Alternators & Batteries

Alternator & Battery Services

Battery testing and replacement
Alternator diagnostics and replacement
Starter testing and replacement
Charging system inspection
Terminal and cable cleaning
Electrical system checks
Load and voltage testing

Signs your Alternator is Failing

Dim Headlights and Interior Lights
Electronics operating slower than normal - power windows have slowed down
Battery Warning Light on dash
Weird smell of noise coming from front of vehicle
Vehicle stalls or is difficult to start
Requires a jump to start

Shop Talk: Get to Know Your Alternator

Your car’s alternator is what keeps your battery charged and your electrical systems running. Think of it as your car’s power generator — while the engine runs, the alternator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

That electricity powers things like your headlights, radio, dashboard, air conditioning, and power windows, all while recharging the battery so it’s ready to start the engine the next time you turn the key.

If your alternator starts to fail, your battery will drain quickly and your car might stall or refuse to start. Warning signs often include dim headlights, flickering dashboard lights, strange noises, or a battery warning light on your dash.

The short of it: The battery starts your car, but the alternator keeps it going.

Let Bachman’s Auto keep all the parts going!

Car Battery Facts

Average Lifespan: Most car batteries last 3–5 years, depending on driving habits, climate, and maintenance.

Short Trips – Shorter Life: Frequent short drives don’t allow the alternator to fully recharge your battery — over time, this can lead to early failure.

Cold Weather Killer: Batteries lose about 35% of their strength at 32°F and up to 60% at 0°F — that’s why cold mornings reveal weak batteries fast.

Heat Hurts too: High summer temps can evaporate battery fluid, damaging internal components long before winter rolls around.

Corrosion = Trouble: White or bluish buildup on your battery terminals is corrosion, which restricts the flow of electricity. Cleaning it helps maintain performance.

Modern Luxuries = More Drain: Today’s vehicles have more electronics than ever — infotainment systems, sensors, power seats, cameras — all of which draw more power from the battery.

Phantom Draining: Even when your car is off, small systems like clocks, alarms, and computers still pull energy. That’s why a car sitting too long can have a dead battery.

Recycling for the Win: Car batteries are one of the most recycled products in the world — nearly 99% of lead-acid batteries are recycled and reused!

Jump-Start Caution: Improper jump-starting can damage both cars’ electrical systems. Always connect the positive to positive, and the negative to a clean metal ground (not the other battery’s negative terminal).

Signs of a Weak Battery: Slow engine crank, dim lights, electrical glitches, or the dashboard battery light are early warnings it’s time for a test.