Your vehicle's alternator works with the battery and voltage regulator to keep electrical components running. The electrical system is comprised of an intricate connection of circuits and your battery that create, store and disperse power where it's needed. The electrical system is additionally important for starting the engine along with certain safety features like headlights and blinkers.

When your alternator begins to fail, warning signs might include:

A dashboard battery warning light may appear

Headlights and/or dashboard lights are unusually dim

The smell of burning rubber or plastic

Growling or whining noises

Slow or non-working accessories like power windows, automatic locks, or the radio

Vehicle has trouble starting or stalls

Why Alternator Service Is Important:

These symptoms could be indicative of an issue with the actual car battery, a cable or belt, or the alternative itself. No matter what is causing it, any of the above issues warrant a trip to your friendly, local automotive service center to make sure you stay safe on the road and don't end up stuck with a vehicle that won't start.