What's the most important part in your car? You would probably answer it's the engine. The engine, of course, is very essential since combustion takes place here. It is often referred to as the "heart of the vehicle." However, other systems and auto parts might begin to protest. Certainly, every part in the vehicle has a role to perform; therefore, any of the auto parts cannot be disregarded. Among the auto parts that play equally important role with the engine parts are the electrical parts.

Electrical parts take charge of your car's power supply. It produces, stores and distributes electricity to all parts in the car that needs it--especially the engine. Basically, your car cannot operate without electricity. In order for the engine to produce power for the wheels, the burned fuel and air mixture must be ignited. The spark plug needs electricity in order to fire the compressed air-fuel mixture and create a powerful expansion of the vapor.

A problem on your electrical system, such as a faulty alternator or battery, could render your car useless; thus, you must be cautious if anything abnormal happens to your Ford's electrical system. The battery wears out the fastest and so it needs to be checked every now and then. Likewise, check on your alternator. This part is the source of electricity in your car; thus, when damaged, nothing will supply power to the battery and the rest of the vehicle.

What are the indications of a faulty alternator? First and foremost, if your car won't start at all and all you hear is a click, your alternator might be in bad condition. The battery has not been charged properly so it doesn't have sufficient amount of power for the engine to start.

However, even if your engine still starts, you cannot be confident enough that nothing is wrong with your Ford car's alternator. Check your headlights when idling, if the light gets weaker and weaker, check for loose connections in the alternator. Likewise, check the alternator belt. If it is not tight enough, the alternator won't be able to charge properly. Furthermore, look if there is a formation of rust as this will affect the charging ability of your