Poll: alternator life span

[Maxodus]

thanks for the votes yeah it looks like mine died relatively early - not sure what could have caused it. I have all stock electronics too, not like i'm pumping a huge AMP at the back.

The Autozone alternator tester showed failure on all parts (VR, rectifier and the diode thing).

I'm an electronic dummy but what should i check for when i suspect something in the car is causing the alternator to work harder than usual?

[Maxodus]

And for the record - i did have a flat battery 2 years ago (the original battery) and i tried to trickle charge it back up a few times and drive the car before i got a new one (Duralast brand). I've heard, afterwards, that this may not be kind to the alternator.

I've been running the car with the Duralast battery since then with no problem starting the car up.