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.
Recognizing Common Signs of a Failing Battery
A car battery doesn't fail suddenly; it often gives warning signs. Being aware of these can save you from unexpected breakdowns. Here are some common indicators that your car battery might be on its last leg:
- Slow Engine Crank: One of the first signs of a failing battery is a slow-cranking engine. If your car takes longer than usual to start, it could mean the battery doesn't have enough power to turn the engine over quickly. Pay attention to this sign and get your battery checked before it leaves you stranded.
- Dim Lights and Electrical Issues: Your car's battery powers every electrical component. If you notice your headlights are dimmer than usual or your power windows are operating slower, these could be signs that your battery is weakening.
- Frequent Jump-Starts: If you find yourself needing to jump-start your car more frequently, it's a clear indication that your battery is not holding a charge. While jump-starting can temporarily solve the problem, it’s a sign that you should get your battery inspected by professionals.
Our Process:
Initial Diagnostics and Inspection
Our technicians start with an inspection of your battery. This includes checking for any visible damage or corrosion on the terminals, and ensuring the battery is securely mounted. A loose or corroded connection can cause significant issues, so we make sure everything is in order.
Battery Testing
Next, we perform a series of tests to check the battery's health. Using specialized equipment, we measure the voltage, cold cranking amps (CCA), and overall capacity of the battery. These tests give us a clear picture of your battery's condition and whether it can still perform its best.
Diagnostic Report
Once the inspection and testing are complete, we provide you with a detailed diagnostic report. This report outlines the current state of your battery and any recommended actions. Our goal is to keep you informed and confident in your vehicle's reliability.
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Battery
Taking care of your car battery can save you time and money in the long run! Here are some practical tips we suggest:
- Regular Driving: Car batteries recharge while you drive. If your car is idle for long periods, the battery can lose its charge. Try to take your car for a drive at least once a week to keep the battery charged and healthy.
- Keep Terminals Clean: Corrosion on battery terminals can prevent your car from starting. Regularly check and clean the terminals to ensure a good connection. A simple mixture of baking soda and water can help remove any buildup.
- Avoid Short Trips: Frequent short trips can prevent your battery from fully recharging. Try to combine errands into one trip or take longer drives occasionally. This practice helps maintain your battery’s charge and extends its lifespan.
A reliable car battery is essential for a smooth and worry-free driving experience. At Christian Brothers Automotive Barrington, we’re dedicated to ensuring your vehicle is always ready to go. From comprehensive inspections and testing to expert maintenance and replacement services, we’ve got all your battery needs covered.
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.