Automotive Alternators Online

Your alternator distributes electricity to parts and systems that use it, making it an essential component in your vehicle's charging system. It does that by taking the mechanical energy that the engine produces and converting it into electricity.

How an Alternator Works

Your crankshaft converts the vertical motion of the engine pistons into a rotary motion. That in turn moves a drive belt attached to a pulley on the rotor shaft. The shaft spins as a result, agitating magnetic coils and creating a magnetic field. The voltage from that field is captured as AC power by a rectifier, and then converted to the DC power your windows, sound system, wipers and other parts use.

How to Recognize a Failing Alternator

Even the highest quality alternator can begin to go bad, though. When that happens, you need to replace yours as soon as possible as your battery will get drained quickly by the demand. Signs of trouble include:

• Flickering or dimming headlights
• The sound system acts up
• Your power windows quit working
• You hear a whining noise coming from the engine

Save Up To 35% On The Genuine OEM Alternators You Can Trust

Test your battery's voltage level with the engine turned off if you suspect your alternator is going bad. If it reads low, give it a good charge. If it still measures low, your alternator is probably failing. If you want to choose the right alternator for your model, go with one made by your manufacturer. Our online auto parts store has plenty in stock and priced well below the retail that other dealers charge. They're ready to ship, so buy now and save!