The simple solution to that question is no. Even if the car alternators do not have waterproof capabilities this doesn’t necessarily mean that the alternator is not water resistant (because it’s ). But, if your car encounters a situation in which it is submerged by excess water, such as floodwater or is navigating through the river, it is an easy way to damage the alternator.
Car alternators are an essential element of your car as it acts as a charge unit for your battery in your car in particular when your car is running. To understand the function of the car alternator imagine it as an energy bank for the battery of your phone while you use it. However, for automobiles, it will require years to wait until the car’s battery would die. The car alternator makes sure you are able to keep running, so that your vehicle won’t be stopped in middle of the road. In addition the car alternator is the source of power for all electric components of your car. It’s actually a important part of your vehicle and you must ensure that your car’s alternator is in good condition and functioning properly every time.
This is the reason why there are so many concerns surround this crucial car component. Let’s dissect some commonly asked questions concerning the alternator in your car.
Do you make an alternator waterproof?
The process of waterproofing an alternator is fairly easy. Simply follow the steps listed in the following steps:
- Make sure your car’s engine is cool and you’re parked in a flat spot.
- Then, lift your car up so you can clearly see the spot where you’ll be required to install the engine Protector against splashes.
- Locate the the mounting points of your engine Splash Shield. Remove the bolts or clips using a screwdriver socket wrench or prying instrument (whichever is appropriate).
- Install to the Engine Splash Shield with the appropriate bolts, screws, clips and washers. Follow the proper tension specifications.
- Once you’ve secured it properly After you have secured your vehicle, lower it and give it the test drive. If you sense or feel there’s something wrong or is missing from your vehicle’s engine area, be sure to examine it and tighten the screws.
Car alternators can stand up to large splashes and rain when not submerged for long periods of period of. The car’s alternator is designed to withstand water. However, if you’d like to ensure that you don’t want water to cause rust to the exposed components of your alternator, like the brass or bronze brushes, you should consider the use of an Engine, Splash Shield.
Additionally the Engine Splash Shield protects the engine compartment from dirt and water. It is constructed of metal or plastic and the primary goal is to protect your vehicle from range of contaminants like dust, water and dirt. In a small way, it decreases aerodynamic drag and consequently, increases the efficiency of your vehicle on the highway. In some vehicles it redirects airflow around the components which require cooling down, for example, an alternator or oil pan.
Can I safely wash my car’s alternator?
Yes! If you want to wash your alternator without risk it is recommended to follow the instructions below:
- Since your alternator provides the power to the battery in your car Make sure you have a connection with your alternator that the battery is not cut. This way you’re safe and you will not experience accidents while cleaning your alternator.
- Make sure you have a bucket full of warm water as well as liquid dish soap. Mix the soap with warm water.
- You can sprinkle or pour the water into your alternator. Be sure to scrub every nook and cranny of your alternator, so that it’s free of dirt, dust, or any other particles.
- It should be five minutes.
- Use a wire brush to gently scrub the areas that are dirty.
- Cleanse your alternator, then dry it out prior to reconnecting your battery to the alternator.
In this context maintaining your alternator free of dust, dirt or dirt is a crucial component of car maintenance. However, car owners are not advised to pressure wash their vehicles. A pressure wash is accomplished through the use of a pressure hose, and then spraying it with a lot of force to the car’s interior and exterior. There are a variety of disadvantages apart from the obvious advantage of having your car’s outside and interior cleaned. One of the major disadvantages when pressure-washing your car to clean its exterior is that it may harm the paint of your vehicle. However using pressure washers to clean on the inside of your vehicle or the engine part of your vehicle can cause damage to parts of the engine and, eventually, the rusting of metal parts within the hood of your car.
What happens when the car’s alternator becomes wet?
What can occur is that the exposed components of your alternator could be damaged. The brass or bronze brushes that are part of your alternator. They are typically lubricated to keep erosion and electrical arcing to a minimum. If these bronze or brass brushes are exposed to stagnant or flood waters the lubrication begins to wear away which means that the brush itself will become damaged. Regular exposure to water causes these brushes to become rusty and, consequently, cease to function properly because they are not in alignment to those slip rings. This can eventually cause an electrical connection becoming damaged, as well as corrosion, and premature wear on bearings and an enlightened reduction in the power generated due to the viscosity of water.
Another factor to be aware of when you expose your alternator to massive amounts of water is the grime. However, you should ensure that your alternator is clean of dirt and dust as well as grime. If your car was submerged for a long period in water that is still or flood-like dust, sand and debris will inevitably get into the interior of your vehicle and even the alternator. This means that all this dirt will cling to the brushes of your alternator, which means that it will cease to function properly.
Also, your alternators can manage the occasional rain or splashes of water, but don’t submerge them into the flood or even still water as your alternator is likely to be damaged.
In essence, your vehicle’s alternator was designed to resist water, and it will function even if the alternator is splashed with water. Therefore, the only most critical time to worry about will be when the alternator has been completely submerged in water that is still or flood waters.
Another activity in the car that many car owners believe is beneficial is to pressure wash the engine of your car. This is a no-no when it comes to the maintenance of your alternator in your car because the force of the pressure washer’s force will result in greater damage to the vehicle’s alternator (among other parts of your car) than it is intended for.
How do you dry your alternator?
To make an alternator dry up, you need to do is purchase an alcohol-based or petroleum distillate precise cleaner. This acts as an extremely fast drying formula, and you can spray it on the alternator. It should sit for approximately 24 hours, then inspect your alternator. And you’ll be good to go! The best tip is to leave your car’s hood open to dry it out, to ensure that there is enough airflow to aid in the drying process.
If this doesn’t work contact a mechanic to determine if there are other parts that require being checked, cleaned or replacing, other than the alternator. Don’t panic as there are always low-cost solutions to fix your car. Naturally, if you’re you are in doubt, ask for help.
How to keep your car’s alternator in good working order
In addition to ensuring that your car’s alternator is in good condition There are other methods to ensure that your car’s alternator is in great and in good condition.
The right alternator belt
The belt for the alternator is connected to the alternator in your car. A set of pulleys operates it to make sure that your car’s alternator is supplying enough power to the car’s battery. Because the belt and the alternator operate in tandem it is your obligation to regularly check the belt of your alternator as a responsible vehicle owner. The best guideline is to inspect and replace the belt when you’ve accumulated between 40,000 and 70,000 miles. However, it is suggested for motorists to take it off every six months during the maintenance of their vehicle.
Get rid of any dust, dirt or other debris
As with any other component of your car, the alternator needs to be free of dust, dirt or other debris for it to function effectively. When it’s beneath your hood, the alternator could be vulnerable to dust, dirt or other debris as time passes. Be sure to inspect your alternator in your vehicle’s regular maintenance so that your car is in top condition!
Make sure that it is aligned
When you drive a car, you can’t think that the route toward your goal will be easy. It is inevitable that there will be bumpy roads that your vehicle (and the parts of your car) are likely to be bumped. Since your alternator is linked to the belt that drives the alternator as well as it is connected to the crankshaft pulley, a bumpy road could indicate that your alternator isn’t properly aligned with these crucial attachments, and therefore may not function as intended. A regular inspection is to check whether the alternator belt, alternator, as well as crankshaft pulley are properly aligned.