Alternator

Alternator service offered at Hi-Tech Auto Specialists in IL

Drive Confidently After an Alternator Service

An alternator in a car converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It operates by using the rotational energy from the engine, rather than relying on a hand crank or fuel to power it.


Don't confuse it with the battery, though. The battery provides the initial electrical power to start your car. But once the engine runs, the alternator takes over and keeps everything powered, including charging the battery for the next startup.


It's easy to see how important this component is in your vehicle. So, if it's malfunctioning, you'll notice issues like dimming lights, a dead battery, or difficulty starting your car. At Hi-Tech Auto Specialists, we provide regular alternator service to keep these issues at bay. We also offer alternator replacement if required.

What Are the Components of an Alternator


Your vehicle's alternator has the following components:


  • Stator: The stator winding consists of a series of copper coils that work with the rotor to produce alternating current (AC).
  • Rotor: Featuring an iron core with copper wiring, the rotor generates a magnetic field when electricity passes through its windings.
  • Bridge Rectifier: The bridge rectifier is a set of diodes that only let current flow in one direction, converting the AC electricity produced by the stator into DC electricity for vehicle use.
  • Voltage Regulator: Alternators produce varying levels of voltage, so the voltage regulator monitors and controls the output to maintain a steady electricity flow.
  • Brushes: Alternators with brushes have a set of carbon-graphite contacts that transmit power from the rotating shaft to the stationary wiring.
  • Slip Rings: Some alternators use slip rings instead of brushes to make electrical connections between the stator and rotor.
  • Cooling Fan: The alternator produces a lot of heat during operation, and the cooling fan helps dissipate this heat to prevent the alternator from overheating.


At Hi-Tech Auto Specialists, our experts can diagnose issues with every alternator component. Our alternator service keeps your vehicle's charging system working at its best.


How Does an Alternator Work?


The alternator is the main component in a vehicle's charging system, keeping the battery charged and the electrical system running smoothly. Here's how its components work together for power generation in the vehicle:


  • Drive Belt: The engine's drive belt powers the alternator. It transfers mechanical energy from the engine to the alternator's pulley, causing it to spin.
  • Rotor Assembly: Inside the alternator, the rotor assembly spins, creating a magnetic field. The field interacts with the stator winding, a series of copper coils, to produce alternating current (AC) electricity.
  • Rectifier: Since vehicles require direct current (DC) electricity, the alternator's rectifier converts the AC into DC. Thevoltage regulator maintains a steady voltage output to prevent the battery from overcharging or undercharging.


If any of these systems fail, it can cause issues with the functioning of your vehicle. In case that happens, bring your vehicle to Hi-Tech Auto Specialists, and we will diagnose and fix the problem promptly.


Warning Signs of a Faulty Alternator


Several warning signs can warrant a visit to Hi-Tech Auto Specialists for your vehicle's alternator service. Here are some of them.


Dimming or Flickering Lights


When the alternator struggles to maintain power, you might notice dimming or flickering headlights and dashboard lights. It's a clear sign that the vehicle's electrical system isn't getting enough electrical energy.


Battery Issues


As we've mentioned, the alternator charges the battery. If your vehicle's battery keeps dying, it might be due to a faulty alternator not providing enough charge.


In fact, poor battery charging is among the most common symptoms of a malfunctioning alternator. A simple check of the voltage can confirm if this is the issue. At Hi-Tech Auto Specialists, we use a range of diagnostics tools to identify the problem and resolve it efficiently.


Dashboard Warning Lights


If there's a voltage drop, the dashboard may light up with the "battery" or "alternator" warning signs. Modern vehicles also show warning messages on the infotainment screen. Bring your vehicle to Hi-Tech Auto Specialists for immediate diagnostics if you see such a sign.


Unusual Noises


A loose or worn alternator belt can affect belt tension, causing grinding or squealing noises. As a result, the alternator's performance declines, resulting in charging efficiency issues, which need to be resolved as soon as possible.


Electrical Faults


Repeated alternator issues can deteriorate battery health and cause persistent electrical faults like malfunctioning car accessories or intermittent power loss.


Routine electrical testing can help diagnose and resolve these problems early. We recommend bringing your vehicle to Hi-Tech Auto Specialists for regular alternator service for early detection of underlying issues.


Choose Hi-Tech Auto Specialists for Vehicle Alternator Service


As established, a malfunctioning alternator can affect multiple parts of your vehicle, including the battery and electrical system. The sooner you detect the problem, the easier and more affordable it is to fix.


At Hi-Tech Auto Specialists, we have a team of experienced technicians who have been finding and resolving alternator issues using advanced diagnostics since 1986.