What to Expect With a Alternator and Starter Service
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Did You Know: It takes up to three football fields to safely brake in the rain?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Symptoms of a Failing Alternator?
Common symptoms of a failing alternator include dimming headlights, an illuminated battery warning light on the dashboard, difficulty starting the vehicle, or unusual noises like grinding or whining from the engine area.
If you experience any of these signs, it’s essential to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible to prevent further damage. In addition, additional symptoms may include power loss to various electrical accessories, which can affect comfort and safety.
During colder months in Amarillo, a failing alternator can make starting the vehicle in the morning particularly difficult. Our team is prepared to help diagnose any concerns you may have and ensure that your vehicle operates smoothly throughout Amarillo’s varying climate conditions.
How Long Does an Alternator Replacement Take?
Alternator replacement typically takes between 1 to 2 hours. Our skilled technicians work efficiently while ensuring a thorough and correct installation. We strive to minimize your downtime and get you back on the road quickly. However, appointment availability and any additional issues discovered may affect repair time.
It's important to remember that our primary focus is accuracy and safety. This means that if our inspection uncovers other potential issues, we will inform you promptly and discuss available options. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive service that leaves you confident and satisfied with your vehicle's condition before departure.
Is It Okay to Drive with a Bad Alternator?
Driving with a bad alternator can be risky. A failing alternator can result in a complete vehicle shutdown since it powers electrical systems and charges the battery. If you suspect alternator failure, it’s best to avoid driving and contact a professional mechanic. Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Amarillo can provide prompt assistance and ensure your vehicle's safety.
Moreover, a compromised alternator can also cause more consequential issues, affecting everything from the battery to the starter system. Allowing our specialists to evaluate and address any alternator issues early not only preserves your safety but may also save you from further costly repairs. We are dedicated to maintaining your peace of mind through efficient and expert service, aiming to get you back to your routine quickly and reliably.
How Much Does Alternator Replacement Cost?
The cost of alternator replacement can vary based on vehicle make and model and the quality of replacement parts. We offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality or service. For an accurate estimate, please call us at (806) 484-0978, and we'll provide a detailed quote personalized to your vehicle's requirements. We also pride ourselves on including you in the process every step of the way.
We ensure transparency so that you understand exactly what you’re paying for and why. In addition, our team is available to discuss cost-saving maintenance tips that can help prolong the life of your new alternator. By investing in regular check-ups and following best practice maintenance timelines, you can help prevent future problems, extending your vehicle's performance capacity.
What Should I Do If My Vehicle's Battery Keeps Dying?
If your vehicle’s battery keeps dying, it might indicate an issue with the alternator, battery, or electrical system. It’s important to have a comprehensive diagnostic done. At Christian Brothers Automotive Amarillo our certified technicians can efficiently identify the problem and recommend the best course of action to restore your vehicle's reliability.
Additionally, frequent battery drain can place undue stress on your vehicle’s electrical system, leading to even more costly repairs if not addressed. This is why we focus on a broad examination of your vehicle's key systems to ensure all related components are working harmoniously together. Partnering with us means less worry about unexpected failures and more confidence on every journey you take.
Contact Us for Efficient Alternator Replacement in Amarillo, TX
Choosing Christian Brothers Automotive Amarillo for your alternator replacement means partnering with a team dedicated to your complete peace of mind.
We combine trustworthy, skilled service with a genuinely customer-centric approach, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish. Our friendly advisors provide total transparency, taking the time to listen and offer tailored solutions to get you back on the road safely and with minimal disruption.
Experience the difference that genuine care and expertise can make for your vehicle. If you suspect alternator issues, don't wait for a breakdown.
Call us today at (806) 484-0978 or book your appointment online to schedule your service or consultation
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
-
Q. "Why is the alternator important?"The alternator helps the battery maintain power. As the car is driving, it’s gaining power from the engine. During this time, the alternator is charging the battery. When the car stops running, the charge from the alternator allows the battery to continue providing power to the car.
-
Q. "What does the alternator do?"As an alternate source of power, the alternator helps many features in the car run. It helps your air conditioning maintain proper airflow, powers the radio, and turns on the headlights, among other things. It can also add power to the engine.
-
Q. "Where is the alternator located?"You’ll typically find the alternator near the front of the engine, bolted in with two brackets. One is adjustable (to allow for drive belt-tightening) while the other is fixed.
-
Q. "What are some signs that my starter is going bad?"Some common symptoms that your starter is going bad or is dead include: clicking or other odd noises, lights working in your car but the engine won't turn, taking more than one attempt to start, or smoke coming from the hood.
-
Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
-
Q. "What is a Digital Vehicle Inspection?"With a complimentary Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) on every visit, you’ll see firsthand photos of your vehicle from under the hood. We’ll let you know if everything is functioning properly or if there are any areas of concern. You can even approve or deny our service recommendations, all straight from your smartphone, or you can, of course, give us a call and we’ll explain our findings in further detail.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
-
"I was driving from Fort Worth to Durango in a two day old Mercedes GLS 580 when a warning light indicated that the oil was overfilled. With the nearest Mercedes dealerships 5 hours away, Christian Brothers remedied the problem quickly and The manager did n"
- Hk