Bad alternator vs bad battery sounds funny, right? But it should be given consideration as peoples misunderstand both when their car is having a fault. Is your car not supplying current? Is it stall? Have you tried starting it and it refused to start? Then, you are on the right article.
Bad Alternator vs Bad Battery
The car battery is a rechargeable battery that is used to start a car. thus, through its supply of current to the electric power motor starter. Furthermore, just as the battery supplies current to the car starter, the alternator charges the battery and also supply current to all part of the car when it is in motion.
However, the battery and alternator work together, as they can’t do without each other. This means, that just as the alternator is important the battery also is important. Having known the above, we will be showing you how to identify if you are either having a bad alternator or a bad battery.
How to Identify if you are Either Having a Bad Alternator or a Bad Battery
My car is acting funny and has refused to start, what could be the problem? How would I know if my alternator is bad or my car battery is bad? Is your car taking a long time to start or it’s not starting at all? Then, you have to attempt a jump start.
However, if the car starts and won’t start again after you turned it off, then, the battery is likely to be the problem. Moreso, if the car immediately stalls when you turned it on, then the alternator is bad and needs to change. With the above, we will be showing you some signs to look at while identifying a bad battery.
What are the Symptoms of a Bad Battery?
I want to know the signs to look at when identifying a bad battery? Well, if that question Is on your mind, then you are on the right content. Having known that a battery, through its supply of current help the car start we will be listing out signs indicating your battery is bad. Below are the symptoms.
- The battery could be old.
- Bad smell.
- Dim light and electrical issues.
- Corroded connectors.
- The check engine light is on.
- A misshapen battery case.
- Poor performance of the engine (slow to start).
The above are the signs of a bad battery. Thus, you have to pay close attention to the battery and change it when you observe these signs. With the above, we will e giving you showing you symptoms of a bad alternator.
What are the Symptoms of a Bad Alternator?
I have changed my battery and my car is still not starting, what could be the problem? How would I know my alternator is bad? This and many more are the questions people are attempted to ask. Well, below are the signs identifying a bad alternator.
- Battery warning light on the dash.
- The car won’t start.
- Trouble starting or frequent stalling.
- Dead battery.
- Slow or malfunctioning accessories.
- Dim or overly bright light.
- Growing or whining noises.
This and many more are the signs of a bad alternator. Next, we will be giving answers to so important questions such as “can I drive my car with a bad alternator?
Can I Drive my Car with a Bad Alternator or a Bad Battery?
No. you can’t drive your car with a bad alternator or bad battery. Thus, this is so because it may affect the health of the car thereby adding more problems to the already existing problem. Furthermore, the car may not start. Therefore, you will be needing the attention of a car mechanic or a dealer to put things in place.
