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
How do you tell if it is my alternator or battery?
We use professional testing equipment to measure how your battery and charging system perform. Our technicians check battery condition, alternator output, and how everything works together under load. Then we explain the results in everyday language so you understand what part is causing the problem.
What will a car starter replacement cost me?
Starter replacement cost depends on your vehicle, the parts required, and how the starter is positioned. We provide a detailed estimate after diagnosing the issue and before any work begins. Our team talks through the pricing with you so you can approve repairs with confidence.
How long will alternator installation usually take?
Many alternator jobs can be completed the same business day, although timing depends on your vehicle and parts availability. We will let you know what to expect once we inspect your car. If you need to be somewhere, our complimentary shuttle service can often help keep your day on track.
What kind of warranty do you offer on this work?
We back the alternator and starter work with an industry-leading warranty on parts and labor. This gives you added peace of mind on important repairs. Our team explains the specific warranty terms for your vehicle before you leave, so you know exactly how you are protected.
Can I bring my car in if it will barely start?
If your car struggles to start, we recommend calling us before driving it. We can talk through your symptoms and help you decide whether it is safe to drive or if arranging a tow is better. Once your vehicle arrives, we work to get you checked in and back on your way.
If you are dealing with a charging or starting issue and think you may need alternator installation for your vehicle or car starter replacement, our team is ready to help. We work to make the process clear, honest, and as convenient as possible so you can get back on the road with confidence.
To talk with our team or schedule a visit, call us at (985) 589-6164 or contact us online.
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FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. "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
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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.