Basic Physics 101: The Alternator

You can have the finest vehicle ever produced and that vehicle is going absolutely nowhere without an alternator. This is really a perfect example of some very basic physics that we humans have known about for centuries. The alternator, a type of generator (as in generating electricity) transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy, and that electrical energy powers most of the electrical parts in a car or truck. So, how does an alternator work?

A belt, attached to the crankshaft in your engine, is activated when you turn the key. That belt is connected to a pulley system, called a rotor, so that when the belt is turning it moves magnets across a special surface called a conductor and that creates electricity. There is nothing new to this idea; hydroelectric dams work on the same principle; as a matter of fact, ever since we have produced electricity we have worked with the same principles of physics. What an alternator does, however, is provide a steady stream of power while the car is running. If the alternator malfunctions, as they will eventually, your car will still function for a little while because of the power generated by the battery, but this is a short-lived illusion. Without the alternator your driving distance is severely limited to say the least.

What happens if your alternator gives up the ghost? Well, as earlier stated you are going nowhere and quickly. At this point your options are take the vehicle to the dealership and have one installed, buy a replacement part at any auto parts store, or go to a salvage yard and find the used part you need at considerable savings. Depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, going to a salvage yard is easily your wisest move considering the cost factor. And the best news of all is that alternators are not difficult to replace. A novice can literally do it armed with only the proper tools and the internet for instructions.

Buying a new alternator is obviously the best solution with regards to how many years you can hope for it to function properly, but buying an alternator at a salvage yard is a viable alternative if you take an alternator from a vehicle with limited miles on it. Most reputable salvage yards give a guarantee on their parts ranging from a 30-day guarantee to a year or more. So in other words, you will save up to 60% buying from a salvage yard and for a minimal amount extra you can guarantee it for a year. The savings is still well-worth the effort.

So there you have it, a quick tutorial on the magical alternator, physics at its most basic. Next time you need to replace one don’t panic, the solution is simpler than you thought