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?
Common Signs Your Alternator or Starter May Be Failing
Understanding the signs of a failing alternator or starter can help you decide when it is time to schedule service. You do not need to diagnose the vehicle yourself, but recognizing patterns can make your conversation with our team easier and help us understand what you are experiencing.
Typical alternator-related warning signs include:
- The battery warning light is glowing on the dashboard, especially while driving
- Headlights or interior lights that dim or flicker as engine speed changes
- Electrical accessories, such as power windows or radio, acting sluggishly
- Burning smell or unusual noises coming from the alternator area
- A battery that tests good but repeatedly goes dead after driving
Common starter-related symptoms often look different:
- Single loud click or a series of rapid clicks when you turn the key, with no crank
- Intermittent starting, where the car sometimes starts fine and sometimes does not respond
- The engine is cranking very slowly, even with a charged battery
- Starter grinding noise when you turn the key
Battery or connection issues can mimic both alternator and starter problems:
- Completely dead vehicle with no lights or accessories turning on
- Corroded battery terminals or loose cables visible under the hood
- The vehicle starts after a jump, but dies again quickly
Ignoring these warnings can lead to being stranded in a parking lot or on the side of the road, especially in the Texas heat, which can be hard on electrical components. When you describe your symptoms, we consider all these possibilities and use testing to confirm the true cause. You do not have to guess whether you need a car starter replacement in Roanoke or another repair; our team will help you sort it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if I need a new alternator or just a battery?
It can be difficult to tell on your own whether you need a new alternator or only a battery. Some signs, like a battery that is several years old and struggles to hold a charge, may point toward battery replacement, while a glowing battery warning light or dimming lights while driving can suggest alternator problems. However, symptoms often overlap, and many drivers replace a battery only to find the new one goes dead because the alternator is not charging it.
At our shop, we use testing equipment to check the battery’s health, the alternator’s output, and how the system behaves under load. This helps us see whether alternator installation is necessary or if a fresh battery and cable cleaning are enough. We then explain the results in clear language so you understand exactly what we found and what we recommend.
How long does an alternator or starter replacement usually take?
Alternator or starter replacement time can vary based on your vehicle’s make, model, and how the components are accessed. Some vehicles allow relatively straightforward access, while others require additional steps to reach the part safely. Parts availability can also influence how long your vehicle stays in the shop.
When you bring your car to us in Roanoke, we first complete diagnostics, then give you a realistic timeframe based on what we see. Many jobs can be completed within the same business day once parts are on hand, although complex vehicles or additional related repairs can take longer. Our team keeps you updated, and if we expect your car to be with us for a while, our shuttle service helps you continue your day with less disruption.
Is it safe to keep driving if my battery light is on or my car is hard to start?
Continuing to drive with a battery warning light on or with frequent hard starts can put you at risk of being stranded. A glowing battery light can mean the alternator is not charging properly, which may allow the vehicle to run for a short time before the battery is drained. Hard starting can be related to the starter, the battery, or poor connections, any of which can fail completely without much warning.
If you are noticing these issues, it is usually safer to schedule diagnostics soon rather than waiting for a full breakdown. Our team can help you decide whether it is reasonable to drive the vehicle to our shop in Roanoke or whether arranging a tow might be a better choice. We will talk through your specific situation and help you make a decision that balances convenience and safety.
What kind of warranty do you offer on alternator & starter repairs?
We back our alternator and starter repairs with an industry-leading warranty that reflects the confidence we have in our workmanship and the quality of the parts we use. While specific terms can vary based on part type and manufacturer, the goal is to give you peace of mind after you leave our shop. You can ask our service team for details on coverage and duration for your particular repair before you approve any work.
When we review your estimate, we also explain how the warranty applies, so you know what to expect if you have any concerns in the future. This is part of our commitment to transparent communication and long-term vehicle care.
Will you explain the repair costs before you start any work?
Yes, we always review repair recommendations and costs with you before we begin work. After completing our diagnostic testing, we call you to explain what we found and outline the options. We provide an estimate that covers the parts and labor involved, and we encourage you to ask questions about anything that is not clear.
We do not move forward with alternator installation Roanoke or any other repair without your approval. If anything changes during the job, such as discovering a related worn part, we contact you first and explain the situation. Our goal is to avoid surprises and help you feel comfortable with every decision.
Can you help me get to work or home while my car is in the shop?
We understand that being without a vehicle can disrupt your day, especially if your car will not start at all. That is why we offer complimentary shuttle service for our guests in the area. After you drop off your vehicle, we can give you a ride to home, work, or other nearby locations while we perform diagnostic testing and repairs.
This service is part of how we work to make alternator and starter repairs as convenient as possible for Roanoke drivers. When you schedule your appointment, you can let us know if you plan to use the shuttle so we can coordinate timing with you.
Do I need an appointment for alternator or starter problems?
We recommend scheduling an appointment for alternator or starter concerns so we can plan diagnostic time and minimize your wait. Calling ahead allows our team to gather basic information about your vehicle and symptoms, check part availability if needed, and arrange shuttle service if you plan to use it. This helps the visit go more smoothly once you arrive.
That said, we understand that starting issues can feel urgent. If your car suddenly will not start in Roanoke and you are not sure what to do next, you can still call us. We will talk through your situation, share the best options based on our current schedule, and help you decide on next steps.
Schedule Alternator & Starter Service With Our Roanoke Team
If you are dealing with a car that will not start, a glowing battery light, or repeated dead batteries, you do not have to face it alone. Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Roanoke is here to diagnose the issue, explain your options, and provide reliable alternator replacement in Roanoke and related services so you can feel confident in your vehicle again. We combine certified technicians, quality parts, a strong warranty, and a neighborly approach to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Whether you need car starter replacement or help sorting out an electrical concern, we work to treat you with the same honesty and care we would want for our own families. From clear explanations and up-front estimates to shuttle service and a comfortable waiting area, every part of your visit is designed with your safety and convenience in mind.
To schedule starting and charging system diagnostics or service, call (682) 686-7082 or contact us online 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.