Quote:
Originally Posted by LaneLester
Is the alternator's load on the engine different, depending on how much electricity the vehicle is using?
|
Yes it is. The magnetic field within the alternator is controlled by altering the amount of current through it. If this didn't happen, idling your car with your lights and stereo off would overcharge your battery.
If you want quantifiable evidence of the variable load electronics put on your car, ask someone with a huge stereo to take you for a ride. If they turn on their amplifier while cruising, you feel the hit the car takes (almost like turning on the a/c).