredibly versatile, it cannot work efficiently without a functional alternator.
What Does the Car Alternator Do?
Your car’s alternator is crucial to your vehicle’s electrical system. Its primary purpose is to generate power by the engine’s serpentine belt.
When your alternator is working and the engine is running, it recharges the battery and supplies electricity to your car’s systems.
Your car’s alternator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy through a process known as electromagnetic induction.
Essentially, the alternator ensures that your battery doesn’t run flat while you’re on the road. Without it, your car would only run for as long as the battery had charge.
Now that we understand how your car’s battery and alternator keep your vehicle powered, how do they collaborate?
How They Work Together
Your car’s battery and alternator work together to ensure all the electronics in your vehicle run smoothly.
When starting your car’s engine, your car’s battery provides electricity to the starter motor, which turns the engine’s crankshaft and gets the pistons moving.
At the same time, with the burst of electricity released earlier, your battery powers the ignition system, which produces sparks via spark plugs. These sparks ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders, which starts the combustion process.
Once the combustion starts, the engine starts turning over, and the alternator starts producing electricity via cogs and belts.
When the alternator operates, it provides power to all the car’s electrical systems and recharges the battery.
This relationship is a constant cycle of energy exchange, with the alternator keeping the battery topped up and the battery acting as the backup when needed.
Signs of Trouble
A problem with either component can and will affect the other.
Here are common signs that something might be wrong:
- Dim or flickering headlights could indicate a failing alternator.
- The battery warning light on the dashboard is often tied to alternator issues.
- A slow engine crank or clicking sound is typical for battery trouble.
- Or you may discover a dead battery after completing many short trips, which could indicate a weak alternator that is not recharging the battery fully.
To avoid experiencing this inconvenience, you should adopt a maintenance routine.
Maintaining Your Battery and Alternator
Regular car maintenance helps prevent issues with either component.
To keep both in good shape:
- Test your battery annually, especially before winter.
- Inspect the alternator belt for wear and tear.
- Listen for unusual sounds like whining or grinding, which could signal alternator trouble.
- Keep terminals clean to ensure proper battery performance.
If you’re concerned about your battery or alternator, you should have them tested by battery specialists, either at one of our stockists or at a SABAT Xpress.