Your vehicle’s electrical system is a complex network of electrical components. Essential components are the alternator, the car starter motor, and the battery.
Battery
The battery provides 12-volt power to the engine starter and to the vehicle accessories when the engine is turned off. Click here for more about the Interstate batteries that we stock.
Engine Starter Motor
An engine starter is an electric motor used to rotate (crank) an internal-combustion engine so as to initiate the engine’s operation under its own power. It receives its power from the car’s 12-volt battery when the ignition key is turned on.
If your engine won’t start there could be several reasons. Symptoms include hearing just a clicking sound, or hearing the engine crank when you turn the key, but it doesn’t catch and start running. These symptoms could be caused by a dead or weak battery, a bad solenoid, or a bad starter motor.
We can diagnose the cause of the no-start and make the needed repairs.
Alternator
The alternator in your vehicle charges the battery and powers the electrical system when its engine is running. When the engine is running, power is generated from the car’s electrical alternator. This provides power to the engine ignition system as well as charge the vehicle’s 12-volt battery.
A battery light or a discharge reading on the dashboard can indicate a bad battery or a faulty charging system. This could be caused by a broken belt, or a bad alternator.
Our technicians at Country Tire and Auto are very good at diagnosing problems with an automobile’s electrical system. Schedule an appointment or walk-in and let us inspect your vehicle’s electrical system and repair any problems you may be experiencing.