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How to Find the Best Quality Used Alternators for Your Vehicle
When the alternator of your car breaks down, it is not only the starting ability of the car that is affected but also the entire electrical system. Substituting it with an entirely new alternator appears to be the most readily apparent resolution. However, this might turn out to be costly; it depends on the make and model of your car and ranges from $300 to well over $1,000. However, there is an affordable alternative: the used alternator.
In this blog, we will discuss why you may want to consider purchasing a used auto parts as the smart choice for your wallet, how to inspect the used alternator before buying, where the best deals can be found online, and how long the average second-hand alternator can last. And are second-hand alternators worth the investment?
Why should I choose a used alternator over a new one?
While a new alternator seems superior to a used one, there are several circumstances in which the used alternator is preferable. Here’s why you should turn to secondhand alternators.
Cost-effective.
Let’s face it: the first reason for preferring used alternators as opposed to new ones is cost. New alternators can cost hundreds of dollars, while used alternators are considerably less expensive. For instance, depending on the type of car you have, a secondhand alternator could cost between $50 and $200, resulting in savings for those who own older cars.
Secondly, older cars rarely justify the cost of installing new, clean components. Why waste time and money on a new alternator for a car that is only a few thousand dollars?
Used alternators are much more cost-effective for these cars. If you properly inspect it, you can get a good, working alternator for a lesser price.
Availability of older models
If you own an old vehicle, then you must have encountered the frustration of obtaining new parts. Manufacturers frequently discontinue production of components for older models, making it exceedingly challenging to find new parts. That is when the used alternators come in. Old alternators from salvaged vehicles are more readily accessible and widely available than new parts designed for older models of vehicles.
For instance, in the case of a car over ten years old, it’s quite challenging to source new alternators directly from most dealerships. So, alternators are purchased second-hand from auto salvage yards and other online locations. This is often the only option for older or discontinued models, so they serve as a saving grace for keeping your car on the road.
Environmental Factors
Every time you buy a used alternator, you are, in effect, recycling. By reusing parts, we can save the energy and resources required to manufacture a new alternator. On top of that, you are keeping a good part from being sent to the landfill.
Many cars are scrapped before their parts reach the end of their useful life. A car may be considered a total loss because of a crash or critical mechanical failure that has nothing to do with the alternator. Purchase an old alternator, and you recycle a higher-grade part, also conserving environmental waste.
Better Quality Standards
Not all used alternators are worn out or are nearly ready to fail. The majority of used alternators originate from relatively new cars that have been in collisions or totaled, but the alternator is still in perfect working order. Purchasing from reputable suppliers who rigorously test their components guarantees that you avoid acquiring a defective product.
Many used alternator sellers, including Used Auto Parts Pro, inspect, test, and even remanufacture these alternators before marketing them. Nearly all sellers provide a brief warranty for their products, ensuring that you can purchase with confidence and knowing your used alternator will meet your expectations.
How to Check a Used Alternator Before Purchase
Buying a used alternator could be an excellent avenue for saving some money, but the secret to getting a reliable part is knowing how to inspect it. Just because it’s low-priced does not mean you should settle for a substandard alternator. A good inspection of that second-hand alternator can give you many more years of reliable operation—if you know what to look for.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to inspecting a used alternator before buying.
Visual Inspection
A visual assessment is always done first. Before buying a used alternator, inspect it well enough to determine whether there is some visible damage. Inspect for cracks, corroded materials, and frayed wires, as these are signs of improper storage and wear and tear. Rust is especially dangerous because it shows that the alternator must have been exposed to moisture, which can cause extensive damage inside.
Most scratches on the surface and small spots of rust aren’t a concern. However, if you notice severe rusting, bent parts, or damage in the alternator, do not buy it. After all, a used alternator with extreme observable damage is likely to fail prematurely.
Turn the pulley
The pulley of the alternator is an integral part because it transmits the mechanical energy from the belt of the engine to the power. The simplest way to check the condition of a used alternator is to hand rotate the pulley; it must turn without resistance but not too freely. Never buy used alternators with worn-out bearings.
Check for the output voltage
A more technical observation is to measure the voltage that comes out of the alternator. A perfectly functioning alternator should show a voltage reading between 13.5 and 14.5 volts when operating. If it reads too low, then the battery will not charge properly. More than that, if it gets too high, it can sometimes damage your electrical system.
Of course, not always will you be able to test a voltage in person, especially when buying online, but you can ask the vendor to confirm that a voltage test was done. Responsible merchants, like Used Auto Parts Pro, will often state this to ensure a buyer gets a good product.
Check the brushes
Alternators have small carbon brushes meant to support carrying out electrical currents from the rotor to the stator. They wear out with time; therefore, checking their condition is important when purchasing a used alternator. When the brushes are highly worn out, an alternator may end up failing early or even failing to work properly.
While it is impossible to inspect the brushes off the alternator, you can ask the seller if they have been inspected or replaced. Secondhand alternators with replacement brushes will probably live much longer than those original, worn-out brushes.
Check for evidence of prior repairs
Lastly, check for evidence of previous repairs or modifications. While a used alternator that has been repaired doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a bad thing, at least you have a clue it’s already been fixed. Substandard or inferior repairs may ultimately fail if inferior components and materials are used. Check nuts, wiring, and anything appearing out of order, and inquire from the seller about its history if you are not aware of it.
Life Expectancy for Alternative Used Alternator
The first thing that people look for when purchasing an alternator is how long it would work. A used new alternator has a lifespan of 7 to 10 years, or 100,000 miles. A used alternator has a shorter lifespan, but it can still perform well in most situations.
Let’s take down the aspects that influence the lifespan of a used alternator.
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- Alternator age and mileage
The lifespan of a used alternator mainly depends upon its age and mileage. The possibilities are that if you buy an alternator that was scrapped from a low-mileage vehicle or only a few years older, it would last for many more years. However, the one extracted from a high-mileage vehicle or running for quite some time may not stay that long.
A good rule of thumb is that an alternator with less than 50,000 miles is likely to go for another 3-5 years easily if kept in good condition. An alternator that has exceeded 100,000 kilometers will, however, barely have a few more years to go, depending on the condition of the alternator.
Maintenance History.
Just like all car parts, the lifespan of an alternator would be determined by how well the car was taken care of. Alternators obtained from well-kept cars are generally in better condition than those from cars that have been cared for poorly. For this reason, if possible, ask the seller of the used alternator about its maintenance history.
Some vendors, such as Used Auto Parts Pro, describe the part’s complete history and any testing or refurbishing that has been done. This may give you a better idea of how long the alternator will last in your vehicle.
Quality of the original alternator.
Not all alternators are the same. High-performance cars usually hold more robust alternators that last longer than their counterparts in low-cost cars. You can expect a used alternator from a high-performance car to last longer, even though it has been used before.
Another thing you should look into in your assessment is the brand of the alternator. When compared to OEM parts, some aftermarket parts break down more often.
When looking for a used alternator for sale, make sure to prefer OEM replacement parts.
General Lifespan Expectations
While a new alternator can last a decade, a used alternator typically lasts for three to five years, depending on the conditions above. On the bright side, while an old alternator will not last as long as a new one, the significantly cheaper price makes it a sensible buy.
Is it Really Worth Buying a Used Alternator?
So, is the gamble worth it when it comes to a used alternator? To assist you in making this decision, let’s weigh the pros and cons below.
Pros of buying a used alternator Costs:
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- Cost Savings:
The biggest advantage of using a used alternator is cost savings. You can save several hundred dollars by opting for a used alternator instead of an original one.
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- Availability:
If you have a pretty old car, you may find it difficult or impossible to find a new alternator. Used alternators are readily available, at least for older models.
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- Ecologically friendly:
Utilizing a used alternator does not result in the waste of resources that would have been used to manufacture a new auto part.
Cons of Buying a Used Alternator:
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- Shorter Lifetime:
It has a shorter lifetime. A new alternator can last up to ten years. A used alternator would likely not last that long. This shouldn’t be a big problem if you are driving an older vehicle that you do not plan to keep for very long.
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- Risk of faulty parts:
When you buy a second-hand alternator, there is always some risk attached to it, especially if the alternator has never been put through stringent testing or inspection. To minimize the risk, buy from a reputable seller, like Used Auto Parts Pro, which ensures that the products sold are defect-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I install a used alternator personally or take it to a mechanic?
It can be quite challenging, of course, but doable for you. First of all, you have to take out the battery, remove the used alternator, and install a new one, thus keeping the belt properly tensioned. You would do well to take it to a professional if you are not confident about your capabilities. Wrong installation may lead to far more serious damage to your electrical system later on.
2. How does the remanufactured unit compare to a used alternator?
A remanufactured alternator has been disassembled and inspected, and all worn or broken parts replaced before being assembled to meet the manufacturer’s specifications. This is essentially a rebuilt alternator that should work as well as a new one. A used alternator is typically sold as is, with no repairs and no refurbishing, although some are tested and cleaned. While both are budget-friendly, a rebuilt alternator typically costs more because there is more labor involved in reconstituting it.
3. How can I be sure that a rebuilt alternator would fit my car?
The part number with the make, model, and year should be checked to see if a used alternator fits in your vehicle. Many online used car part vendors, such as Used Auto Parts Pro, allow you to input information about your vehicle and return compatible parts. You can check your car’s manual or discuss it with a mechanic to get advice on what alternator best fits your car.
4. Can I test a used alternator at home before installing it?
Yes, there are many ways in which one can test a used alternator at home. A very common way is through testing using a multimeter and checking on the alternator output. After mounting the alternator, attach the multimeter to the terminals on the battery. Then, start the engine, and a healthy alternator will give you between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. A low or excessively high voltage can prevent an alternator from functioning as it should. However, a comprehensive diagnostic test, especially when you are not sure of how to perform the checks without risking an accident, is best left to experts.
5. Are used alternators guaranteed?
The warranty on a used alternator varies depending on the sellers you buy from. Reputable sellers, like Used Auto Parts Pro, have limited warranties that give you peace of mind if the part fails too early. Many private sellers and salvage yard vendors will sell you a used alternator with no warranty at all. Read your warranty terms carefully, and if you have any concerns at all, think twice about buying from a source that can guarantee the performance of the part.
6. Do signs of alternator failure begin before it dies completely?
Yes, there are some warning signs that your alternator is about to fail. Most include dimming or flickering headlights, a battery warning light coming on, unusual noises (whining or grinding), slow starts, or dead batteries. If you start noticing any of these problems, get your alternator checked before it completely fails and strands you.
7. What happens to my vehicle’s battery when the alternator is bad?
A faulty alternator can drain the charge of your battery, especially when you are driving. Since the alternator recharges your battery, when it becomes faulty, the battery drains quickly, and you cannot start your car. If your battery has just been replaced but you still experience electrical problems, then your problem might be more with your alternator than the battery.
