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 I know if it is my alternator or battery?
The easiest way to know is through proper testing. Dim lights or a battery light while driving can point to the alternator, while slow cranking after the car sits can suggest the battery. Our technicians test both components together so you are not guessing or replacing parts unnecessarily.
Can I keep driving if my battery light is on?
Driving far with a battery or charging warning light on is not a good idea. The vehicle may only have a limited time before it shuts off. If the light comes on in traffic, you can often drive safely to a nearby shop or parking area, then contact us to plan next steps.
How long does alternator or starter repair usually take?
Alternator or starter work often fits within part of a day once we have diagnosed the issue and received your approval. Actual timing can vary with vehicle design and parts availability. We will give you a timeframe estimate up front and keep you updated during the repair.
What kind of warranty do you offer on these repairs?
We back our alternator and starter repairs with a strong warranty that covers parts and labor for a substantial period. Exact terms can vary by service and part, and we review those details with you before you approve the work, so you know how you are protected.
Will you explain the problem before I decide on repairs?
Yes, a clear explanation is a core part of how we serve our guests. We review test results, show you any relevant photos or readings, and answer your questions in everyday language. Our goal is for you to feel comfortable with the diagnosis and repair plan before you say yes.
Schedule your professional alternator installation online or call (813) 730-5096 to get back on the road safely!
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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.