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?
FAQs
What's the difference between a bad alternator and a bad starter?
A bad starter typically prevents the engine from cranking at all, while a bad alternator will allow the car to start, but it will fail to stay running as the battery drains.
How long does an alternator & starter replacement usually take?
The time needed depends on your car's make and model, but alternator & starter replacement typically takes a few hours. We offer a shuttle service so you can continue with your day while the service is completed.
Will replacing the alternator & starter affect my car’s warranty?
When replacements use quality parts and approved procedures, the vehicle’s warranty typically stays valid. Our team can discuss our industry-leading warranty and how it applies to your service.
Is it safe to drive with a bad alternator?
A failing alternator can cause sudden loss of electrical power, leading your vehicle to stall or leave you stranded. For your safety, address the issue promptly to experts at Christian Brothers Automotive Lake Jackson to avoid being caught off guard.
Can you help if my vehicle won’t start and I’m stuck at home?
If you can’t start your vehicle due to a suspected alternator or starter issue, call us for guidance. We’ll help you understand your options and explain how to arrange for service at our shop.
If you’re searching for professional alternator & starter services, our team is ready to help at Christian Brothers Automotive Lake Jackson. Call (979) 661-8278 now or book online for friendly advice and a service experience focused on your convenience, comfort, and safety!
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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.