Dartford
Dartford, situated in the county of Kent, is a bustling town known for its strategic location near the River Thames. With a population of approximately 107,000, it is a vibrant hub for both commuters and locals alike.
The most popular cars in Dartford
When it comes to car ownership in Dartford, the data reveals some interesting trends. The Ford Fiesta takes the top spot as the most popular car in the town, favored by Dartford residents for its reliability and fuel efficiency. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Corsa, BMW 3 Series, and the Audi A3.
In addition to these popular choices, Dartford residents also show a preference for SUVs and crossover vehicles, such as the Nissan Qashqai and the Range Rover Evoque. This reflects the town's diverse needs, from urban commuting to weekend adventures exploring the picturesque countryside.
Vehicle numbers in Dartford
Dartford boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 70,000 cars registered in the town. This high number reflects the town's reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in Dartford
Dartford is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique charm. Some notable areas include DA1 (Dartford town center, Crayford, and Barnes Cray), DA2 (Dartford Heath, Joydens Wood, and Wilmington), DA4 (Farningham, Eynsford, and South Darenth), and DA9 (Greenhithe and Stone). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Dartford.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Dartford residents, we understand the importance of providing top-notch services to keep their beloved vehicles running smoothly. Whether it's regular servicing, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of Dartford's automotive landscape.
What does an alternator do?
The alternator is the device responsible for generating electricity to charge the battery. It’s coupled with the engine drive, which means whenever the car is running, the battery is being charged. Without a charged battery there is no delivery of power to the electrical components or to generate the sparks used to combust the fuel in the engine.
How often should an alternator need replacing?
An alternator typically lasts around 7 years or between 100k and 150k miles.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
Without a correctly functioning alternator, your car is unlikely to hold enough charge in the battery to drive for any purposeful length of time. Having said that, the alternator won’t be tested during an MOT, so as long as the battery has enough charge for the engine and other electrical components to run for the duration of the examination, then it can still achieve a pass.
We do not recommend this in any circumstance. If there is a problem with your alternator, you should have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
What happens when we replace your alternator?
Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will test the voltage output of the alternator, inspect the car’s electrical systems and all alternator ancillaries (drive belts, cables, etc.).
Wherever necessary, the alternator will be replaced, and you will be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction.
You will also be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
Once the faulty alternator has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure the correct running of the new part and make any adjustments required for its premium operation.
What causes an alternator to stop working correctly?
An alternator might break down due to a bearing failure, preventing the rotor from spinning freely. Fluid leaks or a too tight belt (or a loose belt slipping) can also cause damage and premature wearing.
Symptoms of a malfunctioning alternator
When the battery is flat
If your battery is flat and refuses to accept charge through normal driving, then your alternator could be the problem.
The lights aren’t as bright as normal
If your headlamps aren’t as bright as normal or the function of other electrical components is weak, your alternator may not be supplying as much charge to the battery as it needs.
The battery warning light is illuminated on the dashboard
All warning lights are an indicator that a sensor has detected a failed component or poor operation. A battery warning light could be connected to your alternator performance.