Southampton
Southampton, situated on the south coast of England, is a bustling city known for its maritime history and vibrant port. With a population of approximately 250,000, it is one of the largest cities in the South East region.
The most popular cars in Southampton
When it comes to car ownership in Southampton, the data reveals some interesting trends. The Ford Fiesta takes the top spot as the most popular car in the city, favored by Southampton 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, Southampton residents also show a preference for larger vehicles such as SUVs and crossovers. This can be attributed to the city's proximity to the New Forest National Park and the need for spacious and versatile cars to explore the surrounding countryside.
Vehicle numbers in Southampton
Southampton boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 180,000 cars registered in the city. This high number reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in Southampton
Southampton is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique character. Some notable areas include SO14 (City Centre, St. Mary's, and Newtown), SO15 (Shirley, Freemantle, and Millbrook), SO17 (Highfield, Portswood, and St. Denys), and SO19 (Bitterne, Thornhill, and Harefield). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Southampton.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Southampton residents, we understand the importance of providing top-notch services to keep their beloved vehicles in optimal condition. 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 Southampton'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.