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 I need an alternator or a battery?
The only sure way to know is through proper testing. We check your battery condition, charging voltage, and how the system behaves under load. Sometimes a weak battery is the issue, other times the alternator is not charging it. Our goal is to pinpoint the real cause before recommending repairs.
How long does an alternator or starter service usually take?
Service time depends on your vehicle and what we find during testing. Many alternator or starter repairs can be completed the same day once parts are available. We explain expected timing after diagnosis and keep you updated, and our complimentary shuttle helps you manage your schedule while we work.
Will you call me before doing any alternator or starter work?
Yes, we always review our findings and get your approval before starting repairs. After testing your starting and charging system, we explain what we found, outline options, and provide an estimate. You stay in control of decisions, and nothing moves forward until you are comfortable with the plan.
What kind of warranty do you offer on alternator and starter repairs?
We offer an industry-leading warranty on qualifying alternator and starter repairs. This warranty reflects the confidence we have in our workmanship and the quality of the parts we use. Our team explains the specific coverage for your vehicle before you approve the repair, so you know exactly what to expect.
Can you help if my car will not start at all?
Yes, we can help if your vehicle will not start. Once your car is brought to our shop, we test the battery, starter, and alternator to find the issue. Our complimentary shuttle in the area can take you where you need to go while we diagnose and repair the problem.
Contact us online to book your service or call (662) 203-9441 for stress-free vehicle care.
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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 had to drop off my vehicle for an oil change and to have the check engine light checked. I was called about the vehicle and was able to leave it there, because we went out of town. My oil was changed and a diagnostic was run on my vehicle as requested. C"
- L. Moore