When drivers think about the electrical power of their vehicle, they often think about the car battery the most. However, the battery produces the least amount of power for a vehicle.
It is the alternator which is really in charge of powering the main electrical accessories and features of a vehicle, such as its radio, air conditioner, lights, and so on.
All the battery does is produce the electrical charge needed for the ignition to take place when you start the vehicle. After that, the battery may serve as an electrical reserve in case something goes wrong with the alternator’s power flow.
But overall, the alternator is the king of a car’s power source. It is the component that keeps the car running after the battery helps start the engine.
How Long Do Alternators Last?
Alternators certainly last longer than car batteries. Auto manufacturers tend to provide different answers when it comes to the question of an alternator’s life expectancy.
On average, you can expect your car alternator to last between 5 and 8 years. But it really depends on how often you drive, what model year your vehicle is, and how many miles you put on your vehicle.
For most car owners, expect to get somewhere in the range of 60,000 to 150,000 miles on their alternator.
Newer cars, especially those known for their reliability such as Honda, Toyota, and Lexus will be on the higher end of that range while older vehicles or economy cars will be near the lower end.
Some car manufacturers may even claim their alternators last the lifetime of the vehicle. While possible, it’s not typical.
Related: 5 Reasons an Alternator Goes Bad
Look for Signs of a Failing Alternator
It can be tricky to know when your alternator is failing. The symptoms of a failing alternator are almost identical to the symptoms of a failing battery. That is because they are both important power sources for your vehicle.
You cannot have one working power source without the other. They both rely on each other to allow the vehicle to run properly. But it’s more likely your battery is going bad than your alternator. Symptoms of an alternator that’s on its way out include:
- Dimming Headlights
- Inability to Start Your Car
- Alternator Warning Light is On
- Electrical Components Stop Working
- Strange Noise from the Engine Bay
Conclusion
Pay close attention to the mileage of your vehicle and the number of years you’ve had your battery and alternator. Using this information alone can usually help you figure out whether the alternator or battery has gone bad.
But be aware that if you replace your alternator at a repair shop you don’t know anything about. They may give you a refurbished alternator as a replacement while telling you it’s new.
Because of this, the used alternator will last about 2 to 4 years instead of 5 to 8 years. You’ll want to do your research when it comes to finding a shop to replace your alternator.
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My 2015 Toyota Highlander’s battery light is blinking now. I think it is time to replace the alternator now. There is 238,800 miles on it. I replaced the battery one year ago.
When the car is running, what is the voltage on the battery?
My 93 Ford Truck still has the original alternator being around 30 years old. It is starting a make a noise so I think a new one is in the near future.
My 1996 Saturn SL1 has 188,000 miles with the original Alternator.
I’ve changed batteries over the years but the Alternator runs fine at 25 years old.
I have a 2011 Toyota Corolla and had no signs which you listed above for a failing alternator .
I thought it was a muffler sound .
I have it at a garage that is very reputable although I’ve never used them.
They will put in a refurbished one for $300. which they say is five times less expensive than a new one. I was kind of shocked to read that it would only last 2-4 years!
My car only has 90 ,000 miles on it and so I’m also a little surprised that I’m not on the higher end of needing one .
My 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 is at 157000 with the original alternator.
The brushes used to wear out around 110,000-115,000 miles as I recall. That was the typical reason for failure when I was interested. A rebuilt alternator included new bearings and a cleaning along with the brushes.
I have to jump start my Van and it runs good the times I drive it but in the morning the battery is dead ?
Have the battery and alternator tested.