What Is An Alternator? The alternator recharges the battery to restore power that is depleted during starting and keeps the electrical accessories on your car powered while it is running.

Mar 4, 2025 · What Does an Alternator Do? The battery is essential for starting your vehicle when it’s off, but what is the purpose of an alternator in a car? It supplies electricity to the battery and electrical system to keep your car alive when the engine is running.

Find an alternator that fits your car and delivers the same performance as original equipment, or better. We carry long lasting replacements, like Duralast Gold alternators that come with a Limited-Lifetime Warranty.

In principle, any AC electrical generator can be called an alternator, but usually, the term refers to small rotating machines driven by automotive and other internal combustion engines. An alternator that uses a permanent magnet for its magnetic field is called a magneto.

May 9, 2022 · An alternator is a generator of electric power in a car and is a major component of the vehicle's charging system. All cars with an internal combustion engine except for some hybrids have an alternator.

How do Alternators Work? Your vehicle’s alternator is part of its starting and charging system. Its primary job is to maintain the charge of your car battery. Alternators produce AC power through electromagnetism which is formed by the stator and rotor relationship.

Jul 12, 2024 · The alternator is a small, circular component that’s usually mounted to the front of a gasoline engine and is driven by a belt. All gas and diesel-powered vehicles with an internal combustion engine have an alternator.

Your alternator is a vital part of your vehicle's electrical system. Mounted onto a car or truck’s engine, it converts your vehicle's mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Mar 1, 2024 · An alternator converts the mechanical power of a running engine into electricity to recharge the vehicle’s battery. Alternators also send electricity to spark plugs, which enable the engine to continue running (spark plugs cause gasoline to ignite, propelling the car).

May 24, 2023 · Find out what a car alternator is and how it works. An alternator is a critical part of your vehicle that provides the battery with electrical power.