Driving a car is an experience that entails having to ask oneself all sorts of questions daily. Every car comes with its own set of unique nooks and crannies that require varying degrees of attention and proper working knowledge.
One of the questions that you probably have in mind is: How long will my alternator last?
The main reason the question of alternator lifespans has become important in recent years is that more drivers find themselves in a frightening situation wherein they hear a clicking sound when turning their cars on. However, the main culprit isn’t as frightening as you might expect: it’s your alternator.
By knowing your alternator’s lifespan, you can save yourself from a bad situation and prevent any problems from occurring at the most inconvenient of times. Instead of having to drive out in fear of ending up as a sitting duck in the middle of the freeway and putting yourself in danger, knowing how long your alternator will last can prevent that.
To answer the main question at hand, a good-quality alternator is expected to last you anywhere between 100,000 and 150,000 miles.
It is worth noting, however, that the 100,000 to 150,000 mark won’t always apply as there are some cases wherein alternators can go out long before they get to those numbers. As easy as it may be to spot an alternator problem, taking the initiative to prevent it from happening in the first place is an entirely different story.
To prevent yourself from getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead alternator, let’s first brush up on everything that you need to know about the situation:
How can you spot a dying alternator before it catches you off-guard?
There are different ways to spot the signs that your alternator is about to meet its end. However, the DEAD method has been proven to be the most reliable approach. If you’ve come to grow quite concerned over the health of your car’s alternator, here are the main signs to watch out for:
D – Dimming headlights that continue to weaken over time until your alternator completely goes out
E – Electrical issues, such as flickering lights on your dashboard or radio malfunctions
A – Abnormal noises when you start up your car
D – Dead battery and a stalling engine that fails to keep the flow of power consistent when you hit the throttle—also known as the signs that immediate replacement is needed
Can I prevent my alternator from going kaput and prolong its life?
Generally speaking, there’s no way that you can effectively lengthen the lifespan of your alternator’s lifespan as each of them is bound to expire upon reaching 100,000 to 150,000 miles. The best way to save yourself from the inconvenience of a busted alternator, however, is to use the DEAD method above and swap your worn-out alternator with a replacement from a reputable supplier, such as Kar Parts.
Final thoughts
Dealing with a dead or dying alternator can often prove to be one of the most inconvenient experiences when driving a car. Nonetheless, by taking the right steps toward identifying the warning signs of a dying alternator, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and time at an instant.
If you’re looking for an alternator or any other aftermarket auto body parts in Los Angeles, check out our wide range of selections and place your order right away.
