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Battery Testing

Battery or Alternator Failing? Get them Checked.

Regular battery and alternator service can help prevent breakdowns and ensure that your vehicle’s electrical system is working properly. It’s a good idea to have these services performed according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule or if you notice any signs of electrical issues, such as dimming headlights or difficulty starting the engine. If you suspect that your battery or alternator is failing, be sure to schedule an appointment with a certified technician at one of our service departments to avoid any further damage or costly repairs.

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Signs of a Bad Alternator and Battery

The signs of a bad alternator and battery can sometimes overlap, but there are a few key differences between the two. Here are some signs to look out for:

Signs of a bad alternator:

Warning light: Some vehicles have an alternator sensor or warning light that will show up on the dashboard if an issue were to arise.
Dimming headlights: Check your headlights to see how bright they are. If they appear more dim, the alternator might not be providing enough power to your vehicle.
Strange noises: A failing alternator can make a variety of strange noises, including a grinding or whining sound.
Electrical issues: A bad alternator can cause electrical issues such as power windows or radio not working properly.
Dead battery: Battery is not recharging could be a sign that the alternator needs fixed or replaced.

Signs of a bad battery:

Difficulty Starting the Engine: If the battery is weak or dead, it may have difficulty providing the necessary power to start the engine.
Dimming headlights: Check your headlights to see how bright they are. If they appear more dim, the battery might be too weak or not charging properly.
Electrical issues: A weak battery can cause electrical issues, such as power windows or radio not working properly.
Swollen Battery Case: Sometimes batteries can overheat which would cause it to swell up. Be sure to check for a buldged battery.
Old age: A car battery lasts about three to five years. If your battery is older than that, be sure to get to inspected to see if your battery still holds a charge.

Alternator/Battery Service Process

Getting an alternator and battery service done at Smart Automotive typically involves several steps to make sure your vehicle's electrical system will function properly after our technicians are done servicing your vehicle. The following are the steps you can expect our technicians will take in servicing your vehicle's alternator and battery:

Visual inspection: Our technicians will first inspect the battery and alternator for signs of wear and tear.
Load testing: The battery will be load tested to determine whether it's holding a proper charge and able to deliver the necessary power to start the engine.
Charging system test: We will test the alternator to make sure it is outputing enough power to charge the battery and power your vehicle's electric system.
Belt inspection: The mechanic will inspect the alternator drive belt for signs of wear or damage, and will replace it if necessary.
Cleaning: The battery terminals and cable connections will be cleaned to ensure a proper connection and prevent corrosion.
Repairs or Replacements: Our technicians will take the necessary steps in repairing or replacing any damaged components.
Final Testing: Once the necessary repais have been made, our technicians will test and inspect to make sure everything is working properly again.

By performing regular alternator and battery service, you can help prevent breakdowns and ensure that your vehicle's electrical system is functioning properly. It's a good idea to have these services performed according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule or if you notice any signs of electrical issues, such as dimming headlights or difficulty starting the engine.

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Smart Automotive 41.557220, -90.581030.