The alternator in your vehicle is one of the major engine parts, but many Elgin drivers may be wondering "What does an alternator do?" The alternator in your vehicle functions as a generator with your vehicle's engine and it sends power to the electrical system as you drive through Bartlett.  While some drivers may believe that their battery powers the electronics in their car, this is only partially true. The battery helps start your engine and powers the electronics while the engine is off. When you turn the engine in your Hyundai on, your alternator then takes over and charges the battery as it runs.

Learn more about what an alternator does and how much a new alternator will cost with the service team at Elgin Hyundai, or contact us if you're experiencing problems with your vehicle.

Do I Have A Bad Alternator?

If you have to frequently jump-start your car or you're experiencing electrical problems as you drive through South Elgin, your alternator could be dying. Check the following list to see if your alternator is failing:

  • Your battery warning light appears on your dashboard.
  • Your headlights or interior lights are dim.
  • Your headlights or interior lights glow and fade as you accelerate/decelerate.
  • You smell burning rubber under the hood.
  • Your devices are not charging.
  • You hear a whining or screeching sound after you start the car.
  • Your vehicle will not start.
If your Hyundai is doing any of the above, then it's time to schedule a service appointment with our team. We'll inspect your vehicle and your alternator to determine the cause and get you back on the road in no time!

Is It The Alternator or The Battery?

The battery and the alternator in your vehicle share a lot of the same duties, so it can be easy to mistake a failing battering for a failing alternator, and vice versa. Read below to see how to troubleshoot if your alternator or your battery is failing:

  • Sit in your Hyundai and turn on your headlights without starting the engine. If your headlights are dim, start your engine and see if they get brighter. If the lights get brighter after you start the engine then your battery is failing, not your alternator.
  • If your lights begin to glow and fade as your engine is running, then your alternator will need to be replaced.
  • The other way to see if your alternator or battery is failing is to wait until your vehicle needs a jump start. After you use jumper cables to start your engine again, remove them right away. If the engine dies immediately, then your alternator needs to be replaced.
  • If you allowed your engine to run for a while after it was jumped, but it doesn't start again afterward, then your battery needs to be replaced.
How Long Will an Alternator Last?

The alternator in your Hyundai was built to last, but as with most things, it will age over time and eventually need to be replaced. Typically, an alternator will last about 7 years - or 100,000 to 150,000 miles. There are some factors that will lead to an alternator failing prematurely, so it's important to stick to your Hyundai maintenance schedule. Read what could make an alternator fail prematurely below:

  • The quality of the alternator (be sure to only buy Hyundai OEM parts).
  • The driving conditions in Elgin, including road conditions and weather.
  • The amount of strain on the alternator on a daily basis.
How Much is an Alternator?

Different Hyundai models will require different types of alternators, so it's difficult to say exactly how much an alternator is. In general, an alternator will cost between $500 and $1,000. If you need a new alternator, you can save when you shop with Elgin Hyundai. Our team will help you find the right alternator for your vehicle and we'll even install it for you so you can get back on Streamwood roads faster!

Get Hyundai Service Today!

If you're thinking your alternator is failing, come to Elgin Hyundai to have your vehicle inspected and repaired. We'll help you save on your Hyundai service and keep you running on Elgin roads for years to come! You can also read our other DIY service tips for information on how to do a tire rotation or how to change a tire.