Tucson Alternator

Located at 1401 E 20th St, Tucson, AZ 85719, Tucson Alternator, also known as Tucson Alternator Exchange & Copperstate Auto Electric (TAE/CAE), is a highly specialized Auto Repair Station that focuses specifically on vehicle electrical systems, primarily alternators, starters, and batteries. This second-generation family-owned and operated business has been serving the Arizona area since 1979, establishing itself as an expert in the field of charging and starting components. While not a general auto repair shop, their niche expertise is crucial for any vehicle experiencing electrical issues, making them an essential part of the automotive service infrastructure.

The environment at Tucson Alternator is geared towards efficiency and technical specialization. While direct descriptions of their physical retail space or workshop environment aren't extensively detailed in the provided reviews, the nature of their business suggests a focused and organized operation. They likely have a well-equipped facility for testing, repairing, and remanufacturing alternators and starters. The mention of "fast shipping" for a specific product suggests a streamlined inventory and dispatch system, indicative of an efficient behind-the-scenes operation. For walk-in customers, the environment would be one where staff are knowledgeable about their specialized products and are prepared to assist with technical inquiries related to electrical components. Their operating hours from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Tucson location) also reflect a dedicated business operation.

The services offered by Tucson Alternator are highly specialized and revolve around the electrical starting and charging systems of various vehicles. These services include:

• Sales of New and Remanufactured Alternators: They offer a wide range of alternators, including standard and high-output versions, for a vast array of vehicles and equipment. This includes automotive, trucks, marine, custom builds, classics, agriculture, powersport (ATV, UTV, motorcycle), lawn & garden, golf cart, industrial, and DC motors.
• Sales of New and Remanufactured Starters: Similar to alternators, they provide starters for the diverse range of applications mentioned above.
• Battery Sales: Complementing their focus on charging systems, they also sell batteries.
• Alternator and Starter Testing: They offer free testing services for alternators and starters, which is a critical service for diagnosing electrical issues before committing to a purchase or repair. Their claim is to "test, advise and give a free estimate before we repair, completely rebuild or sell you a 100% brand new part."
• Repair and Rebuilding Services: If they don't have a specific part in stock or if a repair is more cost-effective, their repair department can fix or completely rebuild alternators and starters. This includes "re-engineering component parts and assembly procedures" for improved reliability.
• High Output Alternator Specialization: They are noted for their expertise in high-output alternators, catering to vehicles with increased electrical demands (e.g., aftermarket audio systems, winches, heavy-duty applications).
• Custom Builds and Specialty Units: They can handle specialized units and custom requests for various applications.
• Technical Support: The company encourages customers to call for "technical questions" and provides "technical instruction in every box that is easy to understand," suggesting a commitment to supporting proper installation and troubleshooting.

The features that distinguish Tucson Alternator are largely tied to their specialization and business model. These include:

• Specialized Expertise: Being a second-generation family-owned business since 1979, they possess deep knowledge in alternators, starters, and batteries across a vast range of applications. This level of specialization is a significant advantage over general auto parts stores or repair shops.
• Extensive Inventory: They boast a "huge inventory" covering "most Automobile, Truck, Marine, Custom Builds, Classics, Agriculture, Power sport, ATV, UTV, Motorcycle, Lawn & Garden, Golf Cart, Industrial and DC Motors," ensuring a high fill rate for orders.
• Quality Control and Testing: Their manufacturing process involves remanufacturing from original equipment cores and a "Quality Control Guaranty program" with "100% testing of all finished products." This is crucial for ensuring the reliability of their parts, though customer experiences can vary as seen in one review.
• Focus on Value and Needs: They state they "will never sell you something more than what you need," aiming to save customers time and money. This "factory direct" approach is touted to offer "the best value in town."
• High-Output Alternator Focus: Their explicit mention of "High Output alternators" and specific reviews referencing a "400 amp alternator" demonstrate a niche market they serve effectively for customers requiring more power.
• Direct Fit and New Condition Products: One positive review highlights a "direct fit and replacement" that "works perfectly as expected and came in brand new condition," reinforcing their product quality claims.
• Test Readouts Provided: The inclusion of "read outs of all the test they performed on my alt before shipping" is a valuable feature for transparency and customer assurance.
• Customer Service (Mixed Experience): While one review praises "fast shipping" and express gratitude, another deeply negative review points to significant issues with product reliability ("failed within minutes," "Horrendous workmanship") and a blame-the-customer approach ("told me I installed dead batteries," "completely inappropriate for an alternator company to say the customer is at fault for overheating"). This suggests a mixed customer experience, which is important for an objective introduction.

Regarding promotional information, Tucson Alternator leverages its long history and specialized expertise to attract customers. While specific, temporary deals are not provided, their core promotional messages include:

• Specialization: Promoting themselves as "experts in our field" for alternators, starters, and batteries.
• Wide Coverage: Highlighting their comprehensive inventory across numerous vehicle and equipment types.
• Quality Assurance: Emphasizing their "Quality Control Guaranty program" and "100% testing."
• Value Proposition: Stressing that they "will never sell you something more than what you need" and offer "factory direct" pricing for "the best value in town."
• Customer Service and Technical Support: Encouraging customers to call for assistance and offering technical guidance.
• Physical Locations: Having multiple locations (Tucson and Phoenix) extends their reach and accessibility.
• Online Presence: Their website serves as a primary source of information, product catalogs, and potentially online ordering, along with sections for "Become a Dealer" and "Technical Information."

In conclusion, Tucson Alternator at 1401 E 20th St, Tucson, AZ 85719, is a highly specialized Auto Repair Station focused on the sales, testing, repair, and remanufacturing of alternators, starters, and batteries. As a long-standing family-owned business, they pride themselves on expertise, extensive inventory, and a commitment to quality and value. They are particularly known for their high-output alternators and broad application coverage. While they offer crucial services for vehicle electrical systems and have received strong recommendations from some customers for product quality and quick service, it is important for potential customers to be aware of the varied experiences, including reports of product failure and customer service issues, as reflected in online reviews. Their niche makes them a go-to for specific electrical component needs in Tucson, but due diligence based on all available feedback is advisable.