Torque Shop: No alternative to alternator

A car's alternator basically keeps the 12-volt battery of a combustion-engined vehicle adequately charged. PHOTO: AZFAR HASHIM
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How critical is the state of an alternator to a car’s engine performance? Also, is there a way to determine if an alternator is due for replacement?

The alternator is a fairly reliable component, but like all electro-mechanical equipment, it does not last forever. However, most will easily last 130,000km or more.

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