People may think that the battery powers the electrics in your car, but that’s not the case. The battery provides electricity needed for the electric starter motor to start the car. When the car is ...

Zak is new to the CarBuzz team, working as a freelance content writer. When Zak isn't writing How To articles for CarBuzz he's working as a high school automotive technology instructor. Before ...

The alternator is not a complex piece of machinery, yet it’s an integral part of conventionally fueled vehicles’ electrical systems, and like all car parts, it will ultimately break down. Here are the ...

We earn commissions from purchases you make using links in our articles. Learn more. The alternator is a device that keeps your car’s electrical system running once the engine is on. It’s essentially ...

The alternator in your vehicle is not a disposable item like the engine oil, automatic transmission fluid (ATF), or radiator coolant. The average lifespan of an alternator is around 80,000 to 150,000 ...

A failing battery might seem straight forward to spot, but a failing alternator can be a little more difficult to identify without knowing its voltage output.

The battery is often the first thing that comes to mind when people think about what powers a car's electrical system. After all, batteries are what supply power to most of our devices. However, ...

Alternator trouble is a very common occurrence, and unless you live with a silver spoon in your mouth and have a dedicated person to do your dirty work, alternator trouble is in your future. When it ...

It doesn’t matter whether it’s in the deep chill of winter or the heat of summer, on a work truck, emergency vehicle, or personal rig—the last thing a driver wants to see or hear are dim headlights ...

Do you own a '69-or-earlier Mopar musclecar? Unless it has already been upgraded, the charging system consists of the old "weak sister" single-field alternator and its accompanying mechanical ...

A faulty alternator not only makes the safe operation of a car impossible but can significantly damage the entire vehicle. For instance, faults in the electrical part of the alternator lead to severe ...