Know your starting and charging system.

Your car’s starting and charging system is made up of a number of different components and is responsible for starting your vehicle, recharging the battery after starting and supporting electrical loads when running. Here is how it works:

1. The Battery supplies power to start the engine and power the car’s electronics.
2. The Battery connections are cables and terminals that carry power to the starter and electronics.
3. The Starter provides mechanical energy to start the engine.
4. The Alternator charges the battery and powers electronics while the engine is running.
5. The Accessory drive belt drives the alternator and any other device with a connected pulley.