How long do car alternators last?

Most alternators will last between 80,000 and 150,000 miles — or about seven years. However, your driving habits and the area where you live could wear it out prematurely.

How often should alternator be replaced?

It keeps the battery continuously charged and the car's electrical and computer systems up and running. The alternator works about as hard as any part of your car, so eventually, it is bound to fizzle out. The average longevity of an alternator is seven years or about 150,000 miles.

What are the symptoms of a bad alternator?

Can an alternator last 200 000 miles?

If that's the case, your car's battery won't charge properly and there isn't enough power production to work all your car's systems reliably. When that happens, the alternator needs to be replaced. It could be around 60,000 miles or less, or it could be more than 200,000 miles.

Do alternators fail suddenly?

That said, an alternator can take time to fail or can stop working suddenly. Usually, people recognize the whining sound that comes from a bad alternator and get it fixed before it breaks down completely.

How long did my Remanufactured alternator last?

How much does it cost to replace an alternator?

The overall average cost to replace an alternator, including parts and labour is between £350 and £400. The cost to replace an alternator depends on the car model and make, but generally, the alternator parts will cost between £50 and £200.

Why do alternators go bad quickly?

Age and use-related wear is often the reason behind a dying alternator. Engine oil or power steering fluid leaking onto the car alternator can lead to its failure. Prolonged idling while using multiple electrical accessories can prematurely wear the alternator.

At what mileage do alternators fail?

How Long Does an Alternator Last? Alternators have an impressive lifespan of seven years–or between 80,000 to 150,000 miles. But be careful that you are not wearing it out prematurely!

Can an alternator go bad in 5 years?

An alternator typically lasts about seven years or about 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Some mechanics, though, say they typically see alternators last about 80,000 miles, or some cars will need it to be replaced after 50,000 to 60,000 miles.

What is the most common alternator failure?

Alternators have a number of moving parts, so as they get dirty and are subjected to extreme temperatures, those internal components can wear out, causing the alternator to go bad. One of the most common problems you're likely to experience with an alternator is a failure in the bearings.

Can AutoZone test your alternator?

ALTERNATOR TESTING

Testing will ensure you identify a power issue correctly. How to get your alternator tested: Just visit a nearby AutoZone. We'll test the alternator while it's still in the vehicle.

Will a new battery work if the alternator is bad?

The question is, can a faulty alternator destroy a new car battery? The answer is that a bad alternator, does not always affect the car battery, especially if the battery is new. However, there are chances that the faulty alternator can kill your new battery.

Is replacing an alternator a big job?

Replacing the alternator is usually a straightforward job, requiring very little mechanical experience and only common tools. On the difficulty scale, it's usually down there with changing your own oil or a serpentine belt; it's a great beginner maintenance task.

Is it worth fixing the alternator?

Unless you've just gotten religion about public transportation or enjoy walking, you should consider getting your alternator fixed, repaired, or replaced. A car cannot function for long without an alternator because the engine's ignition system will stop working once the battery is drained.

Can you keep driving with a bad alternator?

While you can technically still drive with a bad alternator, it is not advised.

What else to replace when replacing alternator?

The serpentine belt is often available as a package to deal with any tensioners and idlers that you require. It's prudent to replace them all at the same time for a small additional cost to the alternator replacement bill.

How many hours does it take to replace an alternator?

The time to replace an alternator depends on whether you do the job yourself or take your vehicle to a mechanic. On average, if you're replacing an alternator on your own, it can take you around 2-3 hours. If you take your car to a professional auto shop, expect the repair time to be 1-2 hours.

Does Autozone install alternators?

No, they don't replace them for you. However, if you need yours tested, and can remove it yourself and bring it in, they will test it. Depending on the vehicle, changing the alternator may be pretty quick and simple.

Is it a battery or alternator?

If your engine won't turn over or takes far longer than usual, it's time to grab the jumper cables and attempt a jump-start. If your engine starts and stays running but won't start again later, it's likely a battery problem. If your vehicle immediately stalls, it's probably a bad alternator.

What kills alternators?

Can the alternator affect the AC?

Just as with your headlights, a failing alternator will cause the failures of other electronics of your car; from power locks to windows, air conditioning, internal lighting, etc., these will operate at a slower speed than average or stop working altogether.

How fast will a bad alternator drain a battery?

In some cases, it can be severe enough to deplete your fully charged battery overnight. Although you can test any circuit for a parasitic draw, this is how it works for a draw on an alternator, and all you need is a digital multimeter.

How does a bad alternator sound?

If you ever hear growling or whining noises coming from under the hood, you could have alternator problems, which should be checked out by a professional ASAP. This growling or whining sound happens when the belt that turns the alternator's pulley becomes misaligned or rubs against the side of the pulley.

Can AAA replace an alternator?

An alternator can be trickier to access, so let the professionals at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility take care of it. It can cost anywhere from $500-$2500, including parts and maintenance to replace an alternator.