Car troubles seem to come up out of nowhere, but the reality is that there are usually a lot of signs of a bad alternator or battery that can be identified before the problem becomes serious and leaves you stranded. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to keep an eye open for signs of a bad alternator or battery that might be causing car troubles. Keep reading to learn more about signs of a bad alternator or battery and for advice on how to handle automotive electrical repairs in Madison, TN.
Common battery problems
Here are some of the most common battery problems to be on the lookout for:
- Battery corrosion: One of the most common signs of car battery problems is battery corrosion. Check your car’s battery for signs of corrosion that might be taking a toll on its performance. If you notice corrosion, take your car to a mechanic to get the battery inspected and replaced if necessary.
- Old age: Even when batteries seem to be performing as normal, it’s important to keep your battery’s age in mind. As batteries get older, they tend to lose some of their performance. If your battery is more than two years old, it might be a good time to think about replacing it if you’re noticing problems.
- Dim dashboard lights: The battery’s primary job is to activate your car’s engine, but it also powers the various electrical accessories in your vehicle. If your dashboard lights are dim, it might be because your battery is weak. Check windshield wipers, automatic windows or lights to see if the problem is consistent across other electrical systems in the car.
Common alternator problems
These are some of the most common alternator problems:
- Dimming lights: Even when the battery is working, you might notice that your lights are dim. Pay attention to the brightness of dashboard lights and headlights. If these lights are unusually dim, it might be because there’s something wrong with your alternator.
- Noisy operation: Oftentimes, alternators produce a growling noise just before they fail completely. If you’ve noticed a growling noise, it’s important to take your car to a mechanic right away to get the problem addressed and to avoid major mechanical failures.
- Strange smells: Another common sign of a bad alternator is the presence of strange smells. Overheating alternators can produce burning rubber or hot wire smells. If you notice these smells upon starting the engine, bring your car to a mechanic for automotive electrical repairs in Madison, TN as soon as possible.
Schedule automotive electrical repairs in Madison, TN
At Madison Muffler & Auto Repair, we know how important it is to take care of automotive problems proactively, and we’re pleased to offer comprehensive automotive electrical repairs in Madison, TN to address a wide variety of concerns. Whether you’ve noticed some signs of a bad alternator or battery or you simply want to schedule a preventative maintenance appointment to get your car tuned up, our team is here to help. Give us a call or stop by today for help with your automotive needs.