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.
Common Signs You Need a New Battery
Your car often gives you warnings before the battery dies completely. Paying attention to these symptoms can save you from the inconvenience of a dead battery in a parking lot.
Common indicators that you need a car battery replacement near me include:
- Slow engine crank, where the car sounds sluggish when starting.
- Dim headlights or interior lights that flicker when idling.
- Corrosion or white powder is building up around the battery terminals.
- A swollen battery case indicates internal damage from heat or overcharging.
- The battery is 3-5 years old, which is the typical lifespan in our climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a car battery last?
In the Plano area, the average battery life is typically shorter than in cooler climates due to the extreme summer heat. Most batteries last between three to five years. However, we see many fail closer to the three-year mark if the vehicle is parked outside often. Regular testing after the three-year point is essential to catch failures before they strand you.
If you drive short distances frequently, your alternator may not have enough time to fully recharge the battery, shortening its lifespan. We recommend an annual battery inspection as part of your routine maintenance. This simple check allows us to monitor the health of the battery and predict when a car battery installation service in Plano will be needed.
Does your battery replacement come with a warranty?
Yes, we stand behind the quality of our parts and labor. Most of the batteries we install come with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, which is one of the best in the industry. This warranty gives you peace of mind knowing that if the battery fails prematurely, you are covered.
We use high-quality brands that are known for their durability and performance. Investing in a quality battery ensures your vehicle has reliable power for years to come. When you visit our auto shop, our advisors will explain the specific warranty details for the battery recommended for your vehicle.
Do I really need a professional to install my battery?
While older cars were simple to service, modern vehicles are complex computers on wheels. Improper installation can reset the vehicle's computer, causing issues with idle, transmission shifting, and security systems. Some batteries are also located in hard-to-reach places, such as under the seat or in the wheel well.
Our ASE-certified technicians use memory savers to keep your settings intact during the swap. We also clean the terminals to ensure a perfect connection and apply unmatched anti-corrosion protection. Professional installation ensures the job is done safely and correctly, protecting your vehicle's sensitive electronics.
Can you test my battery if the check engine light is on?
Yes, a weak battery can sometimes trigger a check engine light or other dashboard warnings. Low voltage can confuse the vehicle's sensors, leading to false codes. We perform a full system scan to determine if the battery is the root cause of the warning light.
If the battery tests low, we will charge and retest it to see if it can hold a charge. Accurate diagnostics prevent you from replacing expensive sensors when a simple auto battery replacement in Plano is all that is needed. We always rule out the battery first before diving into deeper engine diagnostics.
What is a cold cranking amp (CCA) and why does it matter?
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) measure a battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. While Plano is known for heat, we do get freezing weather, and a battery with sufficient CCA is vital. Manufacturers specify the minimum CCA required for your specific vehicle.
We ensure the battery we install meets or exceeds the OEM requirements for CCA. Installing a battery with too little power can leave you stranded on a cold morning. We help you choose a battery that provides reliable starting power in all weather conditions.
Schedule Your Battery Service Today
Your vehicle's reliability starts with a healthy battery. We provide honest, efficient service that respects your time and budget. Whether you need a simple test or a complete replacement, our team is dedicated to keeping you safe on the road with quality parts and expert care.
Ensure your car is ready for the road by scheduling your appointment online or calling (972) 471-9642 to speak with our staff.
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.