How Long Do Alternators Last? Everything You Need to Know

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how long do alternators last

The alternator is one of those parts of car maintenance that you do not think about until it stops working. It is not flashy or high-tech but essential to your car’s functionality. So, if you are wondering how long do alternators last or when you may need to replace one in your vehicle, you have come to the right place. Let’s get into it.

What Does an Alternator Do?

how long do alternators last

First, a quick review: Your car’s electrical system contains many crucial parts. If you are looking to understand how long do alternators last, then first you need to understand that the alternator provides electricity to all the components, that is, headlights, radio, air conditioning, and even the battery. So, if your alternator is faulty, your car will eventually drain dry, even when the battery is fine. It is an unsung hero for everyone who keeps running in your vehicle whenever your car is operating. Therefore, each car owner must know its life span and any signs of failure.

How Long Do Alternators Last Average Lifespan

How Long Do Alternators Last Average Lifespan

The average lifespan of an alternator will last 7 to 10 years or about 80,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on how and where you drive. That’s a pretty big range, so let’s break down the factors that influence its longevity:

  • Driving Conditions: If you drive primarily on good highways, your alternator will last much longer if you don’t have to drive much in stop-and-go traffic or on rough ground. The greater the stress your engine must endure the harder your alternator must work.
  • Electrical Load: They have all these different electronics-heated seats, infotainment systems, and high-level safety features-they all absorb power. If you use too much electronics, you create more stress on your alternator.
  • Maintenance Routine: Failure to keep up with your routine, for instance, changing old belts and keeping your battery in good condition, may eventually lead to a premature failure of your alternator. Belts and batteries are used the same way as your alternator. So if one has failed, chances are that they follow.
  • Alternator Quality: Not all alternators are created equal. Factory-installed (OEM) alternators generally last longer than cheaper aftermarket replacements if you’re replacing an alternator, quality matters.

Signs Your Alternator Is Failing

Signs Your Alternator Is Failing

An alternator rarely dies without showing symptoms beforehand. You need to pay attention to these common symptoms.

  • Dim or Flickering Lights: Headlights or interior lights that seem unusually dim or start flickering could be a sign of an alternator problem.
  • Battery Warning Light: It doesn’t necessarily mean your battery is dead. Most of the time, it just means that your alternator is not charging it as well as it should.
  • Dead Battery: If your battery keeps dying even when it’s relatively new, chances are your alternator is not charging it properly.
  • Bizarre Noises: Some whining or grinding noise in the hood may serve as a tell-tale sign that the alternator is failing. Often, such sounds come from bad bearings or slipping belts.
  • Electrical Issues: Typically, an underperforming alternator leads to malfunctioning windows, erratically working radio and many other electrical quirkish anomalies.

Don’t wait to act if any of these occur. A dead alternator may also strand you when the car doesn’t even start for you.

Why Do Alternators Die Before Their Time?

Although alternators are made with the expectation of lasting decades, there are still conditions that will reduce your alternator’s life. Understanding these conditions might just help you with understanding how long do alternators last. The most common causes are listed below:

  • Overcharging Electrical System: Overcharging is too much work for your alternator to keep up with after installing some aftermarket subwoofers or other custom lighting due to the amount of power involved.
  • Poor Installation: It would wear out fast because of bad instalment or even bad belt placement contaminates.
  • Dirt, leak: Dirt and leak are the most common amongst many others containing either engine oil, water etc that could damage the insides of an alternator. One way to fend this off is via frequent washes that would hinder it to great lengths.
  • Extreme Temperatures Exposure: Alternators hate extreme warm and extreme low temperatures. As such, excessive or prolonged exposure would degrade them significantly over time.

While understading how long do alternators last, some wear and tear are unavoidable, good practices will help you achieve maximum alternator life. Here’s how:

  • Maintain Your Battery’s Health

A dead or weakening battery causes overworking for the alternator, which can adversely shorten its lifespan. Check your battery’s charge every now and then and replace it as necessary.

  • Look at belts and pulleys

Worn out belts or misaligned pulleys stress the alternator. Regular inspections help in timely replacement.

  • Reduce Electrical Load

Try not to drive multiple appliances that require high drains like air-conditioning and using headlights together at low speeds, especially when stopping for a longer duration.

  • Scheduling Maintenance

Regular service by a good mechanic will enable him to identify most of the problems before these minor issues blow out of proportion. Ensure the alternator parts are checked at their discretion.

  • Fix the Leaks

Get any leaks in the system addressed right away. All fluid leaks under the hood should be sealed immediately nso as ot to contaminate the alternator.

 What May Happen If You Don’t Replace Your Failing Alternator?

If you fail to replace your failing alternator, you will only waste more of your precious time while waiting for an alternative replacement of the alternator and may end up in total breakdown. Here is what may happen:

  • The electrical system of the car will shut down sequentially. The lights, radio, and even the power steering will fail.
  • Battery Drain: Once the alternator is turned off, the battery will kick into action. Problem is, it won’t stay on for long enough.
  • Engine Stalling: A dead alternator can easily stall the car engine. Just imagine being left stranded.

In other words, it is just not worth being afraid to replace an alternating alternator. Better damage control might be the replacement in such situations.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Alternator?

The cost of replacement entirely depends on your car’s make and model. On average, it will range from $400-$800 for parts and labor. Generally speaking, it will be about the following:

  • Parts: $200 to $500. This depends on if you will be using OEM or aftermarket, and that is a decision to be made.
  • Labour: $150 to $300 depending on the level of complexity of the job, or the going rate in the area.

While it may be quick to opt for the cheapest option available, remember quality is just as important. Understanding how long do alternators last explains when you decide on the lowest-cost alternator, it might appear inexpensive in the short term but will cost more money in the long run when it fails prematurely.

Can you Replace an Alternator Yourself?

It is highly probable that you could replace an alternator if you feel comfortable working on your car and have the proper tools. This is not, however, something for everyone to be doing. Some things to Remember includes:

Skill Level: If you are not comfortable with cars or car repair, then this job is best left to the professionals.

Tools: This job will require basic tools, a torque wrench, and maybe a serpentine belt tool. Make sure you have them handy.

Time: It takes about 1 to 3 hours depending on your experience level and your car.

If you’re unsure, consulting a mechanic is always a safe choice. A botched DIY job could end up costing more than professional installation.

Conclusion

No doubt, the alternator is one of the most critical, yet poorly appreciated parts of your car. In principle, this part would last for hundreds of years, but this would be pushed by driving habits, maintenance activities, and environmental exposures. This becomes an early warning sign for detection on possible breakdown you have never anticipated.

If you’re experiencing issues or suspect your alternator is nearing the end of its life, don’t wait to address it. Replacing a failing alternator may not be cheap, but it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with a reliable car. With this guide how long do alternators last you will now be ready to choose your solution.

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