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There are several important parts under the hood of a vehicle that help it run effectively. They include components that help provide electrical power to various systems. Among them is the alternator.
The alternator is a component in a vehicle that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, providing power to various systems. It works by using a serpentine belt to drive the rotor within the alternator, creating electricity through the movement of magnets. The alternator charges the car battery by converting the alternating current (AC) it produces into direct current (DC) power that the battery can absorb.
Signs of a failing alternator include a weakened battery, dimming lights, problems with electronics, abnormal noises and issues starting the vehicle. Becoming an automotive technician can help provide you with the skills and knowledge to diagnose and repair alternator issues, as well as pursue a career in the automotive industry. Keep reading this guide to learn all about alternators and why they’re important!
The car alternator is responsible for helping provide electrical power to different parts in a vehicle. It differs from a battery, which is a key component that helps start the engine. Once the battery does its job, the alternator takes over to help keep the car running.
So, what does an alternator do? As stated before, the alternator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The crankshaft in a vehicle utilizes a serpentine belt, or V-belt, to drive the alternator, which moves the rotor within the alternator at a high speed.
As this rotor spins, electricity is created. There are magnets inside the alternator that allow the AC to convert the mechanical energy generated into electricity. Power gets sent to a voltage regulator that distributes electricity to different parts of the car.
Parts powered by the alternator include a variety of electrical components, from headlights to electric steering and power windows. The alternator also has the task of charging the battery.
Car batteries operate on DC power, not the AC that alternators produce. Before energy from the alternator can be sent to the battery, it needs to be converted.
Prior to going through a voltage regulator, power gets sent through a diode rectifier that turns it into DC that the battery can absorb. This allows it to recharge.
While most alternators are built to last a long time, there are parts in them that can wear out over time. Overuse, heat damage and general wear can diminish the health of an alternator. Without a working alternator, a vehicle can encounter a range of issues.
Here are some indications that your alternator may be starting to fail:
It’s a good idea to get your vehicle looked at whenever you’re experiencing anything out of the ordinary to ensure the parts are working properly. The alternator is an important component in your vehicle’s electrical system that you want to keep in good condition!
An alternator can only induce an AC current while a generator can produce both an AC and a DC.
Weakened battery, dimming lights, problems with electronics, abnormal noises or issues starting the vehicle can be signs of a failing alternator.
A car can’t go far with a broken alternator or without one. This is because the alternator is what charges the car’s battery. Once the battery is used up, without the alternator, the battery will no longer run.
A great way to improve your skills working on vehicles is to train to become an automotive technician. Not only could you learn how to maintain and work on your own vehicle, but you could work toward a hands-on career in a growing industry.
Total auto technician employment is expected to be 815,000 by 2033.47 Attending a trade school like Universal Technical Institute (UTI) is a great way to gain the education you need for an entry-level position in the industry.1
The Automotive Technology program offered at UTI can help give you the hands-on education and training employers are looking for.18 Courses cover a range of topics, like the various electrical systems and parts in vehicles, including alternators.
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Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.