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 Might Need a New Battery
Recognizing the signs of a failing battery can save you from unwanted breakdowns.
Common indicators include:
- Slow Engine Crank: If your engine cranks for an extended time before starting, it could be a sign of battery issues.
- Check Engine Light: An illuminated check engine light might point to battery troubles.
- Corroded Connectors: Look for white, ashy substances around the battery terminals.
- Old Battery Age: Batteries generally last between 3 to 5 years. If yours is older, it might be time for a check-up.
In addition to these signs, fluctuations in the vehicle's electrical system and dimming headlights might be noticeable, particularly when the car is idling.
These are warnings that the battery might not be delivering adequate power, especially in warmer climates like Gilbert's, where high temperatures can accelerate battery wear. Regular inspections can help preempt these issues and maintain your vehicle's reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Replace My Car Battery?
Typically, car batteries need replacement every 3 to 5 years, but various factors, such as climate and driving habits, can affect longevity. In Gilbert’s warm climate, batteries can degrade faster. Regular inspections at Christian Brothers Automotive Gilbert at Higley and Baseline can help determine your battery’s life expectancy.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Battery Failure?
Battery failure can occur for several reasons, including extreme temperatures, leaving lights on, and short drives that don’t allow the battery to recharge fully. Faulty alternators or charging systems can also drain batteries. At Christian Brothers Automotive Gilbert at Higley and Baseline, our diagnostics can pinpoint the root cause efficiently.
Can I Install a New Car Battery Myself?
While it’s possible to install a battery on your own, it is not recommended unless you are confident with car maintenance tasks. Improper installation can lead to short circuits, which may damage your vehicle. Our experts at Christian Brothers Automotive Gilbert at Higley and Baseline ensure a safe and precise installation, preventing such issues.
Battery installation can be more complex than it seems. Misplacement or incorrect connection of terminals can impair vehicle function or cause injury. Additionally, improper disposal of an old battery has environmental impacts; we handle this responsibly by recycling old batteries according to environmental standards.
What Type of Battery Is Best for My Car?
Different vehicles require different battery types, and the choice often depends on the car’s electrical load needs and the climate. Consulting with our professionals ensures you receive a battery that matches your vehicle’s specifications and driving environment in Gilbert.
What Should I Do If My Battery Dies Unexpectedly?
If your battery dies, contacting a trusted service provider like Christian Brothers Automotive Gilbert at Higley and Baseline for assistance is essential. We offer services that include towing, battery replacement, and testing. Preemptively, having your battery checked regularly can prevent unexpected failures.
Being stranded with a dead battery can be a stressful experience. It’s always a good idea to keep jumper cables in your car and to know how to use them safely. However, for long-term solutions, visiting Christian Brothers Automotive Gilbert at Higley and Baseline ensures that any underlying electrical issues are resolved to prevent future occurrences.
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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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"The whole team does over and above in customer service in the repair of my truck. I had it done two weeks ago but I could not stop thinking about the positive experience I have about this shop, so I decided to leave a comment. I called five shops to ask fo"
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