Does AutoZone Give You Money For An Old Alternator?
When your alternator gets old, your first thought is to discard them. Do you know that you can make money out of your old alternator?
You can discard your old alternator and still make money from it. This article will show you how to exchange your old alternator for money.
You can sell your old alternator to AutoZone for an amount. They deal in scrap metal and can make money from recycling it. AutoZone will collect your old alternator and then give you some money in exchange for it.
Will AutoZone Buy My Old Alternator?
Autozone will buy your old or damaged alternator. Autozone deals with old stuff from their customers. They buy aftermarket automotive parts and accessories.
You don’t have to discard your alternator when it is old and no longer functioning well. You can sell it as scrap metal or as a replacement material.
When you sell it off as scrap metal, Autozone still buys it from you. In this way, you are giving off your alternator because it has no value.
You can also sell your old alternator as a replacement part. When you take it to Autozone, you can exchange the old alternator for a new one or another motor part.
Autozone can offer you a new alternator in exchange for your old alternator.
You will be required to pay an additional amount to make up for the price of the new alternator.
AutoZone accepts an old alternator which they exchange for a newer car part for less. The reduction in the cost price of the new part covers the total price.
Having car replacement parts prevents you from spending high amounts on replacing your car parts.
Autozone stores accept old alternators in exchange for new alternators or fairly used ones.
How Much Is an Old Alternator Worth?
You can sell your old alternator for about 10 dollars. Depending on the kind of negotiations you have with the retailers at AutoZone, it could be a lot more.
An alternator is made up of metals in and out. An alternator has two metals of value: the copper wire lines the interior and the aluminum surrounding the copper.
The copper that lines the interior weighs about 1.5 pounds. The worth of 1.5 pounds in the metal scrap market is about 6 dollars.
The aluminum coating of the alternator weighs about 4 pounds. This weight of aluminum costs about 4 dollars.
You can make as much as 10 dollars from selling your old alternator. This price is worth more than discarding the alternator for free.
You can choose to sell the alternator as a whole or scrap metal. Whichever of these choices you make, you can earn a few extra bucks from your old or damaged alternator.
| What You Can Sell | Amount You Can Earn |
|---|---|
| Copper wire | About 5 dollars |
| Aluminum covering | About 5 dollars |
| Scrap metal | About 8 dollars |
How Do I Know When an Alternator Needs Replacing?
You can detect faults in your alternator by observing how it works. Not just any malfunction requires a replacement.
Your alternator is the device in your car that keeps your battery charged.
This device allows you to turn on your car. It also keeps the electrical accessories on.
Once the alternator presents with the following problems, then you should consider replacing it.
- Dashboard indications
- Dead battery
- Failure of electrical accessories
- Dimming/flickering headlights
- Burning smell
- Stalling out
#1. Dashboard Indications
When you frequently have dashboard warnings, you have to check your alternator.
When the battery warning light on the dashboard persists, the battery may not be the issue.
The dashboard usually points specifically to where you can find the problem by lighting up the ALT or GEN notice on the dashboard.
When these lights appear, it indicates a problem with the alternator.
It would be best to consider replacing your alternator when the lights persist after checks and repairs.
#2. Dead Battery
When your battery has been used long enough, it is usual for the battery to die.
The alternator might be the issue when your battery is new and shows signs of a dead battery.
When your alternator is bad, it will not sufficiently charge the batteries even when your engine is running.
Even when you charge your battery using external sources, it dies almost immediately.
This malfunction confirms that you need to replace your alternator.
#3. Failure of Electrical Accessories
When the electrically powered accessories in your car begin to malfunction, your alternator needs to be changed.
These electrical accessories include the radio, the dashboard lights, and the car AC. These accessories are supplied with electrical charges by the car battery.
When these electrical accessories malfunction constantly, you need to replace your alternator.
#4. Dimming/Flickering Headlights
The alternator controls the headlight of your car. There is a problem when your headlight displays unusual dim or flickering lights.
In other instances, the light supplied by the headlight may be too bright. This problem can be traced to the alternator.
When the headlights become unstable in any regard, then the alternator is no longer functioning properly.
You will have to replace the alternator in conditions like this.
#5. Burning Smell
You may perceive some burning smell when you drive your vehicle. This smell could come from the alternator belt.
Aside from the alternator belt, the metals in the alternator may be burning. These metals may be responsible for the burning smell you perceive as you drive.
Whenever you perceive this smell, the alternator must have been damaged, and you will have to replace it.
#6. Stalling Out
The alternator transmits power to the spark plugs. The alternator should be checked whenever your car stalls or fails to power in speed.
If this problem persists after frequent checks, you should replace your alternator. There may be challenges with starting up your engine.
This problem is also a pointer to a damaged alternator. Once you replace the alternator, You will solve the problem.
Final Thoughts
You can sell off your old alternator at AutoZone. AutoZone buys old or damaged car parts.
Instead of discarding them, you can make some extra bucks from them.
Some malfunctioning in your vehicle indicates that you need to replace your alternator.
When you experience any of these, kindly visit your dealership for replacement.
