How long will your battery run if the alternator is shot?

Question

I fully charged my battery at a local automotive shop but my batterry light still is flashing when I accelorate my SUV. MY battery hand is not moving though, but last night it did untill I recharged the battery. My car still runs, it's just the battery light keep flashing. How long untill the truck stops if I hav a bad alternator.

Answer 1

First, test the alternator. Most Car part places will do this for free or low cost. The machine they use will test the alternator, battery and the regulator. The light you see is telling you have a problem but not what the problem may be.
Most cars will run only a short time on the battery alone. Doing this is also very hard on the battery. If it is something you have to do, turn off all of the electrical stuff you can.

Answer 2

not very long. if your alternator is really the problem, better replace it asap. for your safety, don't use the car at night because the battery will drain fast when you use the lights.

Answer 3

i know this sounds silly but until the batery dies or gets down to about 9v

take it to your local auto parts store and have them perform the triad-test I.E. they test the batery then the starter then the alternator
usually while it is in the car and usually for free

Answer 4

if your alternator's shot you should be worring about how long the cars gonna last not the battry, you could mess up your computers and stuff making them strain to operate with not enough power