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 I know if it is my alternator or battery?
The only reliable way is proper testing of your charging system and battery. Our technicians measure battery health and alternator output, then explain what they find. Some symptoms overlap, so we avoid guessing and focus on data before recommending repair or alternator installation.
How long does an alternator or starter replacement usually take?
Many alternator or starter jobs can be completed the same day, depending on your vehicle and parts availability. After diagnostics, we provide a time estimate so you can plan. If you cannot wait at the shop, our shuttle service helps you stay on track with your day.
Is it safe to keep driving with a battery light on?
Driving with a battery or charging light on can be risky because the vehicle may eventually lose electrical power. We usually recommend scheduling an inspection as soon as possible. Our team can check whether the alternator is charging correctly and help you work to avoid a future breakdown.
What will you tell me before you start repairs?
Before any repair, we review our test results with you and explain what they mean. We outline recommended work, pricing, and timing, and answer your questions in plain language. You decide how to proceed, and we do not begin repairs until you give clear approval.
What kind of warranty do you offer on this work?
We back our alternator and starter repairs with an industry-leading warranty. Specific terms can vary, and our service team is happy to review details for your vehicle before work begins. This coverage reflects the confidence we have in our workmanship and the parts we install.
Schedule Your Charging System Service
If you are dealing with hard starts, a dead battery, or a charging warning light, you do not have to solve it alone. Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Highlands Ranch is ready to inspect your starting and charging system, explain what we find, and help you decide on the right repair for your needs.
When you schedule service at our Highlands Ranch location, you can expect clear communication, careful testing, and repairs that are backed by a strong warranty. Whether you ultimately need car starter replacement or alternator replacement in Highlands Ranch, we work to make the process as convenient and stress-free as possible.
To book an appointment or ask a question, contact us online or call (720) 466-7304.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
"Yesterday was my first visit to Christian Brothers. Will, the Service Writer, extended his hand to shake mine. He greeted me in a warm, friendly manner. His demeanor extended to taking my information in a knowledgeable, efficient way. He took time to know "
- Frank