Expert Tips on How to Maintain an Efficient Alternator in Your Saab in Decatur
Saabs are reliable and efficient vehicles, but they are not exempt from needing preventative maintenance and the occasional repairs to keep them running optimally for years to come. Your vehicle’s alternator should last you on average 8 years but could cause trouble if you aren’t up to date on its health status.
Taking your Saab in for routine check ups is a great way to avoid having to replace your alternator early into its lifespan. Let’s talk about the purpose of an alternator in your vehicle, how to tell if your alternator is in failure, and how you can maintain it and maximize its shelf life.
The Purpose of an Alternator
The alternator is designed to provide continuous power to all your Saab’s electrical components while it is running, including the battery. The alternator is one of several components of your Saab’s charging system which starts your vehicle as it generates electrical power. The alternator creates electrical energy from mechanical energy with an alternating current; hence, it’s name: alternator. It is made up of the following components:
● Stator and Rotor: The stator and rotor are magnets inside of the alternator that spin to create the alternating current that converts energy into electricity.
● Diodes: The diodes transform the alternating current into a direct current for charging the battery.
● Voltage regulator: This circumvents power surges to keep the voltage in the desired range.
● Cooling fan: The cooling fan protects your Saab’s systems from overheating by dispersing the heat generated from the conversion of energy.
You may have experienced trying to start your car, only for it to fail to start while the dashboard lights flicker back at you. When this happens, there’s probable cause to believe your alternator is to blame.
Common Signs Your Saab’s Alternator is Failing
Most alternators last between 7-10 years, so here are some signs your alternator may be in failure:
Weak Battery
If your battery is on the fritz, even an alternator cannot revive it. If your car won’t start, you’ll want to diagnose if it’s the battery gone dead or the alternator. You can check by using your jumper cables to jumpstart your car. If you remove the cables and your car dies, you’re dealing with a failing alternator. If your car stays running, your battery is the problem.
Battery Light Turns On
Similar to the check engine light, your vehicle also has a sensor for the status of its battery. Should the battery light come on, you may see the ALT warning light on your dashboard too. This means the alternator is failing.
Grinding Noises
If any of the components of the alternator begin to wear down, such as the stator, rotor, or bearings, it may produce noises that are not normal for your Saab. As a responsible driver, you’re used to how your car normally sounds. When you hear something out of the norm, trust your instinct and bring it into a trusted shop.
Low-Powered Electrical Components
If you notice your dashboard’s lights getting dim or flickering, this is a strong indication your alternator is going out. Other indications of low-power include dim headlights, slow moving windshield wipers and power windows, or the radio’s sound coming in and out. Basically, any sign your vehicle is struggling to use power is an indication your alternator is failing.
Foul Smell
You may smell burning rubber from belts that are struggling to turn because of the friction. Belts that slip on the alternator’s pulley can cause a smell that is akin to an electrical fire. If you smell this, that’s a good indicator that the belt should be tightened.
Maintaining Your Saab’s Alternator
The best way you can maintain your alternator’s longevity is by taking your Saab in for routine maintenance and checkups. Munich West has 
you covered when it comes to staying on top of your alternator’s health.
At Munich West, we are the trusted Saab experts in the Decatur and Atlanta Georgia area. In fact, we are the leading name in the Atlanta metro area. Over the years we’ve developed a reputation of impeccable customer service and vehicle care with our customers. Our technicians are skilled in caring for your Saab vehicle through preventative maintenance and repairs.
Give us a call today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to servicing your Saab and getting it back on the road in no time.
