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 ...

If you can turn a wrench and operate an electric drill, you can build this simple generator in two days. Turn a car alternator into a homemade wind turbine by building this cheap and easy DIY wind ...

Modern automotive alternators have a voltage regulator built into them. Typical car alternators generate the field using a DC current through slip rings. The field current is much smaller than the ...

People may think that the battery powers the electrics in your car, but that’s not the case. The battery provides electricity needed for the electric starter motor to start the car. When the car is ...

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 ...

We earn commissions from purchases you make using links in our articles. Learn more. The alternator is a device that keeps your car’s electrical system running once the engine is on. It’s essentially ...