What Does an Alternator Do?

At Land Rover Paramus, our service department is here to answer all your questions about the mechanics of your Land Rover. If you’re driving a car in Ridgewood that’s a few years old, or you purchase a pre-owned vehicle, it’s handy to understand a bit about how everything under the hood works. What does an alternator do? It’s your car’s power center.

The Heart of Your Land Rover’s Electrical System

When you ask what does an alternator do, you have to look at your car’s electrical system – the motor, battery, and alternator. When you turn on the engine, it activates the alternator which creates mechanical energy that charges the battery. Most alternators have a seven to ten-year life span, depending on how many miles you put on your Land Rover and how rugged you drive in Jersey City. Keeping all the moving parts well maintained will help extend the life of your car’s alternator.

How Much is an Alternator?

While prices vary, a new alternator tends to cost from $500 to $1000. How much an alternator costs depends on if you opt for a new alternator with a full warranty, or a remanufactured alternator that might have a limited warranty. Land Rover Paramus has parts specials that can help you save money on the cost of an alternator or the cost of a replacement battery.

Signs That It’s Time to Check Your Alternator

When your alternator starts reaching the end of its run you’ll see some tell-tale signs in the form of less power getting to the parts of your Land Rover that use the battery’s electricity. This could mean features like power windows, power seats, lights, and audio systems might not work exactly as they were designed to. Your Service Engine or Battery warning lights might come on. Dashboard lights might be dim. The car might be hesitant to start, or not start at all. In some cases you might hear odd noises like rattling or whining, or smell burning rubber. If any of these symptoms appear, contact us to make an appointment to have your alternator tested.

Land Rover Paramus Covers Your Parts and Service Needs

Our service department will keep you on the road in Fort Lee. From regular maintenance like oil changes to replacing parts like alternators and batteries, our service technicians are here to keep your Land Rover Discovery Sport or your Range Rover Velar in excellent condition for years. Our service department stocks British-made OEM parts made especially for Land Rover.