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Your car's alternator is one of the most vital components in your vehicle. This electrical generator is what charges your car battery and powers your engine's electrical system, and when it begins to fail, you'll probably notice some clear signs that your vehicle is struggling. Read ahead to learn 5 common signs that indicate you need an alternator repair. 1. Dim Headlights Your car's alternator provides power to its entire electrical system – including your headlights. One of the top warning signs that your alternator needs a repair is dim or flickering headlights. Of course, your lights could also be burning out or in need of a cleaning, which is why many drivers overlook this issue as relating to their alternator. However, the only way to truly know if your alternator needs a repair is to visit your local car dealer to diagnose the issue and perform any necessary auto repairs. more 2. Strange Noises Strange noises are often the first indication that something is wrong in your vehicle. If you notice unusual rattling sounds coming from your car's internal workings, you may have a problem with your alternator. Sometimes, alternator bearings break off and fall into the engine, causing them to rattle around. Rattling noises, coupled with other symptoms on this list, are a surefire indication that your alternator needs a repair. 3. Difficulty Starting Your alternator provides power to different areas of your vehicle, including your spark plug. If this piece of equipment fails, you may have trouble starting your vehicle, as the spark plugs will not be able to ignite your gasoline and start your engine. If your car has difficulty starting, take it to a mechanic right away. Waiting around to see if the issue solves itself could lead your car to stop starting altogether, resulting in pricey and more serious repairs. 4. Dead Battery A dead battery is another warning sign that your alternator could be having trouble. A bad alternator could fail to recharge your battery, causing it to drain more quickly and fail on you. If your battery is dying frequently or you have trouble jumping it with cables, you'll probably want to get your alternator checked out. 5. Indicator Light The clearest sign that something is wrong with your alternator comes from the alternator warning light. Not all vehicles have these lights, but if yours does, a warning will appear on your dashboard reading "ALT" or "GEN." If this light comes on, take your vehicle to the shop before the issue worsens. A mechanic may be able to repair it before any further damage is done. We're Your Lanham, MD Dealership for Alternator Repairs and More Many car owners can have trouble diagnosing vehicle issues on their own, which could result in more repairs as time passes without proper repairs. The best way to know if your car alternator is failing is to take your car to a trusted dealership that will provide a thorough inspection of all of its parts. Contact DARCARS Lanham Kia today to schedule an auto repair appointment, and we welcome you to check out our new Kia vehicle inventory while on your next service visit!