Is it time to replace your alternator with a used auto part?

If you are driving down the road and you start to notice your dash lights dimming and your headlights dimming there can be a couple of reasons but the most likely is your alternator is beginning to fail. How many times have you seen a car on the side of the highway trying to jump another car. Chances are it's your alternator. If  your vehicle dies and you are getting no power to turn over the engine again chances are good it's the alternator. 

Used Alternators

What is an alternator and what does it do? An automotive charging system is made up of three major components: the battery, the voltage regulator and an alternator. The alternator works with the battery to generate power for the electrical components of a vehicle, like the interior and exterior lights, and the instrument panel. An alternator gets its name from the term alternating current (AC) The alternator is driven by a belt from the crankshaft, along with the air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, water pump, and a couple other accessories. The alternator is designed to generate electricity as it turns, keeping a charge in the battery, as well as providing electric power for the car’s ignition, taillights, headlights, radio, and all other parts.

For the most part, alternators are relatively small and lightweight. Roughly the size of a coconut, the alternators found in most passenger cars and light trucks are constructed using an aluminum outer housing, as the lightweight metal does not magnetize. This is important since aluminum dissipates the tremendous heat generated by producing the electrical power and since the rotor assembly produces a magnetic field.

Alternators are typically found near  the front of the engine compartment. Unfortunateley there are rarely any physical signs the alternator is bad. From time to time they go so bad they give off a very strong burnt electric smell. You can have your alternator tested to see if it the culprit of your mechanical failure.

Alternators can be expensive to replace, and sometimes fairly difficult alternators on some foreign cars  like Hondas, Nissans, Mazda;s etc can be pretty buried. f you are fairly lucky and the alternator is accessible they can be removed and replaced somewhat easily.

Companies like Atlas U Pull Used Auto Parts usually try to test alternators before they sell them to you. Testing an alternator is a pretty simple process.

Used alternators can save you a bunch of money on the front side, if you plan on doing the repair yourself you will save even more money. If your auto mechanic is going to install the part for you you will still save money sourcing the part yourself.

Used Alternators

Alternators are sealed devices. You can buy kits to rebuild the parts inside the alternator but unless you are a pretty knowledgeable mechanicaltype it is best to leave that part to the rebuilders and just try and find a reliable used part.

In recapping, the alternator works to charge the battery as you are driving. If your battery get's drained there is a chance you have a bad battery. Chances are better that a bad alternator has drained your battery causing your vehicle to stall. Alternators can be a fix it yourself mechanical problem Alternators for most types of vehicles can be found at used auto parts lots like Atlas U Pull Used Auto Parts. Alternators are a critical component of your vehicles  electrical system Adding components like alarms, large stereos or other electronic accessories can create an extra drain on your vehicles electrical system and may cause your alternator to die prematurely.



Check manufacturers specs to see if you need to install a larger alternator to support the increased electrical draw.

Contact Atlas U Pull today for all your used auto parts needs.

Atlas U Pull
227 W Sycamore St
St Paul, Mn. 55117
651-221-1957

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