An alternator is a generator that produces the electricity stored in a vehicle’s 12-volt battery and powers the starter motor for the engine and the various computers, lights, power windows and locks, ...

As part of his quest to find the best affordable generator for his DIY hydroelectric power system, [FarmCraft101] is trying out a range of off-the-shelf and DIY solutions, with in his most recent ...

Modern automotive alternators have a voltage regulator built into them. Typical car alternators generate the field using a DC current through slip rings. The field current is much smaller than the ...

Zak is new to the CarBuzz team, working as a freelance content writer. When Zak isn't writing How To articles for CarBuzz he's working as a high school automotive technology instructor. Before ...

The alternator is a device that keeps your car's electrical system running once the engine is on. It's essentially a small generator that converts mechanical energy into electricity, bolted to the ...

Your car needs electricity. You don't have mice striking flint in your engine's combustion chambers, nor do you have kerosene lamps for headlights. You might be able to hire a string quartet to ...

If you can turn a wrench and operate an electric drill, you can build this simple generator in two days. Turn a car alternator into a homemade wind turbine by building this cheap and easy DIY wind ...

Owning a car might be the biggest, and worst, waiting game on the planet. Every single day that you step into the driver’s seat and wonder, “What might go wrong?” We’re not just talking rust buckets, ...