Kia Cerato alternator replacement

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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.

Kia

Kia Motors Corporation (widely known as Kia Motors) is South Korea’s second-largest automobile manufacturer, behind their parent company, the Hyundai Motor Company.

They were initially established in December 1944, over 70 years ago, as a steel tubing and bicycle parts manufacturer who started building cars in the 1970s.

Coming from a background of building cars under licence for the likes of Fiat, Mazda and Peugeot, it wasn’t until the 1980s when Kia started to produce vehicles under their own brand name, and only more recently were they to become minority owned by Hyundai, who currently holds a 33.88% stake in the company, in 2015.

How popular is Kia in the United Kingdom?

From the mid-1990s, the amount of Kia cars on UK roads has seen a steady increase to the current number of around 800k today.

Given their reliability, value for money and market-leading 7-year, 100k mile warranty, Kia is a marque that is heading for further popularity, greater sales and added respect.

Superb value for money

With an extensive range of models to choose from, Kia cars offer excellent value. From their city car Picanto starting at under £10k, through to their luxury spec SUV Sorento at £30k, Kia cars compete with more established mainstream brands, offering not only strong price-points but with advanced levels of technology and the extended benefits you’d expect from a car of a higher price.

Kia Sportage: The 10th best selling car in the UK

Given the rise in growth of the Korean car brand, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise to see its best selling model sneak into the top 10 best selling cars of 2018. This great value and practical SUV is ideal for family motoring; not only is it rugged and good looking, but it’s also backed with Kia’s impressive reliability and extensive warranty.

Kia’s reliability and reputation

Kia ranked joint 4th out of 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018. When buying a new car, reliability should be a key consideration, and with such an impressive set of statistics to back this brand, Kia is setting standards that the better-known marques will have to work hard to match.

Recent Kia recalls and reliability issues

Various recalls have been made on Kia models throughout their motoring history. The following are a list of the most recent in the UK and Europe.

25/05/2019 – Kia Niro (2016–2018)

The main relay with the power relay assembly may have inadequate connections between contacts

05/03/2019 – Kia Stinger (2017–2018)

There is a rough edge in the left fender body panel

14/12/2018 – Kia Soul (2013–2014)

The connection between the steering rod and the steering bod may come loose

10/08/2018 – Kia Niro (2017)

Oil might leak on the power electrode inside the hydraulic clutch actuator

11/05/2018 – Kia Rio (2017)

The cable length of the rear door lock assemblies may be incorrect

23/03/2018 – Kia Sorento (2011)

A faulty fuel line may lead to fuel loss in the engine compartment

30/03/2016 – Kia Sorento (2015–2016)

The brake light of a trailer attached to the vehicle is not activated when slowing down through cruise control, due to a software problem

15/04/2016 – Kia Soul (2014–2015)

A fault with the steering gear box could lead to the driver not being able to steer the vehicle properly

All recall information sourced from gov.co.uk data.