Alternator failing — dim lights, dying battery
Dimming or flickering headlights, a battery warning light, and electronics acting up while driving point to a failing alternator — the part that charges the battery and powers the car while the engine runs. When it fails, the car runs off the battery alone and will stall once it's drained.
Get a tow before it strands you
A failing alternator isn't fixed by a jump — the car is running on borrowed time off the battery and will stall, possibly in traffic. A tow to a shop is the safe call.
⚠️ Safety first
If the car stalls in traffic you lose power steering and brakes assist. Get to a safe spot early and request a tow.
- 1Turn off everything you don't need — AC, radio, heated seats, extra lights — to stretch the remaining charge.
- 2If it's still running and you're near a safe stop, get off the road before it stalls.
- 3Don't rely on a jump start — the alternator won't recharge the battery, so it'll die again quickly.
- 4Request a tow to a repair shop.
You might also need
TowGo · Roadside help, on demand