Ever wonder why your headlights might start to dim or your windshield wipers take a little longer to move than they should? There’s a slight chance it might be your battery but it also could be your alternator.
The alternator powers the entire electrical system and provides current to operate all of your car's electrical accessories and the engine. It keeps the vehicle's battery charged and its importance is bigger as the weather turns colder.
So if you notice your headlights dim when you are using your heater and wipers - and really dim if you add the radio - this is often a warning sign that the alternator in your car may not be working up to capacity, or may not have the capacity needed to power the vehicle's electrical needs.
An automotive service facility can check the vehicle's electrical system for problems, make sure the battery is okay, and check the alternator output to make sure it is operating properly. If the alternator is the culprit, replace it or upgrade it - if necessary.
Bosch, for instance, offers both new and remanufactured alternators that meet and often exceed original vehicle equipment standards. And both new and remanufactured Bosch alternators carry the exclusive free two-year emergency roadside assistance warranty if the alternator fails.