Dundee
Dundee, situated on the east coast of Scotland, is a bustling city known for its vibrant culture and thriving industries. With a population of approximately 150,000, it is the fourth most populous city in Scotland.
The most popular cars in Dundee
When it comes to car ownership in Dundee, we have gathered data on the most popular cars in the city. Topping the list is the Ford Focus, a favorite among Dundee residents for its reliability and practicality. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Polo, Vauxhall Corsa, BMW 3 Series, and the Audi A3.
In addition to these popular choices, Dundee residents also show a preference for compact cars and hatchbacks, which are well-suited for navigating the city's narrow streets and tight parking spaces.
Vehicle numbers in Dundee
Dundee boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 100,000 cars registered in the city. This reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in Dundee
Dundee is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique charm. Some notable areas include DD1 (City Centre, West End, and Lochee), DD2 (Broughty Ferry, Barnhill, and Monifieth), DD3 (Stobswell, Hilltown, and Douglas), and DD4 (Charleston, Downfield, and Kirkton). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Dundee.
At our car maintenance platform, we understand the importance of catering to the specific needs of Dundee residents. Whether it's providing regular servicing, tire replacements, or body repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the requirements of Dundee's unique automotive landscape.
With our platform, Dundee residents can easily find reliable car maintenance services in their local area, ensuring that their vehicles remain in optimal condition for their daily commutes and weekend adventures.
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.