Sunderland
Sunderland, situated in the northeast of England, is a bustling city known for its industrial heritage and vibrant community. With a population of approximately 275,000, it stands as one of the largest cities in the North East region.
The most popular cars in Sunderland
When it comes to car ownership in Sunderland, we have gathered data that sheds light on the city's car preferences. Taking the lead as the most popular car among Sunderland residents is the Ford Focus, a reliable and versatile choice. Following closely behind are the Vauxhall Corsa, Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Golf, and the Ford Fiesta.
It is interesting to note that Sunderland residents show a preference for compact and efficient cars, reflecting their practicality and urban lifestyle. These popular models cater to the city's needs for maneuverability and fuel efficiency, making them ideal choices for navigating Sunderland's streets.
Vehicle numbers in Sunderland
Sunderland boasts a significant number of registered vehicles, with approximately 180,000 cars on its roads. This high number reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the importance of maintaining a well-functioning vehicle for daily commutes and leisure activities.
Postcodes and suburbs in Sunderland
Sunderland is divided into various postcodes and suburbs, each with its own distinct characteristics. Some notable areas include SR1 (City Centre, East End, and Hendon), SR2 (Ashbrooke, Ryhope, and Grangetown), SR3 (Doxford Park, Tunstall, and Silksworth), and SR6 (Fulwell, Seaburn, and Roker). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Sunderland.
As a car maintenance platform dedicated to serving the needs of Sunderland residents, we understand the importance of providing reliable and efficient services to keep their vehicles running smoothly. Whether it's regular maintenance, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of Sunderland's automotive landscape. We strive to ensure that Sunderland residents have access to top-notch car maintenance services, allowing them to enjoy a hassle-free driving experience in their beloved city.
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.