Why are Alternators and Starters so Important?

Starting problems? Your car's starting and charging systems, consisting of three basic components, the alternator, starter, and battery help ensure a dependable vehicle whenever you drive your car and in all sorts of driving conditions. It's important to have these two systems checked regularly by a qualified auto mechanic so you don't find yourself stranded by the side of the road with a dead battery.

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 Here is a simple description of these three components:

Alternator – This is an old term for electric generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy producing alternating current. Alternators are mainly used for recharging batteries and to power electrical loads of vehicles.

Battery – The battery stores electrical energy.

Starter – The starter converts the energy stored in the battery into mechanical force to turn the engine for starting.

It takes teamwork!

These three components work together as the alternator produces electric current to replace what the starter used during start-up and to support electrical loads when the engine is running. An ignition module turns the low-voltage supply to the ignition coil on and off, and the coil produces the high voltage for the ignition system. This creates a spark at the spark plugs and ignites the air/fuel mixture in the engine. A belt transmits power from the front of the engine to the alternator's pulley, along with other accessories.

Causes of Wear --

    * Frequent engine on/off cycles

    * Driving habits

    * Weather conditions

    * Mileage

    * Vehicle age

    * Excessive electrical draws like in-vehicle entertainment systems

Symptoms of Wear --

    * Headlights and interior lights dim

    * "Check Engine" and/or battery light may come on

    * Accessories fail to operate

For questions about starters and alternators, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Keep Your Summer Fun Alive with a Quality Car Battery!

Warm weather is the time for major problems with your car battery. According to the Car Care Council, it is heat, not cold, that shortens battery life. Even though the average life of a car battery is three and a half years, excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, causing damage to the internal structure. Or, a malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, can allow too high a charging rate. That can mean a slow death, resulting in the need for a car battery replacement sooner rather than later.

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Here are the most common causes of a car battery to fail:

    * Faulty Cable Connections - Cables from the battery posts deliver power to the car's starter. Electrical connections fail when the screws or bolts attaching these cables loosen, and your car probably won't start at all. Tightening these connection cables will alleviate this problem.

    * Corrosion Buildup - If the cables are tight, the next culprit is most likely corrosion. Corrosion is an acid by-product that accumulates around the posts. As corrosion builds up, the electrical connection consistently grows weaker and weaker until the car will not start. A simple cleaning of the posts will correct the problem.

    * Extended Inactivity - If your vehicle has sat idle for more than 2 weeks, the car battery's power slowly drains away because the alternator has not able to keep the battery charged up. Just remember to start an idle vehicle every week or so.

Avoid Car Battery Problems!
To get the most life out of a battery:

    * Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.

    * If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.

    * At some point in time, a car battery replacement is inevitable. Always replace it with one that's rated at least as high as the one originally specified.

    * Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.

Proper care and maintenance of a car battery will ensure its long life. Consider these simple tips keep you on track for a fun and safe summer.

Need a quality car battery replacement? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Spring Clean your Tired Car with Quality Automotive Service

Does your car seem tired and sluggish after the harsh months of winter? It probably needs a little "TLC." In other words, it needs some quality automotive service to get it back in shape again. Just as you take care of your family's physical needs, schedule an automotive repair to make sure it is ready for the hot months of summer just around the corner.

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Check the following components:

Tires- check for uneven wear pattern, or under/over inflation. After muddy potholes and rough roads, your tires may need a simple balancing, or wheel alignment.

Oil – follow the manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals, especially after winter's extreme driving conditions.

Brakes – check the brake fluid. Squealing sounds may mean it's time to have brake pads or rotors replaced or serviced.

Transmission – check the level of transmission fluid level. Pay particular attention to strange leaks, unusual shifting sequences or strange sounds. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an automotive service.

A/C Unit - Make sure the Freon or coolant additive is at the proper level and there are no leaks.

Coolant System – have all hoses, fluid coolant level, radiator, and thermostat inspected for possible wear and proper levels. These are susceptible to wear and tear and may require some automotive repair.

Battery – check cable connections, and clean any corrosion build-up.

Vehicle Detailing Service –

While taking care of the other necessary automotive repair issues, schedule an appointment for vehicle detailing. Get rid of winter's dirt and grime, letting the true colors of your vehicle shine.

Just as you spring-clean your home, vehicle detailing will include:

Vacuum carpet and cloth upholstery
Wipe down the interior, dash, doors, vinyl or leather seats
Clean vents, trim & other hard-to-reach areas
Clean and shine the windows
Wash and wax exterior
Wash and spot-clean floormats
Clean and dress tire sidewalls
Air freshener of choice

In preparation for the hot months of summer, have your vehicle thoroughly inspected and serviced along with any other necessary automotive repair that's needed. Taking good care of your car will ensure it provides you with reliable service for fun summer road trips

Need expert automotive repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about their automotive service and vehicle detailing. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.