Nissan Repair: 1998 Nissan Altima, nissan altima, jumper cables

Question
I just baught a really nice used 1998 Altima. Drove it all day the battery in it is fairly new and drove fine all day suddenly while driving the air bag light and the over drive light came on. Noticing this i decided to pull into a parking lot and turn the car off and try to restart it. The car wouldnt turn over. I flagged down a fella with a set of jumper cables the car started right up but continued to flash both of those lights. I am thinking it is either the alternator or the voltage regulator on the alternator. I am hoping to see what you could offer if i replace the alternator and continue to have the same problem where i could go from there? Thank You

Answer
John,

I would take the car to Autozone or Checker and get them to do a free electrical inspection.  If the alternator was defective the alternator/battery light should come on.  But, if battery is going out it could overload the circuit.  So, have the system checked and email me back.