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![michelley](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
Went to local mechanic 2 weeks ago and asked them to do a full service which they did and advised car was ok - just needed oil. Car has just broken down at home - flat battery. Did AA callout and he has advised it is the alternator. Would the alternator not be covered under full service I received. Suprised it has happened.
![Anon](/assets/aa/aa-avatar.png?m=1466990309)
Hi there,
A vehicle alternator in generally a non-serviceable item and there is no requirement to check it apart from the belt that drives it. Generally the alternator either works or it doesn't and a charge light usually comes on if it's faulting.
So unfortunately it can be a part that can give little or no warning before it faults. Unless it was very noisy, a warning light was on at the time of service, or you had a problem with the battery going flat and you asked them to check it out.
![michelley](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
Thank you for your quick response. Unfortunately there was no warning so I am lucky this happened when I got home.
The mechanic is asking if I would like recondition or new alternator. Can I be cheeky to ask your advice on this? Thinking if it charges battery then new would be better won't break down so quickly?
Thanks
![Anon](/assets/aa/aa-avatar.png?m=1466990309)
Hi, no worries.
It does depend on your long term plan to keep the car or not. New ones can be quite reasonably priced these days as opposed to a rebuild.