How Long Will a Car Run without an Alternator? Running on Borrowed Time

The alternator converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy that keeps the vehicle's battery charged and powers the car's electrical components and accessories.

A car without an alternator will only go as far as the battery can power it, typically at a maximum range of around 25 miles or 40 kilometers. However, the range will likely be as low as 2 or 3 miles.

After that, the battery won't have enough charge to power the car's electrical components, and the car will stall.

A failing alternator will leave you stranded, so if you know your alternator is not functioning properly, pulling over to a safe spot as soon as possible if you're driving is important.

This article will discuss how long a car will run once the alternator fails.

How Far Can I Drive with a Dead Alternator?

Without an alternator, your car will have to rely on the battery for its electrical energy. Depending on the size and quality of the battery, it'll be able to keep the car running for up to 25 miles of travel on a full battery.

The car alternator converts mechanical energy into usable electric energy in the form of an alternating current and is what keeps your vehicle's battery fully charged.

The fully charged battery provides the power to the vehicle's starter, which gives the engine its first few rotations to get it started before the combustion process takes over.

This charging system provides energy to the battery, which oversees numerous important operations that make your car's electrical components work.

Along with providing power to the vehicle's ignition system, the battery is also important in managing other components, such as the lights, drive belt, radio, ignition, power windows, and headlights—the battery manages even your heated seats.

With a failing alternator, less battery life translates to less travel time. If the battery cannot supply alternating current to the car's engine, the car will not start. If your alternator breaks down, you might begin to experience the following symptoms:

• The alternator warning light
• Dim or overbright lights
• Whining or growling noises
• Burning or rubbery smells
• A faulty belt
• Stalling or difficulty starting

It's important to note that these issues can sometimes arise as a result of other problems in your car.

Still, a combination of any of these problems generally indicates that there's something wrong with your alternator.

Most cars will go between 80,000 and 100,000 miles before the alternator needs to be repaired or replaced.

Can I Drive My Car If the Alternator Is Not Working?

You may be able to drive a few miles with an alternator that is not working correctly, but it is hazardous.

There is a high probability that a malfunctioning alternator will leave you stranded.

Usually, when your alternator fails and the battery begins to drain, you may notice your headlights and dash lights may start to flicker.

Once the battery dies, there's nothing to power the car's electrical systems, and your vehicle will stall. However, you'll probably see the battery light turn on before this happens, indicating that the electrical systems are about to shut down.

Make sure to get the car alternator looked at by a professional mechanic as soon as you suspect any problems. Testing a battery and alternator is a simple process and shouldn't take long or cost much money.

The mechanic will recommend the next course of action; however, it is usually the most cost-effective to replace the alternator rather than repair it.

How Long Will a Car Battery Last If the Alternator Is Not Working?

How long the battery lasts with an alternator that isn't working depends on its size, age, and quality, but it won't be long.

It will most likely be a few minutes before you start to notice the battery going dead, so it's essential to get your vehicle parked safely as soon as possible.

Modern cars have a sensor that will trigger when the alternator is not producing enough voltage, which is a surefire sign that you should bring it to the shop immediately.

Before you see this warning sign, you should look for electrical faults like flickering lights, dimming, or other malfunctioning electrical systems.

The alternator is responsible for providing power to the battery for these systems. If you have a bad alternator, your car's battery will suffer, and these electrical functions will be faulty.

How Far Can You Drive on a Full Battery without an Alternator?

If you are sure your battery is full, you may be able to drive up to 25 miles without an alternator, but it heavily depends on the type of vehicle and battery. So instead, you should only expect to go 2 - 3 miles before experiencing problems.

If you suspect a problem with your alternator, getting your vehicle into a shop for diagnostic testing ASAP is safest.

It's always better to catch problems with the alternator in your car before it becomes a hazard to you on the road.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix An Alternator

Replacing an alternator can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000, depending on the make, model, and location of the repair.

Rebuilds may be cheaper, with the cost of the rebuild itself running anywhere from $70 to $120. The labor also comes with a cost of $80 to $120.

Final Thoughts

A car with a bad alternator is not suitable to drive.

If you manage to get a car with a bad alternator started, you won't be able to drive very far before the battery dies and the car stalls leaving you stranded.

The absolute farthest distance you can expect to drive without an alternator is 25 miles, however, it's much more likely you'll only be drive 2 - 3 miles before the car's electrical system starts malfunctions and the car dies.

Ironically, in an older, pre -ECU vehicle, you may get further than in a newer car because the charging system was used for much fewer operations within the vehicle, instead relying on vacuum and mechanically actuated devices.