You know how to operate a lot of the features in your car, I’m sure. You may even be a master when it comes to skipping ahead to the next CD, putting your car on auto pilot and surfing the channels on satellite radio. And, since you have continuous experience with these features, you also know when something is wrong. But what about the heart of your car? Do you know how the alternator works, or what your battery really does?
If not, it’s okay, as most people probably don’t. However, when you are more aware of how your car operates, you’re more likely to be able to spot a problem early on, and you may even learn to appreciate your car more once you know how much work goes in to making run.
As the owner of Benchmark Auto Services in Minnesota, Jeremy Wolfson has been passionate about the inner workings of automobiles from a young age. And, when current or prospective clients want to know more about their cars other than how much it will cost to handles repairs, he is happy to oblige. While it may be difficult to digest all of the information regarding how your vehicle operates, Wolfson begins with the key components of a car’s electrical system.
Battery: Mainly, says Wolfson, the key job of your car’s battery is to start the car. And that’s quite a job. It also provides a reserve of electricity in case the alternator is unable to keep up with the demands of its main tasks. If you know a little bit about the car battery, or you’ve ever had trouble getting your car started, then you may have heard of something often referred to as “the eye.” What this is, says Wolfson, is a color indicator on the top of some batteries that lets you know the condition it is currently in. For instance, a green marking means that the battery is fully charged, red means that it is undercharged and yellow means that the battery cells are low on electrolytes, which is the solution that conducts the car’s electricity.
If you find that your battery is undercharged and you cannot think of something that has drained its electricity, like leaving a door open or an interior light on all night, then it might need to be replaced. If you’re experiencing frequent problems and your battery is already a few years old, then you should have it tested to determine if it is working properly, suggests Wolfson. Typically, on a well-maintained car, a battery should last three to five years. However, Wolfson says he has seen cars that have had the same battery for over 10 years and are still working perfectly.
Alternator: The main function of the alternator is to provide electric power to all of your car’s accessories and the ignition system once your car is running, he explains. This includes your radio, headlights, built-in GPS, and more. There’s not really much you can do to maintain an alternator, he says, other than make sure you bring in your car for its scheduled maintenance. At that time, if needed, your mechanic can replace the drive belt in your car, which helps this system function.
One common mistake that many car owners make, Wolfson advises, is that when their car doesn’t start, they automatically jump to the conclusion that it is their battery that is the problem. In all actuality, there is a good chance that the issue is with the alternator. The only real way to know which part is in need of repair or replacement is to bring your car to your local auto repair shop to have your battery charged to see if the issue has been solved, he adds. If not, then the problem is your alternator.
Starter: A car’s starter is an electric motor that triggers the engine so that it will, well, start. It may seem simple, but as Wolfson explains, this is the most difficult job in your car’s system because turning over the engine takes a lot of power. Since you car has so many elements that are powered by electricity, turning it all on can be quite a task. Your car’s radio, for example, draws about one amp of currency, he says, while your starter on the other hand, draws 200 amps.
