Back to all

Sovel's Auto Service Automotive Tips: Alternator

August 9, 2020

Your alternator makes electricity to start and run your engine and all of the vital electrical systems in your vehicle. That’s everything from the on-board computers to the turn signals. And of course there is the entertainment system, seat heaters, power windows and everything you plug into the power outlets. After your alternator makes enough electricity to do all that, it recharges your battery with what’s left over.

When Novi drivers constantly have a low or dead battery, the alternator is usually a prime suspect. However, the alternator is just one vital component of the starting/charging system, and a problem with any of the other components could be the actual cause.

In addition to the alternator, the charging/starting system includes the battery, starter, serpentine belt system and all of the electrical cables that connect them. Your Sovel's Auto Service service advisor has a systematic process of testing components and connections to get to the source of your trouble. The initial symptoms determine where to begin the diagnostic process, and he follows the procedure until he tracks down the culprit.

For example, diagnostic tests at Sovel's Auto Service could reveal that the alternator is not generating enough electricity to keep the battery charged. Is the alternator bad? Not necessarily. A worn serpentine belt tensioner could be allowing the belt that spins the alternator to slip. So the perfectly good alternator is not spinning at the proper speed. The solution for Novi drivers is to replace the serpentine belt system – not the alternator.

The good news for Novi drivers is that our highly-trained technicians at Sovel's Auto Service can properly diagnose all your vehicle troubles and make the necessary repairs to get you back on the road in Novi.

Give us a call.

Sovel's Auto Service
41425 W. 10 Mile Rd.
Novi, Michigan 48375
248-348-7337



Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Sovel's Auto Repair Novi

Grease is the Word

July 5, 2026

If you have a rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle, it has a driveshaft. Its the metal tube that transmits mechanical power from the transmission to the differential and, ultimately, to your wheels. Because it does a lot of turning in its lifetime, it is lubricated so that power can ... More

Smooth Moves

June 28, 2026

Stop for a moment and think of whats holding that heavy engine that sits under your vehicles hood to your vehicles frame. Your engine weighs hundreds of pounds, so its a big burden on those things that are holding it in place. Same is true for what holds your vehicles transmission in place. The... More

Professional Fuel System Cleaning

June 21, 2026

Getting adequate fuel to your engine is very important for performance, fuel economy and safety. In order to accomplish this, your fuel system needs to be clean.Today's production cars have fuel injectors, rather than a carburetor. The injectors need to be cleaned from time to time in order to de... More