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When your car doesn’t start in the morning, the first thought that comes to your mind is – the battery is dead, which might not be the case. If you love the long drives that you take in your car, you should also know it well and have basic knowledge of automobile spare parts. If your car has Lucas TVS Starter or Valeo Alternator parts, you must know that there are many service centers to help you, but knowing about your car’s maintenance helps tremendously. There are various automobile spare parts involved in the starting of a vehicle. The alternator, starter, battery, and spark plug can be considered as four key components. Let’s discuss alternators and starters today.
Most of us think that the battery provides the electrical energy required by a car to function. The fact is, the alternator is the one doing so. It converts mechanical energy into electrical energy for the car to use. Starters work completely opposite. They convert the electrical energy of the car into mechanical energy.
Starters and alternators wear out with time and, hence, need replacement. Alternators usually fail when the charging systems have higher electrical demands. Keep a regular check on the alternator as the symptoms of failure are not always visible. On the other hand, fuel injection has increased the life of starters.
Difference between Alternator and Starters
An alternator is an electrical machine. Its function is to charge the battery on a regular basis. However, if the battery is dead, the alternator cannot charge it. It regulates voltage and supplies power used to operate the car. The electricity used by various parts of the car is generated by the alternator; not by the battery which we usually believe.
It is connected to the engine with the help of a belt. With the start of the engine, the alternator generates electricity which is used to recharge the car battery.
Usually, alternators do not show any sign of damage; they can suddenly stop working without any warning. One indication that can highlight the alternator problem is the indicator light which turns on when the former is not able to charge the battery. The normal life span of an alternator is 8-12 years.
The starter is an electric motor placed on the side of the engine. The Bendix Mechanism is used here. This automatically allows the pinion gear to engage the flywheel of the engine. The starter rotates and starts the engine. The name actually suits best as the starter sounds exactly what it does. It starts the car.
Hence, the basic indication of a starter not functioning properly is when the engine takes time to start.
Few Signs of a Bad Alternator
- ALT light turns on – could be flickering in the beginning
- Headlights and dashboard lights go dim
- Foul smell – like that of burning rubber – this is the belt which gets damaged
- Weird noise – an alternator could make a grinding noise when it is about to break down
- Engines have a starting problem
Few Signs of a Bad Starter
- Weird noise – with the start key a clicking sound indicates trouble with the starter
- The car doesn’t start – the dashboard lights turn on but the car doesn’t start
- The engine does not start even after jumpstart
If the alternator or starter is a concern, take your car to the service station because ultimately this might damage the battery and other electrical parts of your car. Know your vehicle well to take care of it well enough!
How the Alternator and Starter Work Together
Both the alternator and starter rely heavily on the vehicle’s battery. The battery powers the starter, which cranks the engine and gets the vehicle running. Once the engine is on, the alternator recharges the battery by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. This cycle of energy – where the battery powers the starter, the engine starts, and the alternator recharges the battery – is crucial for smooth vehicle operation.
In this cycle, the battery plays a bridging role, ensuring the starter has enough power to crank the engine, while the alternator ensures the battery is charged enough to repeat the process.
Common Misconceptions: Alternator vs. Starter
“Alternator vs. Battery” Confusion
One of the most common misconceptions vehicle owners face is confusing alternator issues with battery problems. If your vehicle struggles to start, the immediate assumption is that the battery is dead. While that might be true, it’s equally possible that the alternator isn’t recharging the battery. A faulty alternator can make the battery drain quickly, leading to the same symptoms as a failing battery.
Misdiagnosis: Starter vs. Alternator Problems
Another frequent issue is the misdiagnosis of problems between the starter and alternator. If a vehicle won’t start, it’s not always clear whether the problem lies with the starter or the alternator. The starter may not be functioning properly, or the alternator might not have recharged the battery. A professional diagnosis is crucial to avoid wasting money on unnecessary repairs.
Differentiating Problems with Professional Diagnosis
Professional mechanics use specialised tools to differentiate between starter and alternator problems. For example, they can test whether the battery is receiving a charge from the alternator or whether the starter is drawing enough power to crank the engine. It’s essential to visit a Lucas TVS-authorised dealer for a thorough diagnosis, especially if you’re unsure whether the issue lies with the starter or the alternator.
Costs Involved: Alternator vs. Starter Repairs
Breakdown of Alternator Repair and Replacement Costs
Repairing or replacing a faulty Lucas TVS alternator can be a significant expense, with costs varying based on the vehicle model and labour charges. On average, replacing an alternator may cost between ₹3,000 to ₹15,000, depending on the make and model. High-end vehicles may require even more expensive parts, driving the cost up further. Opting for genuine Lucas TVS alternator parts can ensure long-lasting performance, saving you money in the long run.
Breakdown of Starter Repair and Replacement Costs
Starter repairs are generally less expensive than alternator repairs, but costs can still vary depending on the vehicle and the type of starter. Replacing a Lucas TVS starter may range from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000. Labour charges also play a role in the final cost, especially for vehicles with more complex engine designs that make access to the starter challenging.
Factors Influencing Costs
The repair and replacement costs for both alternators and starters depend on several factors:
- Vehicle Model: High-end or luxury vehicles often require specialised parts, which tend to be more expensive.
- Labour Charges: Labour costs can vary widely depending on the complexity of the job and the mechanic’s expertise.
- Component Quality: Investing in high-quality parts like those from Lucas TVS authorised dealers ensures reliability and longevity, which can save you from frequent replacements.
Importance of Quality Components
When dealing with alternator or starter repairs, opting for quality components is crucial. Poor-quality or counterfeit parts may be cheaper initially, but they often fail quickly, leading to additional costs down the road. Lucas TVS starter motors and Lucas TVS alternator parts are known for their durability and are trusted by vehicle owners across India. Purchasing from a Lucas TVS authorised dealer ensures you’re getting reliable parts backed by a warranty, which can provide peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. My vehicle’s lights flicker when I’m driving, but the battery is new. Could this be an alternator issue?
Yes, flickering lights while driving often point to a faulty alternator. Even if the battery is new, the alternator may not be providing enough charge to power the electrical components. It’s recommended to visit an authorised dealer for a professional diagnosis.
2. My car makes a clicking sound when I turn the key, but it doesn’t start. Is this a starter problem?
A clicking sound usually indicates a starter motor issue. The starter might not be receiving enough power from the battery to crank the engine. However, the problem could also be a weak battery or loose connections, so a complete check is necessary.
3. Can I replace individual Lucas TVS alternator parts, or do I need to replace the entire alternator?
Yes, Lucas TVS alternator parts such as bearings, voltage regulators, and brushes can often be replaced individually. However, it’s essential to have a professional inspect the alternator to determine whether part replacements are sufficient or if a full alternator replacement is necessary.
4. My car won’t start, but jump-starting works. Is my alternator or starter the problem?
If a jump-start temporarily solves the problem, the issue may be with your alternator not charging the battery. However, if the problem returns after the engine stops, further diagnosis is required to rule out the starter or battery issues.
5. Where can I buy genuine Lucas TVS starter motors and alternator parts?
You can purchase authentic Lucas TVS starter motors and alternator parts from a Lucas TVS authorised dealer. Buying from an authorised dealer ensures you get genuine parts backed by warranties.
We Have Top-Quality Automobile Spare Parts by Big Brands
At Krishna Auto Electric, we strive to offer the best services and have an extensive range of high-quality spare parts for cars including Lucas TVS Alternator, Lucas TVS Starter, and Valeo Alternator parts, among others. We have the experience and expertise to guide you correctly when it comes to maintaining a car in excellent condition.
For more information about our services and the automobile spare parts that we supply, be sure to call us at +91 98 25063530.