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 you know I really need an alternator?
We test your entire charging system before recommending any repair. Our technicians measure alternator output, check battery condition, and inspect connections. If the alternator is not performing within acceptable ranges, we show you the results and explain why alternator replacement is the right choice for your vehicle.
What will a car starter replacement cost me?
The cost depends on your vehicle's make, model, and how difficult the starter is to access. We perform diagnostics first, then provide a written estimate that outlines parts and labor. You can review the estimate, ask questions, and approve work only when you feel comfortable moving forward.
How long will my alternator or starter repair take?
Many alternator and starter repairs are completed the same day, depending on parts availability and how busy the schedule is. After diagnostics, we give you a realistic time estimate before you authorize work. Our shuttle service can often help you manage your day while repairs are underway.
Is it safe to keep driving with these symptoms?
It may be risky to keep driving with dim lights, warning indicators, or intermittent starting. Charging or starting problems can quickly lead to a no-start condition or stalling. We typically recommend scheduling diagnostics as soon as you notice symptoms, so we can help you avoid being stranded unexpectedly.
What kind of warranty do you offer on these repairs?
We back eligible alternator and starter repairs with an industry-leading warranty. When we review your estimate, we also explain how the warranty applies to your specific parts and labor. This coverage is designed to give you added peace of mind every time you start your vehicle after the repair.
Schedule Your Electrical Repair Today
If your vehicle is hard to start, draining the battery, or showing warning lights, waiting can turn a small issue into a major inconvenience. Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Northglenn is ready to test your charging and starting systems, explain what we find, and provide reliable repairs for drivers in Thornton, CO.
We work to make the process straightforward with clear estimates, ASE-certified technicians, and an industry-leading warranty on eligible work. Whether you need alternator replacement, alternator installation, or help with car starter replacement, we are here to help you get back to your routine with confidence.
Call (720) 513-3760 or contact us online to schedule your diagnostic appointment today.
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
-
"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.