What is the Difference Between a Battery and Alternator Issue?

A battery is the source of power for your car, which goes to the alternator to produce electricity. There are a few different things that can cause a car not to start. These include the battery, the starter motor, the ignition switch, and the alternator. Learn more in this blog article where I break each one down for you!

What is the Difference Between a Battery and Alternator Issue?

The alternator is an important part of your car. It provides the battery with power when the engine is running so that you can start your car. When it is not working, your battery will most likely die because it cannot charge up enough to run the starter motor.

What are the Causes of Battery Issues

A battery is just a box that contains a bunch of wires and metal plates. These plates are filled with lead, sulfuric acid, and other substances that can generate electricity. The battery gets its charge from the alternator, which converts the engine's mechanical energy into electrical energy. When running at optimal levels, the alternator's job is to charge the battery so it can take care of all the power demands that come along with driving your car.

How to Fix a Dead or Sputtering Battery

If you've had your car for a few years, it's likely that something in the charging system has worn down. The alternator could be going bad, or the battery could be dead. It's also possible that there are other problems in the car's electrical system too. The first step is to replace the battery if it shows signs of corrosion or leaks. If this doesn't solve the problem, you'll need to replace the alternator.

What are Fuses?

A fuse is an electrical safety device that prevents damage to the vehicle's electrical system. If the battery or alternator needs to be replaced, then the fuses should also be replaced, too. This will prevent any future issues with the electrical systems.

How to Check for an Electrical Fault

It's a good idea to think about a battery that's getting old and has a lot of use. A battery with a lot of use is going to have a shorter life compared to a car with less use. The alternator is typically going to last longer, but it can still fail. The major difference is that the battery will die if it's left alone, whereas an alternator issue typically powers down when you turn off the vehicle.

What Causes an Alternator Problem

If the alternator belt breaks or slips, this can cause an issue. If you are driving, your power steering may also stop working until you either fix the problem or turn off the engine. And if you are not driving, this will shut down your headlights and radio, as well as other accessories.

Different Types of Alternators

There are basically two types of alternators: mechanical and voltage regulator. A mechanical alternator is the more common type, and it's driven by a belt from the engine. A voltage regulator alternator is sometimes used on diesel engines because they can produce power regardless of the RPMs.

Why Choose PK Motors Accident Repair Centre?

We are your local family run accident repair centre, established over 48 years ago. We are one of the leading accident repair centres in the South East specialising in all manner of repairs, from minor scrapes, to heavy structural damage. We're fully equipped, experienced and qualified so you can be rest assured that your vehicle repairs are in good hands.

​Based in Tunbridge Wells we are ideally situated to cover many areas of Kent, and surrounding areas of East Sussex, West Sussex & Surrey.
For general enquiries please call 01892 532886 or email reception@pkmotors.co.uk

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