Your car’s electric infrastructure needs electricity to run, and an alternator is that component that provides this electricity to your car. You can think of it as a small generator that is found in all combustion engine vehicles. Hyundai’s Alternator also does the same thing. It is a very powerful device that provides electricity to all the components, such as your air conditioning system, lights, entertainment system, and the digital dashboard.
The article below further goes into detail about the overall costs of dealing with Hyundai Alternators.
The Average cost of Hyundai Alternator replacement is $750. The actual part starts at $249.41 and go up to $500, while labor cost is around $300, based on 2.5 hours of labor at $150 per hour. In certain cases, it may cost as much as $1,000.
The difference in this cost is significant because there is a chance that you may have to replace additional parts along with the alternator and your mechanic may have to spend more time on disassembling the car and reassembling it. Here are the average costs of both alternator parts and the cost of labor.
Cost Break-Down for Different Hyundai Models
| Model | Year | Cost |
| Hyundai Sonata | 2013 | $468 – $572 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 2005 | $869 – $1,062 |
| Hyundai Elantra | 2015 | $447 – $547 |
| Hyundai Elantra | 2011 | $518 – $634 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2006 | $686 – $838 |
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Hyundai Alternator Replacement
The difference between the lowest cost for replacement of the Hyundai alternator and the highest cost comes from four main factors. These factors are the ones that can determine the overall cost of the work needed.
Labor Costs of Hyundai Cars
The cost of labor hugely impacts the overall cost of the Hyundai alternator replacement. This is because mechanics in different areas charge different rates per hour. For example, in some places, they charge about $80 to $90 per hour, but in other areas, they charge about $110 to $120 per hour.
So, it increases or decreases the overall cost. That is why it is important that you look for multiple mechanics and compare their rates and offers. It would give you a clearer idea about where you can save more money and get a better deal.
Cost of Parts for Hyundai Cars
There are many companies that are making alternators and alternator parts for different Hyundai models. You can also buy these parts from the official distributors of Hyundai. Although, it would cost you a lot more compared to the others.
The overall cost of these parts varies greatly depending on where you buy them and which brand you buy. Some parts are available as low as $250 but may not be good in quality. The high-quality parts can cost you more than $500. This difference in the cost of parts also impacts the overall cost of the Hyundai alternator replacement.
The Model of the Car
The model, make, and year of the car also impact the price of alternators for Hyundai vehicles. Not all Hyundai vehicles use the same model.
There are variations in size and the age of the car to take into consideration when finding pricing options for a Hyundai Alternator.
Your Location
Your location also impacts the overall charges of the Hyundai alternator replacement. There are places where mechanics charge less, and the parts are easily available at cheap prices.
But there are also places where it is harder to obtain certain parts and you will have to pay more to mechanics.
Why Should you Replace a Hyundai Alternator?
All vehicles have electrical components that need electricity to function. The cars with combustion engines do not produce electricity as their output is converted into the rotational force to drive the car. The alternator is a small generator that converts this energy from the engine and turns it into electrical energy.
The job of the alternator is to take energy from the engine, convert it into electrical current, and give it to the battery so that it can be distributed throughout the vehicle components that need electricity to run.
With age, Hyundai’s alternator may start to experience performance issues. It can be for several reasons, and once the performance of the alternator in Hyundai vehicles starts to suffer, it can negatively impact the vehicle performance. To improve the performance of the car and remove all the issues with the alternator, you will have to replace the alternator in your Hyundai car, which comes at a cost.
How Long an Alternator Lasts
The average age for an alternator is between 5 to 7 years. As mentioned in the above paragraph, your car’s performance would be impacted by the issues or faults of the Hyundai Alternator. That is why you should replace it when it first shows signs of failure.
It is a costly procedure that requires a cut out of the check, but that is why it’s important that you check the alternator of your Hyundai for issues before heading to the shop. Look for these symptoms, and if your alternator has one or all, you should visit your nearby mechanic for the replacement of your Hyundai alternator.
Symptoms of a Failing Alternator
Here is a list of the symptoms of a failing alternator.
Car Won’t Start
It is one of the first signs of a faulty alternator. Your ignition won’t work and it will be hard for you to start your car (even after replacing the battery and recharging it).
The main reason behind this is that a faulty Hyundai alternator drains the battery and causes start-related problems.
Flickering headlights
When the alternator of your Hyundai car is not working properly, you will start to notice the flickering of headlights. They would either become too bright or would become too dim.
This problem can sometimes cause severe problems for drivers when they are driving at night.
Dead Battery
A faulty alternator would cause your battery to die multiple times, even if you install a new battery, it will drain it and cause it to die.
Noise
You may also notice strange noises coming from the car parts. These noises are a strong indicator that your car is having problems with the indicator, and you should replace it as soon as possible.
Electrical System Issues
The entire electrical infrastructure of your car depends on the power produced by the alternator.
So, if the alternator is not producing enough power, or not delivering it to the battery and vehicle system properly, it can cause the electrical systems in your car to malfunction.
If you are facing any of these issues with your car, you should get it professionally checked and replace your alternator.
How to Save On Hyundai Alternator Replacement Costs
It can be quite costly to replace the alternator of your Hyundai car as it can run you $500 to $1000. You can be on the lower end of this cost and save money by using these simple tricks. First, look for the parts online, and compare the prices.
Go to a mechanic and ask about any seasonal discounts that may be occurring. If not, you can check online for other mechanics that may be offering discounts and see what they can do for your car. It would help you save on the labor charges.
Related Guides
Tips to Maintain Hyundai Cars on a Budget
Here are a few tips that will help you maintain your Hyundai car and lower the costs of repairs and replacements
Know your vehicle better.
Change your oils and lubes on time.
Check your car’s warning lights.
Keep the engine clean and tuned.
Keep an eye on the battery.
Periodical checkup of the car is important.
If your car is giving you trouble, do not wait and go see a professional mechanic.
Conclusion
The cost of Hyundai alternator replacement varies greatly, depending on multiple factors such as the parts, labor, location, and some additional charges that might occur.
But if you are careful, you can save some money on these replacements and lower your bill significantly. The average cost is between $500 to $1000 and you can be on the lower end of this by going to cheaper mechanics or by buying parts online yourself. If you decide to buy parts online, make sure that they are the right parts.