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 Need a Car Battery Replacement
Your battery will often give you warning signs before it fails. Recognizing these symptoms early allows you to schedule a car battery replacement Memphis service before you are left stranded in a parking lot.
Watch for these common indicators of battery failure:
- Slow Engine Crank: The engine sounds sluggish or takes longer than usual to turn over.
- Dim Headlights: Lights appear yellow or dim, especially when idling.
- Dashboard Warning Light: The battery icon remains illuminated while driving.
- Corroded Connectors: White, ashy substance building up on the battery terminals.
- Old Age: The battery is older than three to five years, regardless of performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a car battery typically last in Memphis?
In moderate climates, a car battery can last up to five years, but the extreme heat in Memphis often shortens this lifespan to three or four years. High temperatures accelerate the chemical reaction inside the battery, leading to internal corrosion and fluid loss. Once damaged by heat, the battery may fail suddenly when the weather turns cold.
We recommend having your battery tested annually after it reaches the three-year mark. Regular testing helps predict failure before it happens. If you park outside frequently or take many short trips that don't allow the battery to fully recharge, you might experience a shorter battery life. Our technicians can assess the specific condition of your battery and advise you on the best time for replacement.
Can I replace my car battery myself?
While it is possible to replace a battery yourself, modern vehicles make it increasingly complex. Many cars require a "battery registration" process where the onboard computer is reset to recognize the new battery. Failing to do this can lead to overcharging, reduced battery life, or even damage to the alternator. Additionally, batteries are heavy and contain hazardous acid.
Professional battery installation service ensures the job is done safely and correctly. We handle the heavy lifting, ensure terminals are cleaned and torqued to spec, and manage the recycling of the old unit. We also use memory savers to keep your radio presets and navigation settings intact. Trusting a professional saves you the hassle and ensures your vehicle's warranty remains valid.
What is the difference between starting and deep-cycle batteries?
Starting batteries, also known as SLI (Starting, Lighting, Ignition) batteries, are designed to deliver a large burst of power for a short time to start the engine. This is the standard type found in most passenger vehicles. They have thinner lead plates to maximize surface area for high current output, but are not designed to be drained deeply.
Deep-cycle batteries are built with thicker plates and are designed to provide a steady amount of current over a long period. They are typically used in RVs, boats, or golf carts, not standard cars. However, some modern vehicles with Start-Stop technology use AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries, which share some characteristics of both. Our technicians will ensure you get the exact battery type required for your vehicle's specifications.
Does the weather really affect my battery that much?
Yes, weather is the primary factor in battery longevity. Summer heat causes water in the battery's electrolyte to evaporate, which exposes the lead plates and leads to corrosion. This damage is irreversible. When winter arrives, the battery has reduced capacity due to the summer damage, and the cold oil makes the engine harder to turn.
This combination is why we see a spike in dead batteries during the first freeze of the year. To mitigate this, park in a garage when possible and keep your battery terminals clean. Routine battery maintenance at our shop includes checking for heat damage and ensuring your battery is prepared to handle temperature fluctuations.
How do I know if it is the battery or the alternator?
It can be difficult to distinguish between a bad battery and a failing alternator without proper testing. Generally, if the car starts but stalls when you stop, or if the lights dim while driving and get brighter when you rev the engine, it might be the alternator. If the car just clicks when you turn the key or the engine cranks very slowly, it is likely the battery.
However, a bad battery can strain an alternator, and a bad alternator can ruin a battery. That is why we perform a full system check. We test the battery's ability to hold a charge and the alternator's ability to generate current. This holistic approach ensures we solve the real problem, preventing you from buying a car battery replacement that Memphis residents don't actually need.
Expert Battery Care for Memphis Drivers
Your vehicle relies on a healthy electrical system to perform safely and reliably. At Christian Brothers Automotive Lakeland, we provide the expertise and high-quality parts needed to keep your car starting strong, regardless of the weather.
Our commitment to honest service and customer satisfaction makes us the top choice for battery solutions in the area.
Contact us at (901) 589-5127 or online for reliable car battery testing and replacement services near you.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
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.