The alternator is one of the most important parts of any engine, as it is what generates power to charge the battery. The battery in turn powers the starter, which (as the name suggests) starts the engine, kicking off the internal combustion reaction that makes it run. Our team at Eubanks Auto Electric specializes in providing starters and alternators for trucks, tractors, and other equipment, and we want to help you keep your engines running. In this article, we will go over a few key things you need to know about alternators.
- Alternators Are Generators – One important thing to know about alternators is that they are essentially small generators designed to convert mechanical energy of the turning wheels into electrical energy. The alternator contains a rotor surrounded by magnets inside a stator lined with copper wire. As the vehicle’s crankshaft turns, it causes the rotor to spin, which in turn creates a magnetic field. This field generates electricity, which is then sent into the vehicle’s battery.
- Alternators vs. Batteries – Another key thing to know about alternators relates to how they interact with engine batteries. The battery’s main job is to give your vehicle the initial jolt of power it needs to start the internal combustion process, which then starts the engine running and gets the wheels turning. The battery by itself does not have enough power to run all the electrical systems of your vehicle, such as the lights and power steering, which is where the alternator comes in. Alternators generate enough electricity to run these systems and to keep the battery charged so it can start the engine again next time.