The alternator is an integral part of the power sources of your engine. Without it, your car couldn’t run. It and the battery work together to power your vehicle. While most of us like to leave the specific knowledge to the mechanics, it’s a good idea to inform yourself on the basics of the components of your engine. At the very least, it may help you spot or isolate a small problem before it becomes a big one. To help you out, here’s an overview of how the alternator works and what it does:
The alternator’s job is to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy as alternating current (A/C being invented by Nikola Tesla). Nowadays, most alternators do this with a magnetic field, using what is called a rotor and a stator. This current powers up the battery and all the electronic devices in the car.
That’s the gist of it. The specifics are much, much more complicated, but now you’ve got the basics. If you have any questions about the health of your alternator, we here at J1 Auto Repair offer alternator repairs alongside a host of other auto-related services. For more information, please give us a call at (630) 932-4427.