Dead Car Battery vs Bad Alternator: How to Tell the Difference
Your car won't start — battery or alternator? Before buying a new battery, read this. A Brampton tow truck driver explains the symptoms of each.
Dead Battery vs Bad Alternator — How to Tell
When your car won't start or dies while driving, the two usual suspects are the battery and the alternator. Getting the diagnosis wrong means buying a new battery when you actually need an alternator, or the other way around.
Signs of a Dead Battery
The test: Boost the car. If it starts and keeps starting normally over the next few days, the battery is the likely cause.
Signs of a Bad Alternator
The test: After a boost, if the car dies again shortly after, the alternator (or the charging system) is the likely cause.
The Chicken-and-Egg Problem
A failing alternator can wear out a healthy battery over a few weeks, and a deeply drained battery can make a good alternator look faulty. If you've had repeated battery problems in the past year, have the charging system tested before replacing the battery again.
When to Call for a Boost vs a Tow
Need a battery boost in Brampton, Mississauga or the GTA? Fast 24/7 dispatch — call 647-673-9755.
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