Mercedes-Sprinter & VITO

Most alternators will last between 80,000 and 150,000 miles — or about seven years. However, your driving habits and the area where you live could wear it out prematurely.

Your alternator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy with an alternating current. The stator and rotor inside the alternator work as magnets and rotate to generate the alternating current. Then the alternating current(AC) is transformed into a direct current(DC) that charges the battery.

Your alternator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy with an alternating current. The stator and rotor inside the alternator work as magnets and rotate to generate the alternating current. Then the alternating current(AC) is transformed into a direct current(DC) that charges the battery.

While a car alternator usually lasts the car's lifetime, it can deteriorate and malfunction under certain circumstances. Factors such as normal wear and tear, damaged parts, exposure to water or heat, and overuse can cause your alternator to stop working.

How Long Does an Alternator Last? You may also be wondering about alternator lifespan. The average lifespan for most alternators ranges from 80,000 and 150,000 miles. Usually, an alternator lasts about seven years.

Alternators can last for a long time, but problems can occur that decrease its ability to produce power for your car's electrical systems. Fortunately, even without a working alternator, the car should still function until the battery has been drained. However, it's safest to address the issue immediately.

An alternator's stator creates an Alternating Charge (AC) charge, but car batteries are powered by a Direct Current (DC) charge. The role of a rectifier is to convert the alternating electric charge into direct power that's compatible with the vehicle's battery.

Your alternator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy with an alternating current. The stator and rotor inside the alternator work as magnets and rotate to generate the alternating current. Then the alternating current(AC) is transformed into a direct current(DC) that charges the battery.

It needs to be the specific match for the engine in the car. Although a given starter can be designed for use in more than one engine model, it's best to be sure that you know the make, model, year, and engine that is in the vehicle of interest before ordering a replacement starter.