Battery And Alternator

With modern vehicles relying so heavily on electronic components, the vehicle’s battery has never been more important. In order to conserve energy and fuel, and meet the increasingly strict governmental goals for fuel efficiency, engineers are now designing more and more components to be electrically powered instead of belt-driven from the engine. Power steering pumps are now electrically powered in some cars, as well as air conditioning compressors.

The vehicle’s battery and alternator play a critical role in safety and reliability. The two components work hand-in-hand to supply the vehicle with all the electricity needed to operate effectively and efficiently. The primary function of the battery is to start the engine, and also store charging system amperage generated by the alternator. Modern alternators are computer-controlled and only charge when needed, thereby increasing fuel efficiency.

These computer-controlled alternators are part of a network, and are controlled by the computer based on demand and load. When something goes wrong with the system, such as corroded battery terminals, vehicles can behave very strangely.

If you suspect your battery is old and may need replaced, it’s very important to have it tested  and/or replaced by a professional shop with professional equipment. Improper installation of batteries is a regular occurrence, and causes a multitude of problems. Many newer foreign cars need some programming following a battery replacement. Call us today for all your starting and charging system needs!