Signs of a Bad Car Battery vs. Alternator

Is it one of those days when your car isn’t starting and you can’t tell whether it’s the battery or the alternator that is causing the problem?  Looking for a car battery repair shop nearby? If you answered any of these questions with a ‘yes’, worry no more, we’re here for you.

Signs of a Bad Alternator

One of the biggest signs of having a bad alternator is a loose or broken connection. In instances when everything seems okay but your battery still refuses to work and the alternator is producing electricity, your wires might not be connected properly. The electricity might not be going anywhere or the wire might not be the correct type.

Another major sign of a bad alternator is a bad or broken belt. If the belt is loose or bad, it will cause the alternator to run inappropriately. This might not be very obvious to the common eye and you might have to take your car to a car battery shop.  On the other hand, if you’re comfortable with cars and know your way around them, you can easily identify a broken or loose belt.

One of the more prominent issues that you’ll face if your car has a bad alternator is strange sounds and strange smells.  In terms of sounds, you’ll hear growling or whining noises from your alternator. You will be able to smell something along the lines of burning rubber or an electrical fire. Don’t be alarmed; it’s just your alternator. Get it replaced from Car Guys Auto Center in Fraser, MI today!

Signs of a Bad Battery

The signs of having a dead or a bad car battery are very prominent. You will hear your engine crank, but the car won’t start. This means that something is wrong with your battery.  For this, you might need a jump starter to start your car. You can go to your nearest auto shop and get a car battery replacement if your battery is dead.

Probably one of the biggest signs of a dead or bad battery is an unresponsive car. If your battery is dead, your car won’t crank, won’t start and there will be no lights. At this point, there is no secret that something is very wrong with your battery. Your battery is in charge of the lights even when the alternator is not running, so it is very easy to rule it out.

Another sign of a bad battery is that one day your car will be working fine, but the next day, it won’t start. For this, you should check your battery cables. Make sure they are not loose or removed from their positions. You can also go to a car battery replacement service.  If you have to jump-start your car more than five times in two weeks, chances are you need a new battery altogether.

Now that you know the signs that indicate a bad battery and a bad alternator, you can figure out why your car is not operating. If either problem persists, get your car fixed from your nearest car battery shop today!  Contact Car Guys Auto Center in Macomb County, MI today!  Give us a call today at (586) 285-4444 for all of your auto maintenance needs. We hope to hear from you soon!