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 my battery?
The best way to know is through testing of the entire system. Our technicians check battery condition, alternator output, and connections to see how each part is performing. Many symptoms overlap, so we rely on measurements instead of guesswork to determine which part needs to be replaced.
Can I still drive if my starter is going bad?
A failing starter sometimes works intermittently, but it can also stop working without warning. We generally recommend having it checked as soon as you notice slow cranking or frequent clicks. Addressing the issue early can reduce the chance of being stranded when the starter finally fails.
How long does an alternator or starter replacement usually take?
Replacement time varies by vehicle design and parts availability, but many jobs can often be completed within a business day. We will give you our best timing estimate after diagnosis. Our shuttle service can help you stay on schedule while we complete the work.
Will you explain the estimate before doing any work?
Yes. We always review our findings and the written estimate with you before moving forward. Our team explains what we recommend, why it is needed, and how it affects your vehicle. You have the opportunity to ask questions and approve the plan before any repair begins.
What kind of warranty do you offer on these repairs?
We back our alternator and starter repairs with an industry-leading warranty on parts and labor. Specific terms can vary, and our service team will explain the details for your repair. This warranty reflects our confidence in the quality of our workmanship and the parts we install.
Schedule Your Service Today
If your car is hard to start, needs frequent jump starts, or has dashboard warning lights that concern you, it is a good time to have the starting and charging system checked. Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Surprise serves drivers in Surprise with thorough testing, clear explanations, and reliable repairs.
From alternator replacement Surprise drivers can depend on to careful car starter replacement Surprise vehicle owners often need, we work to keep your vehicle safe and dependable. You can expect transparent estimates, a comfortable experience while your car is in the shop, and warranty-backed work that helps protect your investment.
Call (623) 624-2889 or contact us online to schedule your starting and charging system check 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
-
"From the very beginning, the team at Christian Brothers, has been very welcoming, friendly and willing to help. They are incomparable to other automotive competitors, due to their integrity and diligence with their customers. They’re always willing t"
- Amanda and Tracey