Compare Mitsubishi alternator repair quotes from specialist garages

Mitsubishi's automotive division was founded in 1970, but it produced its first vehicle way before that. In 1917, the shipbuilding division created the Model A, intended as a luxury car for officials. It was the first series-production vehicle in Japan and paved the way for the Debonair, a four-door executive sedan introduced in 1964.

A breakthrough happened for the company in 1976 when it developed Silent Shaft engine technology to reduce vibrations. This technology was so successful that it was licensed to other brands, including Porsche and Fiat.

Since then, Mitsubishi has continued to push boundaries. Its 2011 Outlander ad campaign beat no less than five world records, including the greatest distance driven by a vehicle in reverse on snow in 30 seconds.

The alternator plays a simple but crucial role in keeping your car's battery charged, which means it is also indirectly responsible for starting the vehicle and keeping various components running. It is like a small generator; the engine spins, and the alternator turns this movement into electricity.

Here are five signs your alternator is faulty.

Common reasons for car alternator repair include a failing voltage regulator (which ensures the battery receives the charge at the correct voltage) and worn brushes (which maintain electrical contact with the alternator). An alternator specialist can advise you on the cause of the problem and how best to fix it.

Rather than repairing the component, a total car alternator replacement may be required, which is a straightforward job that most mechanics can do. However, when considering an alternator repair vs replacement, the latter only occurs when multiple parts fail, and the repair cost would be close to that of fitting a new component.

Find out how much it costs to replace an alternator in this guide.