10/03/2022
"MOBILE AUTO TRUCK REPAIR SAN ANTONIO
Best Mobile Mechanics Auto Truck Repair in San Antonio, TX NV | MOBILE AUTO TRUCK REPAIR SAN ANTONIO
Looking for a mobile mechanic near San Antonio, TX? Call MOBILE AUTO TRUCK REPAIR SAN ANTONIO! The best and most trusted mobile car auto truck RV repair mechanic in San Antonio, TX, NV and the surrounding areas. Need work today? Call for an estimate: Onsite vehicle repair, emergency roadside assistance, tire change, out of gas help, jumpstart, diagnostic, battery part replacement mobile mechanic.
MOBILE MECHANIC SAN ANTONIO, TX
MOBILE AUTO TRUCK REPAIR SAN ANTONIO is the industry leader in mobile vehicle repair, maintenance, and inspection, offering 500+ services to consumers and fleets across the San Antonio, TX, Nevada.
Our mission is to leverage technology to service any vehicle, any place, any time. We’ve built the mobility platform of the future, enabling us to service vehicles at the point of need, increase asset yield, and lower total cost. Our mobile model and cloud-based platform replace shops’ physical infrastructure – allowing us to charge fleet owners less, pay more than shops, and attract top-tier mechanics and ASE-certified technicians. Above all, we value our customers’ happiness and satisfaction, whether we’re changing the brakes on a family’s minivan or enabling a commercial fleet of 3,000 to increase utilization.
When looking for a mobile mechanic in San Antonio, TX, MOBILE AUTO TRUCK REPAIR SAN ANTONIO has got you covered. Our mobile mechanics are busy working on cars and getting them back to their best every day in San Antonio, TX. If you need a mechanic but don’t want the hassle of getting it to a workshop you can get in touch with MOBILE AUTO TRUCK REPAIR SAN ANTONIO. There’s nothing like the convenience of having a mechanic work on your car at your home. We have found that after our customers got L**e Mobile to service their vehicles, they keep coming back to us time and again.
We have been in operation for almost 10 years and in that time, we have serviced and repaired thousands of cars. We can keep your new car covered under its manufacturer's warranty by performing a service and stamping your logbook. We can also see older vehicles that need extra care to keep them functioning properly for more years.
Our mobile mechanics are selected based on their technical knowledge and customer service skills. They will come to you and get the job complete; we can do anything that your car needs, from replacing your brake pads to swapping out an old drive belt, we can get it done! If you’re having car trouble and stuck somewhere, you can call on MOBILE AUTO TRUCK REPAIR SAN ANTONIO to get your car running no matter where it stopped.
Get peace of mind with our easy to understand, transparent quotes.
Getting an instant price is just a few clicks away. Simply provide your car make and model, desired service, your location and we’ll provide you with a fair, transparent quote—before you schedule your service.
Our easy-to-understand quotes show the detailed cost of labor, parts, and taxes (if any). You'll know exactly what's included in your service so there are no surprises.
You're always in control. If your mechanic discovers that your car doesn't need all the services you requested, we'll remove those services and lower your bill, right on the spot. If your car needs additional repair services, your mechanic will provide you with an itemized list of what you need. You can always decide to add or decline any additional services.
MOBILE AUTO TRUCK REPAIR SAN ANTONIOS:
Oil Change Service
What is an oil change all about?
Engine oil is the lifeblood of the engine. The oil resides in the oil pan, which is under the car attached to the bottom of the engine. All internal (moving) parts of the engine need to be lubricated by the engine oil. Inadequate lubrication will cause the parts to wear out faster and eventually lead to engine failure. An oil filter keeps the oil clean and free of debris. If the filter is not replaced on a regular basis, it will get clogged and will not be able to pass oil into the engine.
Oil Change Service
Keep in mind:
• When the oil is changed you should always replace the oil filter.
• Replacement oil should always match the required specifications for your vehicle.
• After your oil has been changed, it’s a good idea to run the vehicle for a few minutes to make sure that there are no leaks.
• How it's done:
• Remove and replace engine oil and filter.
• Check the condition of all fluids.
• Perform basic safety inspection.
• Start the vehicle and check for leaks in the system.
Our recommendation:
• It is best to follow the maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer
• We recommend replacing the oil and filter every 5,000 miles or four months.
• Synthetic oil (versus regular) is cost effective. Its lubrication properties are better and you will not need oil changes as frequently.
• If you notice any fluids in your driveway, you should get your vehicle inspected immediately.
• Do not drive your car with low engine oil. It can severely damage the engine.
• What are the common symptoms indicating you need an oil change?
• The amount of time since your last oil change exceeds the recommended miles.
• Maintenance light is on.
How important is this service?
Regular oil changes are generally considered the most important maintenance service for your car. To avoid severe engine damage, this simple and inexpensive service should be regularly scheduled.
Pre-purchase Car Inspection Service
What does a pre-purchase inspection entail?
For your convenience, our mechanics go to the car owner’s location to inspect the car. The mechanic performs a standard 150-point inspection that includes a visual inspection of the fluids, body, brakes, cooling system, suspension, HVAC, tires, and overall external appearance. They do not put the car on a lift but may use floor jacks to raise up parts of the car as needed. The mechanic will also take photos of the exterior and interior.
The mechanic may scan the car's various computers for trouble codes and test drive the vehicle if it’s safe, operational and the owner has been given permission. If the mechanic inspecting the car is not given permission to test drive the car or it is unsafe to test drive the car, the inspection will be completed without the road test portion. Tools used in the pre-purchase inspections are those needed to check the fluids, brakes, tires, batteries, and other parts of the vehicle.
Pre-purchase Car Inspection
When are the mechanics available to inspect the car?
The mechanics are available 7 days a week from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm nationally You can book an appointment online anytime by selecting your location, car, and the pre-purchase inspection job. The specific availability of the mechanics in your area will appear after you request a quote.
Car buying advice from our expert mechanics
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH
It is important to do proper research on the car you're considering. You'll have tons of options when it comes to buying a car, so arm yourself with as much information as possible before you make a big decision. Websites like CarBuyingTips.com are great repositories of car buying information. When you find a car that piques your interest, determine that there are no major potential problems with it.
2. WHEN YOU MEET THE SELLER
Always test drive the car. Ask a lot of questions about the car including why the owner is selling it, and whether they have any service records showing regular maintenance. Do a visual inspection of the car's exterior and interior to see that it is in an acceptable condition, and check for signs of accidents or damage.
During the test drive, listen for any strange noises coming from the car during acceleration or braking. Be sure to take the car out on a freeway to ensure it operates properly at high speeds. Test the brakes several times during the drive, braking both hard and normally to determine their responsiveness. Check the dashboard for any warning lights and make sure all the various controls (wipers, blinkers, radio, etc.) and the air conditioning system work.
3. THE VEHICLE PASSED YOUR INSPECTION—NOW HAVE A PROFESSIONAL LOOK IT OVER
If you like the car and it is in good condition, negotiate the price subject to the inspection of a professional mechanic. At this point you can enlist a professional mechanic to give his/her diagnosis of the condition of the car. The mechanic's inspection will cover the fluids, brakes, electrical systems, cooling system, suspension, engine/exhaust, HVAC, tires, and body. The mechanic will scan the car's various computers for trouble codes and test drive the vehicle. Should the mechanic discover any problems, he can estimate repair costs and you can use these for further negotiations with the seller. This way you can have complete peace of mind about the car you are buying.
Car is not starting Inspection Service
A car that fails to start is a rare occurrence in this age of greatly improved efficiency and reliability. But it still happens occasionally, and the advanced electronic technologies that have made cars better have also made the job of roadside diagnosis difficult, if not impossible, for even reasonably handy owners. One of our expert mobile mechanics can provide an expeditious diagnosis and provide a quote for any necessary repairs.
Common reasons for this to happen:
If the engine cranks, but the car doesn't start:
• Bad fuel pump: A faulty fuel pump won't deliver fuel to the engine, even if you've just filled up.
• Bad spark plugs: Without hot sparks to ignite the fuel charge in each cylinder, there is no combustion and no expansion of the burning mixture. Thus, the engine will not start.
• Bad timing belt: If the timing belt stretches or breaks, the engine will not run. Moreover, continuing to crank the engine may bring the valves into contact with the piston, causing serious engine damage.
• Bad ignition coil: Without a functional coil to step up the voltage, there can be no spark. No spark means no start.
• Faulty cam or crank sensor: If the sensors are faulty they will either provide no information to the ignition system, or will provide incorrect data. Either way, the engine will not fire.
If nothing happens after you turn the key:
• Bad battery or terminals: Batteries have a finite lifespan, and terminals can loosen or corrode.
• Bad starter: This should be obvious from the response to the key. If nothing happens at all when you turn the key, the starter may have reached the end of its life.
• Ignition problem: This could be due to faulty contacts in the ignition switch, or in the wiring.
• If there is a grinding noise when you turn the key:
• Starter is bad: Do not persist in cranking the engine.
What to expect:
A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the cause of your car’s failure to start through a series of diagnostic procedures. You will receive an upfront, fair and transparent estimate for the necessary repairs. The mechanic will book a follow-up appointment to perform the repairs and will bring the required parts and tools. All repairs are covered by our warranty.
How it's done:
The mechanic will check the ignition system, fuel system, and charging system, and then look for any mechanical damage. The mechanic may also try an alternative fuel source, like a quick shot of brake or carburetor cleaner into the throttle body, or a quick shot of liquid fuel via a vacuum line. If the car starts momentarily and then dies, that indicates that you have a fuel delivery issue.
How important is this service?
It goes without saying that a non-starting car is an important issue to address. Do not ignore or abandon the car if it’s not starting; this is an issue that should be dealt with promptly. Book a mechanic to perform a thorough diagnostic as soon as possible.
Oil Change Service
What is an oil change all about?
Engine oil is the lifeblood of the engine. The oil resides in the oil pan, which is under the car attached to the bottom of the engine. All internal (moving) parts of the engine need to be lubricated by the engine oil. Inadequate lubrication will cause the parts to wear out faster and eventually lead to engine failure. An oil filter keeps the oil clean and free of debris. If the filter is not replaced on a regular basis, it will get clogged and will not be able to pass oil into the engine.
Oil Change Service
Keep in mind:
• When the oil is changed you should always replace the oil filter.
• Replacement oil should always match the required specifications for your vehicle.
• After your oil has been changed, it’s a good idea to run the vehicle for a few minutes to make sure that there are no leaks.
How it's done:
• Remove and replace engine oil and filter.
• Check the condition of all fluids.
• Perform basic safety inspection.
• Start the vehicle and check for leaks in the system.
Our recommendation:
• It is best to follow the maintenance schedule provided.
• We recommend replacing the oil and filter every 5,000 miles or four months.
• Synthetic oil (versus regular) is cost effective. Its lubrication properties are better and you will not need oil changes as frequently.
• If you notice any fluids in your driveway, you should get your vehicle inspected immediately.
• Do not drive your car with low engine oil. It can severely damage the engine.
• What are the common symptoms indicating you need an oil change?
• The amount of time since your last oil change exceeds the recommended miles.
• Maintenance light is on.
How important is this service?
Regular oil changes are generally considered the most important maintenance service for your car. To avoid severe engine damage, this simple and inexpensive service should be regularly scheduled.
Brake Pad Replacement Service
What are brake pads and how do they work?
Brake pads consist of friction material that is bonded to a sturdy steel backing plate. When you push on the brake pedal, the friction material on the brake pads is forced against the inner and outer surfaces of the steel brake rotor under tremendous pressure. The resulting friction causes the wheels on your car to slow rapidly allowing for a quick, safe and controlled stop. After thousands of miles, this friction material eventually wears away, and the brake rotor wears away as well, requiring replacement.
Brakes-Service
When to replace brake pads?
Here are several indications that you need new brake pads:
• Wear indicator on vehicle dashboard. When the friction material on the brake pads is worn to within 2 mm of the pad backing plate, replacement of the pads is necessary. Most newer cars today have electronics built into the brake pad. When the pad is at a point that it needs to be replaced, a symbol will appear on your vehicle dashboard’s instrument cluster. Consult your owner’s manual to learn what the symbol looks like.
• High pitched squeal when braking. When the friction material on the pads is worn close to the backing plate, you may hear a squealing or squeaking noise as you drive regardless of whether you are applying the brakes or not. That squealing or squeaking noise is designed to make you aware that the brake pads are getting low and need to be inspected. If all of the friction material on the brake pad has been worn away, you will hear grinding and scraping noises when you apply the brakes. Pad replacement is mandatory at this point and the vehicle is unsafe to drive until corrected.
• Brake pedal pulsation or vehicle vibration. Over time, brake rotors may develop excessive thickness variation (>.001 inches), excessive runout on the wheel hub (> .002 inches), or the brake rotor may warp due to high operating temperatures. If these defects exist, you may notice pulsation in the brake pedal or steering wheel during braking. New pads and rotor resurfacing or replacement will be required if the rotor has any of the above-mentioned deficiencies.
• Vehicle pulling or wandering on braking. If your car pulls to the right or left during braking, that could be a sign of a sticking brake caliper, misalignment of the suspension, and sometimes tire defects or uneven tire inflation from side-to-side. The mechanic who inspects your vehicle will determine if new brake pads alone will resolve the issue or if other repairs are needed.
• High mileage on existing pads. Regardless of whether any of the above brake system symptoms occur, every 10,000 miles a mechanic should measure the thickness of the remaining friction material on the brake pads and perform a thorough visual inspection of the braking system.
• Brake system warning lights and/or maintenance reminder messages. Should your brake system warning light ever illuminates, or a brake system related maintenance reminder message appears in the driver information display, have your vehicle inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
How do mechanics replace brake pads?
Normally, pad replacement requires these steps:
• Confirm the thickness of the remaining friction material on the brake pads. If the remaining friction material is less than 2 mm in thickness, pad replacement is warranted.
• Visually inspect the brake rotor surface that contacts the pad (for scoring, pitting, grooves, rust) and measure the brake rotor with precision tools for thickness variation, run-out and warpage.
• Inspect the caliper, torque plate, pads, and rotors to determine if the caliper is operating freely (i.e., inspect for stuck calipers).
• Install new pads and any additional recommended components (e.g., rotors, if rotors depart from OEM specifications) only with customer approval of course.
• Lubricate brake system components, such as caliper sliding pins, and inspect the condition of the brake fluid. Top off brake fluid as required.
• Perform a basic 50 point safety inspection of your vehicle.
• Finally, the mechanic will test drive your vehicle to confirm normal operation of the brake system.
Is it safe to drive with a brake pad problem?
Driving a vehicle with a known deficiency in the braking system is unsafe and consequently is not recommended. Worn out brake pads can increase stopping distances and so for your safety, it is always advised that worn out brake pads be replaced promptly. Further driving is not recommended and you should request service at your earliest convenience if any of the following circumstances exist: stopping distances are much greater than what you are accustomed to; the brake pedal is not firm or is low; there is loss of braking power assist; the vehicle pulls severely to one side on braking; or the brake system warning light is on.
If you detect unusual noises, such as squealing or grinding, but stopping distances are close to what you are used to, and the brake pedal is firm, and there are no warning lights, it may be safe to proceed to your destination but schedule service at your earliest convenience. When it comes to the brakes on your vehicle, always err on the side of caution and have a mechanic check your brake pads and braking system at the first indication of a problem.
When replacing brake pads keep in mind:
Brake pads must always be replaced as a set, that is both wheels (driver and passenger side) on an axle, front or rear, must be serviced. If brake pads on only one side of the car were replaced, your car might pull to one side when you apply the brakes. Often, resurfacing or replacement of the brake rotors is necessary and a competent mechanic will always measure for wear and damage to the brake rotors and advise you as to whether rotor replacement or re-surfacing is needed.
Timing Belt Replacement Service
What is a timing belt and how does it work?
An engine timing belt is a fiber reinforced, toothed drive belt manufactured using durable compounds such as highly saturated nitrile. The timing belt allows the crankshaft to drive the camshafts in the cylinder head at half the RPMs of the crankshaft. The camshafts then open and close the engine’s intake and exhaust valves in time with the movement and position of the pistons in the engine.
Timing Belt
When to replace the timing belt?
Every 60k-90k miles. If an engine is equipped with a timing belt, the timing belt must be replaced at the service interval specified by the vehicle manufacturer regardless of whether or not any problem is visible, typically in the range of 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Your vehicle owner’s manual should state the specific service interval.
Engine stops abruptly or will not start. Occasionally, timing belts can break, or skip, while the engine is running.
Rough engine operation. The molded, reinforced teeth on the timing belt engage gears on the crankshaft and camshafts. After many tens of thousands of miles, the teeth can wear or break, or the belt can stretch, thus causing the belt to jump position on the crankshaft or camshaft gears. Should the belt jump, the engine will run poorly and perhaps not at all.
Banging or clanking engine noise. On some engines, if the timing belt has jumped, the pistons and valves can collide and there will be noise and damage. These engine designs are referred to as interference engines. If your car has an interference engine, replacing the timing belt according to the maintenance schedule will minimize the chance that a belt failure will cause engine damage.
How do mechanics replace the timing belt?
Engine designs vary, and thus the replacement procedure will vary, but broadly, the procedure is as follows:
• Disconnect the battery ground cable.
• Once the engine is cold, set the crankshaft to top dead center with the number one piston on the compression stroke. Remove crankshaft pulley.
• Remove all accessories interfering with the removal of the timing belt covers.
• Remove timing belt covers. Lock camshafts, as required, and note position of camshaft timing marks. Remove timing belt tensioner and idler pulleys. Remove timing belt.
• If replacing the water pump, do so at this time, and of course drain the cooling system first. If the engine cooling system thermostat is only accessible with water pump replacement, the thermostat should be replaced as well.
• Installation of the new timing belt includes all of the above steps, performed in reverse, following strict guidelines to assure camshaft and crankshaft (and balancing shaft, if equipped) are in perfect alignment after tensioner has been set.
• Upon completion of the installation, the engine crankshaft is turned by hand 720 degrees and the correct position of the timing marks on the crankshaft and the camshafts is confirmed.
• The vehicle is road tested to confirm normal operation and a service sticker is affixed to the engine noting the date of belt replacement and the vehicle mileage.
Is it safe to drive with a timing belt problem?
No, were a worn-out timing belt to snap while underway, perhaps on a highway, it creates a risk of complete loss of engine power while surrounded by fast moving vehicles. Once your vehicle has reached the recommended replacement mileage for the belt, you can eliminate the risk of sudden and unexpected timing belt breakage by having it replaced. If your engine is of the interference type, it is especially important to replace the belt according to the maintenance schedule because sudden breakage of the timing belt, while the engine is running, will likely cause significant damage to internal engine components such as the valves and pistons.
When replacing the timing belt keep in mind:
An interference engine should be carefully inspected before a broken timing belt is replaced because it may have sustained damage that will have to be repaired prior to installing a new belt.
The timing belt system includes idler pulleys and a belt tensioner. These components should be replaced along with the belt.
On some cars, the timing belt drives the engine’s water pump. Mechanics will usually recommend replacing the water pump at the same time that the timing belt is replaced.
Car Battery Replacement Service
What are car batteries and how do they work?
A car battery is an energy storage device that relies on a chemical reaction within the battery to produce electricity. The stored electrical energy is used to initially operate the starter motor, ignition system, and fuel system on your vehicle. Once your car engine is running, the alternator supplies the electricity needed for all vehicle systems and charges the battery to replace the electric energy used when starting a car.
Most electric vehicles have a traction battery which is in addition to the standard 12 volt battery that is used to start the car engine. Traction batteries also convert chemical energy to supply electrical energy but operate at higher voltages and often are monitored by the PCM (Powertrain Control Module).
Battery
When to replace a car battery?
Your car doesn’t start. A new battery has a specified capacity to provide power. This capacity is referred to as the cranking amps rating of the battery. As a battery ages, the actual amps that a battery can supply becomes lower than its original rating Once the cranking amps fall below a critical threshold, it will be difficult or impossible to start your car.
Battery or charging system warning light is illuminated. Should a battery or charging system warning light illuminate, a mechanic should perform a few basic tests to determine if a battery replacement is needed.
Electrical components don’t work. Once a battery has started to fail, and the voltage produced by the battery drops, then vehicle electrical components can malfunction, such as the security system. If you are experiencing electrical malfunctions, it’s a smart idea to have the battery tested.
How do mechanics replace the battery?
• A temporary power source might be installed to avoid the possibility of losing radio presets or stored data in the PCM while the battery is out. When the battery is already completely dead, this step is unnecessary.
• The vehicle’s negative cable is removed from the battery, followed by the positive cable. The battery tie down system is loosened and the old battery removed.
• Cable ends and wiring are carefully inspected to ensure cleanliness and no corrosion. In some cases, corrosion can be extreme and the cable may need to be replaced or wiring repaired.
• The new battery is installed and the tie down system is reinstalled. Anti-corrosion compound is applied to the battery terminals. The positive terminal is reconnected followed by the negative terminal.
• Some vehicles, for example some models of BMW, VW, and Audi, may require PCM programming to input battery parameters. This step, performed using a specialized scan tool, is necessary to maximize battery life and prevent electrical system malfunctions.
• The car is started and charging system output is measured and compared against the factory OEM specification to ensure that the new battery will properly recharge. Generally, charging output will be in the range of 13.8 to 14.8 volts but the exact specifications vary by make and model.
Is it safe to drive with a battery problem?
Yes, but if you have a weak battery you might be left stranded somewhere if the battery dies completely and you cannot start your car. A faulty battery may also needlessly overload the alternator and could adversely affect the operation of the vehicle’s electrical system, including the vehicle security system and the shift interlock.
When replacing the battery keep in mind:
• The quality of the electrical connections to the battery posts is important. Connections must be clean, free of corrosion and properly tightened.
• Batteries store a large amount of energy and if short-circuited a battery could explode and can create intense discharges that can damage your eyesight. Insulated tools should be used to attach cabling to battery terminals. Otherwise, the battery’s positive cable can be shorted to ground or the positive and negative posts can be directly shorted. Batteries can only be safely installed from a positive terminal to positive wiring and from a negative terminal to body ground. If the polarity is reversed damage will likely occur to the vehicle’s electrical system.
• Generally, a car battery will have a service life of 4 to 7 years. If a load test on a battery reveals a significant reduction in the capacity of the battery to provide power, you should buy a new battery rather than wait for the old battery to fail completely.
• Batteries should only be disconnected if the engine is off and the alternator is not running. Disconnecting a car battery while the alternator is running can cause a voltage spike that will damage sensitive electronic components in the vehicle, such as the PCM.
Car Starter Repair Service
What's a car starter motor and how does it work?
The starter motor is a powerful, compact electric motor that will turn a car’s engine over at about 200 RPM in order to start the engine. The starter is at the terminus of a circuit that includes the battery, the ignition switch, a neutral safety switch, relays and fuses.
When you turn the ignition key to start, or press the start button in some vehicles, the starter circuit is completed and the starter will run. Most starters have a small pinion gear that engages a larger ring gear on the flywheel when the starter is powered on. The pinion gear turns the engine flywheel at about 200 RPM. Since the flywheel is directly connected to the crankshaft, all engine components will then turn in sync and the engine starts.
Starter
When to replace the starter?
Starters are relatively durable but most will eventually fail in one or more of the following ways:
• Intermittent operation of the starter. Starters can develop bad spots on the armature which will cause intermittent operation. This causes the starter to work sometimes and other times when you turn the key nothing happens.
• Starter turns too slowly. Internal electrical and mechanical faults can cause the starter to draw too much current and in some cases the current drawn will exceed what the battery can supply. A consequence is the engine may not start as rapidly.
• Unusual noises on starting. If you hear any type of grinding or other unusual noise while starting the engine, that should be investigated as the noise could reflect an internal starter failure or the noise could be due to pinion gear failure or flywheel ring gear damage.
• Starter doesn’t function when turning the key. In some cases, the first symptom of a starter malfunction is a complete failure of the starter motor. This happens when you turn the ignition key to start the car, the starter motor does not function at all.
When replacing a faulty starter keep in mind:
• Prior to replacing the starter, simple diagnostic tests should be performed to ensure that the problem is a faulty starter versus a weak battery, faulty neutral start switch, or other faulty electrical component in the starter motor circuit.
• Starters draw large amounts of current from the battery, much more than any other electrically powered device in your car. This makes it important that the electrical connections to the battery are inspected, cleaned, and tightened as necessary. Cables to the starter should also be inspected for corrosion and replaced as needed.
Alternator Repair Service
How does an alternator help your car run?
The alternator is the component that charges the battery in your car. When you use electrical components in your car (stereo, lights, etc.), the battery loses power. The alternator recharges the battery, replenishing the lost battery power. The alternator is located in the engine compartment. If the alternator is not working properly, your car will only stay running for as long as the battery has power stored. Once the battery loses power, your car will not start. Normally, a malfunctioning alternator will turn on the battery warning light or will have a low volt gauge reading.
Alternator
Before repairing the alternator:
The mechanic should check the entire charging system before installing a new alternator, including checking battery cables for corrosion and the condition of the battery.
Steps when replacing an alternator:
• Inspect entire charging system (battery, cables, alternator).
• Inspect the drive belts.
• Test alternator output.
• Remove and replace alternator if found to be faulty.
• Re-test alternator output.
Our recommendation for alternator replacements:
Ask your mechanic to inspect the condition of the charging system during every major service. The mechanic should also clean and tighten the battery cables during every major service.
What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Alternat"
