OEM Kia Alternators

What Alternators Do

Alternators convert mechanical energy -- machine movement, really -- into electricity. That current is what charges car batteries and runs a vehicle's many electrical systems -- for instance, a dashboard's lights and displays, power windows, in-car entertainment systems, power steering, and windshield wipers. It also is what helps warm heated seats.

How Alternators Work

The process is as follows. First, a vehicle's engine moves a belt, which drives a pulley on the alternator. That pulley spins a rotor shaft, which then turns a set of magnetic coils. The moving coils generate AC power. A rectifier on the alternator captures it and turns it into DC power. This is how a vehicle can start and stay running.

Unfortunately, alternator failure can happen sometimes. The causes of a bad alternator include bad jump-starts, incompatible accessory installation, and damaged or degraded alternator parts. Luckily, the symptoms of alternator trouble are fairly easy to spot.

Signs of Alternator Problems

• Headlight issues
• Car radio malfunctions
• A burning smell under the hood, near the alternator or battery
• Engine whines
• A dead battery
• Charging system issues
• Charging system failure

If you see any of these, to figure out what's going on, run a complete inspection. Test your vehicle's charging system specifically. If it turns out you need to change your alternator, do so. Otherwise, replace it every 7 years or every 80,000 to 150,000 miles. For more details on that, refer to your owner's manual.

The Best Alternators for Kia Vehicles

Kia makes its alternators compatible with its models, guaranteed. So, you should trust your repair or replacement project to nothing less than a genuine OEM alternator. You can order one online right here at our auto parts department. We'll ship immediately, right to your home address. Buy now!