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 Battery Service
Your battery often gives subtle warnings before it completely fails. Recognizing these signs early allows you to schedule auto battery replacements in Fort Worth on your terms, rather than waiting for a breakdown. Paying attention to how your car starts and runs can save you time and money.
Watch for these common indicators of battery trouble:
- Slow Engine Crank: The engine sounds sluggish or takes longer than usual to start.
- Dim Headlights: Lights appear yellow or dim, especially when idling or turning on the AC.
- Corrosion: White or blue powdery buildup visible around the battery terminals.
- Old Age: The battery is more than three years old, which is the typical lifespan in hot climates.
- Warning Light: The battery-shaped dashboard light stays on while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Summer Heat Affect My Car Battery?
While many people associate battery failure with winter, the scorching heat in Fort Worth is the true enemy of battery longevity. High temperatures accelerate the chemical reaction inside the battery, which can lead to overcharging and internal corrosion. Heat also causes the protective liquid inside to evaporate, shortening the battery's life permanently. Once damaged by heat, the battery may fail to start the engine when the temperature drops later in the year.
At Christian Brothers Automotive North Fort Worth, we inspect batteries for signs of heat stress and fluid loss. We can test the structural integrity of the battery case and the condition of the terminals. Regular testing during the summer helps predict failure before it leaves you stranded, ensuring your vehicle remains reliable throughout the hottest months of the year.
Why Is My Battery Light On?
The battery warning light on your dashboard indicates an issue with the vehicle's charging system, not necessarily just the battery itself. It means the car is running solely on stored battery power because the alternator is not generating enough electricity to recharge it. Driving with this light on will eventually cause the engine to stall once the battery is depleted.
When you bring your vehicle to our car repair services team, we perform a comprehensive diagnostic test. We check the alternator output, the drive belts, and the battery's ability to hold a charge. Identifying the root cause is crucial; replacing a battery when the alternator is actually at fault will only result in the new battery dying quickly as well.
How Long Does a Car Battery Last in Texas?
Due to the extreme climate conditions, the average lifespan of a car battery in North Texas is typically shorter than the national average, often ranging from 3 to 4 years. Frequent short trips where the engine doesn't reach full operating temperature can also reduce this lifespan by preventing the battery from fully recharging.
We recommend testing your battery annually once it passes the two-year mark. Our battery service includes a health report that tells you exactly how much life is left. Proactive replacement helps you avoid the inconvenience of a dead battery at an inopportune time, such as during a morning commute or a road trip.
Do You Install Batteries for Start-Stop Vehicles?
Yes, we specialize in car battery installation for Fort Worth's needs for modern vehicles equipped with start-stop technology. These vehicles require specialized AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) or EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) batteries designed to handle the frequent restarting of the engine. Installing a standard lead-acid battery in these vehicles can lead to premature failure and electrical system issues.
Our technicians are trained to handle the complex Battery Management Systems (BMS) found in these cars. We reset the BMS sensor after installation, which tells the car's computer that a new battery has been installed. This ensures the alternator charges the new unit correctly, maximizing its lifespan and performance.
What Is Included in Your Battery Warranty?
Our Nice Difference® warranty covers you for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes last. This nationwide warranty protects you not just in Fort Worth, but anywhere your travels take you. We stand behind the quality of the parts we install and the skill of our technicians.
If your battery fails due to a defect within the warranty period, we will replace it. This coverage provides significant peace of mind, knowing that you are protected against unexpected costs. We believe in doing the job right, and our warranty is a reflection of that commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Schedule Your Battery Service in Fort Worth
Don't let a weak battery compromise your safety or your schedule. At Christian Brothers Automotive North Fort Worth, we are dedicated to providing the most reliable auto battery services in Fort Worth, TX. We combine top-tier technical skills with a customer-first approach, ensuring your vehicle is ready for whatever the road ahead brings.
Get the power and reliability you deserve by booking your appointment online or calling us at (817) 383-1425 to get started.
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.