I just installed a new alternator and am wondering how imperative is it to check the voltage comming from the alternator before driving around. I'll definately check tomorrow but want to drive around right away.

 

Not really a big deal. Start up your car and then turn on all the lights and accessories. If it everything gets really dim, the alternator is not working well. Otherwise it is. You could just hook a DMM up to positive post and see if it is outputting ~14volts or so as well.

 

cool, i'm going out to buy a digital-multi-meter tomorrow anyways