Alternator and/or voltage regulator are out. How long till battery dies?

[farleyd]

Alternator and/or voltage regulator are defective. How long till battery dies?

I have to ride the car to the repair shop, and its quite far away. Ill be driving day time, no lights, no fan, no radio.

Thanks!

[TerryH]

There won't be any warning when your battery fully drains, the car will just quit. This could be very dangerous if you're crossing traffic at the time. I would opt for the tow truck.

[farleyd]

Hi Terry, Ok but how long since? 10 miles, 100 miles?

I have the option of carrying a second battery. The ride is about 30 miles.

Should i rebuild or buy another alt?



Thansk!

[Doug Steinel]

I think you should just drive it to the shop, especially if you have a spare battery. I bet you make it on the original battery if it is fully charged when you leave home and you turn off every non-essential system like in Apollo 13.