Auto Repair in Murray & Paducah

If you’ve ever had your car suddenly struggle to start, your lights dim while driving, or a battery warning light pop up on your dashboard, there’s a good chance your alternator was involved. At Harlan Automotive, we talk with drivers in Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois, and Northeast Tennessee all the time who ask, “What does my alternator actually do?” Simply put, your alternator is what keeps your vehicle powered while it’s running. It works hand-in-hand with your battery, but they do very different jobs. Your Alternator: The Power Plant While You Drive Your car battery’s main job is to start the engine. Once the engine is running, your alternator takes over. The alternator: Charges your battery while you drive   Powers your headlights, radio, power windows, and dashboard   Supplies electricity to engine computers and fuel systems   Keeps your vehicle running consistently   Think of it like this: Your battery is ... read more

It might seem harmless to top off your windshield washer reservoir with plain water—but doing so can actually create bigger problems for your vehicle, especially during colder months. Here’s why it matters more than most drivers realize. First, water freezes, and that’s a major issue. When water freezes inside your washer reservoir, pump, or lines, it can crack components, clog the system, or completely disable your washer sprayers right when you need them the most. Windshield washer fluid is specially formulated with antifreeze properties, allowing it to function in cold weather while protecting the system from damage. Second, water doesn’t clean as effectively as washer fluid. Road grime, salt, bugs, oil film, and windshield haze won’t break down with plain water alone. Washer fluid contains detergents designed to cut through debris quickly, improving visibility and keeping your windshield clear. Clear visibility ... read more