Chico Auto Repair

When it comes to your vehicle’s electrical system, the battery often gets all the attention. While it’s essential for starting your car, the real workhorse behind keeping all your electronics running is the alternator. Understanding what the alternator does and the consequences of its failure can help you stay prepared and prevent unexpected breakdowns. The Main Role of the Alternator The alternator’s primary job is to generate electricity to power your car’s electrical systems while the engine is running and to keep the battery charged. Once your engine starts, the alternator takes over from the battery to supply energy to components like the headlights, air conditioning, radio, and power windows. Without a working alternator, your battery would quickly drain, and your car would lose power. How the Alternator Works The alternator is driven by a belt connected to the engine (often the serpentine belt). As the engine runs, i ... read more