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.
Signs You Need a Battery Replacement
Your vehicle usually gives warning signs before a complete failure. The most common indicator is a slow engine crank, where the engine sounds sluggish when starting. You might also notice dim headlights that flicker at idle but brighten as you drive. These issues suggest the battery is struggling to deliver the necessary voltage for reliable performance.
Watch for these common symptoms:
- Check the Engine or dashboard battery light is illuminated.
- Electrical accessories, like power windows, move more slowly than usual.
- Visible corrosion or white powder around the terminals.
- Rotten egg smell coming from the engine bay.
Physical signs often appear due to Commerce City's weather extremes. Heat and cold can cause the battery case to swell, indicating internal damage. If you notice a bloated case or any leaks, you need a car battery replacement immediately. Addressing these symptoms early prevents you from being stranded with a dead battery when you least expect it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my car battery?
In Commerce City, it's best to have your car battery checked every year because the climate can impact battery life. Most car batteries need to be replaced every three to five years. If your battery has trouble holding a charge, especially in extreme weather, our technicians can help you decide when a replacement is best during your visit.
When we perform regular battery checks, we also examine other vehicle parts like the alternator or starter that could cause battery issues. This all-in-one approach helps you care for your entire car and often saves you from bigger, more expensive repairs later on.
What are the signs my battery needs replacing?
Some warning signs in Commerce City include dim headlights, slow engine cranking, and frequently needing jump-starts. Our weather can make these problems show up quickly. If you spot these issues, we recommend getting your battery checked right away to avoid getting stranded.
If you see a battery warning light or the check engine light on your dashboard, it might also point to battery issues. Our team will run diagnostic tests to make sure we fix any root problems so that you won't face repeat breakdowns.
Does CBAC recycle old car batteries?
Yes, we recycle all used car batteries in line with local requirements to limit environmental impact. You don't need to worry about disposal—we take care of it, so your car battery replacement service is both easy and eco-friendly.
Properly disposing of car batteries is important because they contain hazardous materials. By choosing Christian Brothers Automotive Commerce City, you help protect the Commerce City environment and support our community’s efforts to stay sustainable.
How often should I replace my car battery?
On average, a car battery lasts between three to five years, but this can vary significantly based on your driving habits and local weather. In Commerce City, where temperature fluctuations are common, battery life may be shorter due to the stress of extreme heat and cold. Frequent short trips can also reduce lifespan because the alternator doesn't have enough time to fully recharge the battery after starting the engine.
We recommend having your battery tested annually, starting from the three-year mark. Preventive testing allows you to catch a failing battery before it leaves you stranded. While some batteries may last longer, waiting until failure is risky. Proactive replacement ensures your vehicle remains reliable, especially before heading into the harsh winter months or taking a long summer road trip.
Is it my battery or my alternator that is the problem?
This is a very common question because the symptoms can be quite similar. If your car starts but stalls shortly after, or if your headlights flicker while you are driving, the issue might be the alternator not charging the system. However, if the car simply clicks when you turn the key and won't start at all, it is more likely a dead battery. A battery is essentially a storage tank for power, while the alternator creates the power while the engine runs.
To know for sure, professional diagnostics are required. Our technicians perform a starting and charging system test, which isolates the battery, starter, and alternator. This ensures we don't replace a good battery when the alternator is actually the culprit. Accurate diagnosis saves you money by preventing unnecessary parts replacement and targeting the true source of the electrical failure.
Do I lose my radio presets and settings during installation?
In older vehicles, disconnecting the battery often resulted in lost radio presets and clock settings. However, in modern vehicles, the stakes are higher; power loss can reset the engine control module (ECM), affecting idle quality and shifting patterns until the computer "relearns" your driving style. At Christian Brothers Automotive Commerce City, we use a memory saver device whenever possible during the installation process.
This device plugs into the OBD-II port and supplies a small amount of power to the vehicle's computer while the main battery is disconnected. This preserves your radio presets, seat positions, and computer data. While not every car requires this, it is part of our best practices to ensure your car feels exactly the same when you get back in—just with a reliable new power source under the hood.
Does your battery installation come with a warranty?
Yes, we prioritize your peace of mind by offering strong warranty protection on our services. Most of the premium batteries we install come with a manufacturer's free-replacement warranty, which typically lasts for two to three years, depending on the grade of the battery. Additionally, our labor and workmanship are backed by our shop’s specific warranty policies.
Our Nice Difference® Warranty covers qualifying repairs for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes last. This nationwide warranty means that if you encounter an issue with the service we performed, you are covered not just in Commerce City, but across the country. We believe that standing behind our work is the ultimate proof of quality, giving you confidence that your investment is protected.
Don't let battery issues disrupt your day!
Call us at (855) 670-3335 or contact us online to schedule your appointment and experience the difference today.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
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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"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.