What to Expect With a Battery Replacement
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: The older a car battery is, the more susceptible it is to extreme temperature changes.
Recognizing the Signs of a Failing Battery
Many people believe a car battery will show a slow decline before it completely fails. While this used to be true, many modern batteries are designed to work at full capacity until they can't anymore. This makes it crucial to look for subtle warning signs that your battery may be on its way out. Being proactive can prevent you from being stranded unexpectedly.
Paying attention to how your vehicle behaves during everyday drives around Brentwood can give you early clues long before you are stuck in a parking lot with a car that will not start. Changes that seem minor at first, such as windows moving a little slower or the dashboard lights flickering briefly, can grow more frequent over several weeks as the battery weakens. If you notice more than one of these changes at the same time, it is a good idea to schedule a battery check instead of waiting for a roadside breakdown.
Common ways to tell that your battery is about to go out include:
- Slow Engine Crank: If your engine sounds sluggish or takes longer than usual to start, it could be a sign that your battery is losing its ability to hold a charge.
- Diminished Electrical Functions: A weak battery can cause your headlights to appear dimmer or your power windows to move more slowly.
- Clicking Noise: A rapid clicking sound when you turn the key is a classic symptom. It usually means the battery has enough power to engage the starter but not enough to turn the engine.
- Visible Corrosion: A buildup of a white or bluish-green powdery substance on your battery terminals is a sign of corrosion. This can interfere with the electrical connection and shorten the battery's life.
- Old Age: The average car battery lasts between three to five years. If your battery is approaching this age, it's a good idea to have it tested to see if it’s time for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my car battery?
Most batteries last three to five years. However, the variable climate in Middle Tennessee can shorten this lifespan. We recommend getting a battery test annually once your battery is three years old to catch failure before it leaves you stranded.
Does cold weather kill car batteries?
Yes, but summer heat often does the damage first. Heat causes internal corrosion, while cold weather reveals the weakness by demanding more power. If your failing battery is weak, a freezing Brentwood morning is often when it will finally refuse to start.
Can I install a battery myself?
While possible, modern vehicles have complex electrical systems. Improper car battery installation can reset computer settings or damage sensitive electronics. Our professional service ensures the correct battery is registered to the car's computer system for optimal performance.
What are the signs of a bad alternator vs. a bad battery?
If the car starts but stalls later, it might be that the alternator is not charging. If it clicks but won't start, it's usually the battery. Our car battery service in Brentwood includes a full system test to distinguish between the two issues accurately.
How long does a battery replacement take?
Typically, we can complete the service in under an hour. We respect your time and strive to get you back on the road quickly. Feel free to wait in our comfortable lobby while we handle your car battery replacement.
Fast, friendly service is waiting. Schedule your visit online or call (615) 374-7518 and let us handle your car battery replacement.
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FAQs
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Q. "How long can a car sit before the battery dies?"The battery in your car can die within as little as two weeks when unused. While our cars are more technologically advanced than ever, this comes at a cost. Due to the various gadgets and computer technology manufacturers include in our vehicles, the newest models coming off the line are always on, continually monitoring the car’s systems around the clock.
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Q. "Does the temperature affect my vehicle's battery?"Hot and cold temperatures can ruin your battery, especially if it’s already weak. Most customers in warm, southern climates don’t realize that hot weather drains their batteries. On the other hand, cold temperatures slow down chemical reactions, which means that your car battery will become sluggish and appear to be far lower than it actually is. Most modern batteries are designed to deliver an abundance of power at what is considered a “cold crank” temperature, but older batteries or batteries which are further into their lifespan may even fail to start your car on a particularly frigid and frosty morning.
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Q. "Why do car batteries fail?"The answer to this popular question includes many different reasons, ranging from age, corrosion, alternator problems, extreme weather conditions, or the classic case of headlights being left on. We explain why these common problems affect your vehicle’s battery on our auto repair blog.
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Q. "Do you look at all makes and models?"Yes! Christian Brothers Automotive has been providing reliable car maintenance and repair for over 40 years. Over that time, our professionals and ASE-certified technicians have handled a vast range of makes and models, and they continue to navigate the forefront of the auto industry’s technologies. If you own a vehicle from a major American or foreign car maker, we are ready to service it.
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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.
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Q. "How do I jump start my car?"You will need a pair of jumper cables and either a portable jump starter or another vehicle's battery. Check out this guide for step-by-step directions to jump-start your car.
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
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"You guys repaired my daughter’s car today, and I can’t express the comfort that I feel as a Dad knowing that she has a conscientious repair shop to take care of her. You took the time to explain the needed repairs to her and assured her that ev"
- Jeff Taylor