I've noticed recently that when I'm sitting at traffic lights with the AC on, my headlights dim noticeably for a moment when the compressor cycles on, and the interior lights flicker slightly too. It's subtle but it's definitely happening and I don't remember it doing this before. The car is a 2017 RAV4 and the battery is relatively new, replaced about 8 months ago. I'm wondering if this is just normal behavior that I'm only now noticing, or if it indicates a charging system issue like the alternator struggling to keep up with electrical demand at idle. I think I need a dynamo charging system check Sharjah to test whether the alternator output is where it should be under load, especially at low RPM when the AC and lights are running simultaneously. Does anyone know if the mobile battery services that come to you can perform a proper charging system test under load conditions, or is that something that really needs to be done in a workshop with a proper load tester? I'd rather not ignore this if it's an early warning sign of alternator failure, I've been through that before with a previous car and getting stranded is no fun. Also curious if installing a higher output alternator is an option for this car, I've added a dashcam and sometimes charge devices while driving, nothing crazy but maybe the stock alternator is marginal for any extra electrical load.
