Nothing feels more helpless than turning the key and hearing nothing—or worse, hearing the engine sputter and die in the middle of a drive. Whether it’s a sudden loss of power or a complete no-start situation, the underlying cause is often tied to the battery or alternator. Both are critical components of your car’s electrical system and when either one fails, it doesn’t take long before you’re left stuck and waiting for a tow. The secret to avoiding this kind of inconvenience is knowing how these components work together, how to spot early warning signs, and when it’s time to get your electrical system inspected. How the Battery and Alternator Work Together Your vehicle's battery provides the initial jolt of electricity needed to start the engine. Once the engine is running, the alternator takes over. It recharges the battery and supplies electricity to systems like headlights, climate control, infotainment, and power steerin ... read more