From the earliest days of motoring, cars have evolved dramatically. The very first car envisioned by Carl Benz bears little resemblance to the vehicles we drive today; since then, engineers have found ...

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, ...

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 ...

Production cars began using alternators in the 1960s. As part of the electrical system, alternators made it possible for cars to use higher voltage, and led the way to the modern car charging system.

Mustangs have had alternator charging systems since August 1964, when all Fords and Mercurys became so equipped. Alternators are clearly better than generators in that they maintain a steady charge at ...

The humble automotive alternator hides an interesting secret. Known as the part that converts power from internal combustion into the electricity needed to run everything else, they can also ...

Introduced in August 1964, Ford's first-generation Model 1G alternator was a real step up in reliability and current output compared to the old-school generators it replaced. Originally available in ...

It doesn’t matter whether it’s in the deep chill of winter or the heat of summer, on a work truck, emergency vehicle, or personal rig—the last thing a driver wants to see or hear are dim headlights ...

In the mid '70s, GM began offering its SI-series (Systems Integrated) alternators, which not only delivered more amperage but did away with the externally mounted voltage regulator and its messy ...

Several major industry trends are helping shape today's truck alternator. First, stricter emissions regulations in 2002, then again this year, have spawned a new generation of hotter running diesels.

Generator heads and alternators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Generators and alternators differ by operation and electrical output, but function via the same ...