We earn commissions from purchases you make using links in our articles. Learn more. The alternator is a device that keeps your car’s electrical system running once the engine is on. It’s essentially ...

When your car doesn’t start, often a low or dead battery is the culprit. Unfortunately, most vehicle owners do not check their battery until it fails. As preventative maintenance, the suggested best ...

What are the signs of a failing alternator? How do I differentiate between a battery problem and an alternator problem? Every car has a red “alternator” or car battery symbol in the instrument panel ...

Changing a car battery can be done in just a few steps. Always test the car battery before replacing and be sure to properly dispose of the dead battery.

Most mechanics would go back to basics for this one. With the engine running, you place the leads of a volt-meter across the terminals of the battery. This will tell you how much power the alternator ...

Your car won't start for the second day in a row. You ask your neighbor for a jump (again) and head off to work — late, of course. You come to the conclusion that it has to be the battery or the ...