Your car won’t start or the battery won’t charge when the alternator fails. Getting a replacement ensures you don’t get stuck on the road. Perhaps you’re wondering whether alternators from a junkyard are any good and how to test one.
Alternators from a junkyard are good for your wallet and the environment. A used OEM alternator will work seamlessly to boost the functionality of your car. You can check its external body for cracks and leaks or use a multimeter to check its output voltage to ensure it works well.
Going to the junkyard for a used alternator will save you a lot of money. An alternator from the junkyard is good for the environment and your wallet. You just have to find one that fits in your car and works well. A good idea is to know which one fits in your car before hitting the market.
When Is The Best Time To Get A Junkyard Alternator?
An alternator can wear down over time. When it begins malfunctioning, you tell when the battery discharges more frequently, poor acceleration of the engine, and a smell of burning rubber. The lights may also become low or dim or hear odd sounds from the damaged bearings.
Is An Alternator From The Junkyard Any Good?
A junkyard alternator is significantly cheaper than buying a new one. You can get your car back on the road without spending too much. An alternator from the junkyard lowers your carbon footprint. Used alternators are eco-friendlier since using them extends their lifespan.
A used alternator prevents it from ending up in the landfill prematurely. Getting one for your car protects the environment in the long run. The alternator is original and dependable and boosts your car’s functionality and lifespan.
A used Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) alternator from the junkyard is built specifically for your car model. However, aftermarket alternators are mass-produced to fit various vehicles. It makes used OEM alternators work better than cheaper aftermarket options.
Another wonderful thing about alternators from the junkyard is time-saving. Whenever the alternator in your car fails, you can easily get a replacement from a junkyard. Some are open 24/7 which is a lifesaver to get you back on the road as soon as possible.
How Do You Get An Alternator From The Junkyard?
There are two junkyard setups from where you can pick an alternator. A you-pick-up junkyard allows you to carry your own tools for extracting the alternator from available cars. You pay for the alternator after finding one fitting in your car.
Fortunately, the odds are 95% in your favor if you get it yourself from a self-service junkyard. Although it may not come with a guarantee, you get it dirt-cheap. An OEM alternator from a wrecked car with less than 100 miles outperforms an aftermarket alternator at half the price.
Alternatively, you can get the OEM alternator from a full-service junkyard. Here, you let the company know the alternator you’re looking for. Workers at the company will look for it and let you know.
Some junkyards specialize in particular vehicles. A good idea is to call them and ask if they have used alternators for your car brand and model. It may take some time to find used OEM alternators for rare vehicles.
How Do I Test That An Alternator From The Junkyard Works Properly?
You’re responsible for ensuring the used alternator works properly and fits in your vehicle. Before visiting the junkyard, you must know what one that fits in your car looks like. The junkyard doesn’t guarantee that the part will work for any particular period.
Visually inspect the alternator for signs of external damage such as leaks or cracks. A thorough examination of internal parts is also necessary. A full-service junkyard usually tests the alternators they offer. This may include replacing the old binding wire with a new one.
You also have to ensure that the alternator charges properly. Check the drive belt to ensure it’s not loose or worn out before installing the part. A multimeter comes in handy to test the alternator’s output voltage.
If it reads below 12 volts, it means the alternator isn’t in good condition. T perfectly fine if the voltage reading falls within the optimal range of 13.5 volts to 14.8 volts.
How Do I Tell The Right Alternator For My Car?
You must know the right OEM alternator before visiting the junkyard. The best one is to use your vehicle’s year, make, and model. Alternatively, you can use the car’s original OEM number. You can see this number on the alternator currently in your car.
If you fail to find it for whatever reason, call your local dealership with your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The assistant will give you the car’s OEM alternator number using the VIN.
Final Thoughts
An alternator charges the car battery and powers all electrical components. Getting a replacement when the one in your car fails is very important. Fortunately, you can save on buying an alternator and lower your carbon footprint by getting a used one from the junkyard.
