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 When You Need a New Battery
Your car usually gives you warning signs before it completely fails to start. Paying attention to these subtle changes can save you from being stranded in a parking lot or on the side of SPID.
Early detection allows you to schedule a car battery installation that locals trust before it becomes an emergency.
Watch for these common indicators that your battery is nearing the end of its life:
- Slow Engine Crank: The engine sounds sluggish or takes longer than usual to turn over.
- Dim Headlights: Lights appear yellow or dim when idling, but brighten when you accelerate.
- Clicking Sound: A rapid clicking noise when turning the key usually indicates low voltage.
- Dashboard Warning Light: The battery or check engine light illuminates on your dashboard.
- Bloated Battery Case: Extreme heat can cause the battery casing to swell or crack.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a car battery last?
In ideal conditions, a car battery can last up to five years, but the climate in Corpus Christi often reduces this lifespan. The extreme heat and humidity typically limit battery life to about three years on average. Heat accelerates the chemical reaction inside the battery, causing internal fluid to evaporate and leading to premature failure.
Because of these local conditions, we recommend annual battery testing once your battery is three years old. Regular inspections allow us to spot weakness before the battery dies completely. Being proactive with your maintenance schedule is the best way to avoid the inconvenience of a dead battery during a hot Texas summer.
Is it my battery or my alternator causing the problem?
It can be difficult to tell the difference without professional equipment, as symptoms often overlap. Generally, if the car starts but stalls while driving, or if the lights flicker while the engine is running, the issue may lie with the alternator. If the car simply clicks and won't start after being parked, it is more likely a dead battery.
Our diagnostic service isolates these components to give you a definitive answer. We test the entire charging system, including the starter and alternator, to ensure we are fixing the root cause. Replacing a battery when the alternator is actually at fault will only result in another dead battery a few days later.
Does your battery installation come with a warranty?
Yes, we stand behind the quality of our work and the parts we install. Most of our batteries come with a Nice Difference® warranty, which covers you for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes last. This nationwide warranty protects you not just in Corpus Christi, but wherever your travels take you.
We believe that a battery warranty is a sign of quality and confidence. You should never have to worry about a defective part leaving you stranded. Our team will explain the specific warranty details for the battery chosen for your vehicle so you know exactly how you are protected.
Will changing the battery reset my radio and settings?
In many older vehicles, disconnecting the battery would wipe out radio presets and clock settings. However, modern cars rely on the battery to maintain memory for engine idle strategies and transmission shift points. Disconnecting power without a backup can sometimes cause drivability issues until the computer relearns your driving habits.
To prevent this, our technicians use a "memory saver" device whenever possible during battery installation. This tool keeps the vehicle's computer powered while we swap out the main battery. This ensures that your seat positions, radio stations, and vehicle settings remain intact when you get back in the driver's seat.
Can I replace the battery myself?
While it is possible to replace a battery yourself, modern vehicles make it increasingly complex and risky. Many new cars require the battery to be "registered" with the onboard computer to charge correctly. Failing to do this can lead to overcharging and damage to the new battery or the vehicle's electrical system.
Additionally, handling lead-acid batteries involves exposure to corrosive chemicals and heavy lifting. Our professional installation ensures safety and proper disposal of hazardous materials. We handle the heavy lifting, the technical registration, and the recycling, making the process safe and hassle-free for you.
Schedule Your Battery Service Today
At Christian Brothers Automotive Corpus Christi, we are dedicated to keeping you mobile with a reliable car battery installation Corpus Christi drivers can count on. We combine technical expertise with genuine care, ensuring your vehicle is ready for everything from daily commutes to weekend trips to Padre Island. Don't let a weak battery compromise your safety or your schedule.
Secure your peace of mind and your vehicle's performance by booking your appointment now.
Call (361) 314-1828 or visit our website to schedule your comprehensive battery service.
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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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"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.