How To Know If Your Lexus Alternator Is Failing

If your Lexus car is facing issues, the solution can range from finding and installing Lexus replacement parts, to investing in a whole new car. A crucial component of your car is its alternator– you certainly don’t want it to stop working in the middle of the road! Here are the signs of a Lexus alternator failing.

What’s an Alternator?

While your car battery provides enough power just to start your vehicle, the alternator generates electricity to power your vehicle while you’re driving. Additionally, the alternator keeps the battery charged, making it especially vital for your vehicle’s peak performance.

Alternators usually last for about 80,000 to 150,000 miles, or at least 7 to 10 years. However, if your alternator is failing, chances are that your car won’t be able to stay on for more than a few minutes at a time and may even have problems starting. However, there are a few warning signs to take note of before the effects get that serious.

Inconsistent Brightness of Headlights and Interior Lights

If your alternator is failing, the power it supplies to the rest of your vehicle can be inconsistent. This means that your vehicle’s lights, like interior lights or headlights, might experience erratic and inconsistent brightness as a result. For instance, they might be too bright or too dim, experience flickering, and more.

Slow or Malfunctioning Vehicle Accessories

Inconsistent power supply means other accessories in your vehicle may start malfunctioning too. This is because most modern vehicles have an in-built system that ensures that if your alternator starts failing, any energy will be used to power essential parts like the headlights, instead of less-essential accessories like the radio. Thus, you might observe effects like seat warmers not feeling quite right, the radio not working, or even speedometers and other instruments acting up.

Dead Batteries

Sometimes, a dead battery is just a dead battery. However, since alternators keep the battery charged, a failing alternator can cause your battery to run low or die quicker. To check if this is an alternator or battery issue, jumpstart your car. If you jumpstart the car and it continues running, the issue is battery related. On the other hand, if you jumpstart the car and it stops running again shortly after, your alternator might need repair or replacement.

Growling Noises from Your Vehicle

Most cars make noises from time to time, but some odd sounds are more of a cause for concern than others. If you hear growling or whining noises from under your vehicle’s hood, get it checked out. Such sounds can happen if the belt turning the alternator’s pulley is misaligned, for instance.

Find Top Quality Lexus Vehicles at Prestige Lexus

If you are in need of a new or used Lexus vehicle, or some genuine Lexus parts, come on down to Prestige Lexus! We will serve you to the best of our abilities and find the right Lexus to suit your lifestyle needs. If you have any queries or need more information, please get in touch with us.