Rotating electric 28 www.aftermarketonline.net OCTOBER 2026 Vehicle electrical systems should not be taken for granted As we head into the darker and colder months and the increased demand this places on vehicle charging and starting systems, WAI highlights the opportunity to get ahead of the game and offer your customers system checks before they cause problems. Autumn brings a noticeable shift in the demands placed on vehicles. Lights are switched on earlier, heaters and heated screens are used more frequently, and mornings are made more challenging by the colder conditions. This seasonal change presents an opportunity for technicians across the UK to get in early with winter maintenance. Before the next shift arrives, workshops can identify weaknesses in a vehicle’s starting and charging systems, addressing them before they inevitably result in failure. Rotating electrics, including alternators, starter motors and associated components, play a vital role in keeping vehicles moving, working continuously to convert mechanical and electrical energy, helping vehicles start and supplying the electrical power needed to keep them running. When these components begin to fail, the consequences can quickly extend beyond a simple repair. The first signs of rotating electrics issues aren’t always obvious. For instance, a vehicle may still start but take slightly longer to crank. Lights may appear less consistent, a warning light may come on intermittently, or electrical equipment may not perform as expected. All of which can be blamed on the elements and not where the problem lies. However, as temperatures fall and electrical demands increase, an existing weakness can become a much bigger problem. Alternator failures increase exponentially during winter. Rather than waiting until a customer arrives with a vehicle that won’t start, technicians should see the months leading up to winter as valuable time to assess the condition of the starting and charging systems. Increased electrical demands Seasonal conditions are, unfortunately, only part of the challenge. The electrical demands placed on modern vehicles have increased significantly as the industry has moved towards a more electrified future. Features such as heated seats, automatic lights and power steering all contribute to the demands placed on the vehicle’s electrical system, making the condition of the rotating electrics increasingly important. For technicians, a seasonal inspection is therefore about more than simply checking whether the vehicle starts. It is about considering the overall condition of the starting and charging system and identifying whether the components can meet the demands being placed upon them. A component failure can have consequences beyond the repair itself. Additional labour, vehicle downtime and the inconvenience of returning customers can all increase the impact of a failed repair. Reliability, therefore, is an important consideration when selecting rotating electrics. For technicians, this provides reassurance that the replacement component is backed by a focus on quality and reliability. The transition into autumn is a useful reminder that vehicle electrical systems should not be taken for granted. As temperatures fall and electrical loads increase, weaknesses that have remained hidden during the summer can become much more apparent. www.waiglobal.com/eu_en Test starting and charging systems before winter bites Rotating electrics
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