Prevent No-Start Situations Before They Happen

Battery and Charging System Repair in Columbia

Your battery provides the power to start your engine, and your alternator recharges it while you drive and supplies electricity to your lights, radio, and other systems. When the battery loses its ability to hold a charge or the alternator stops producing enough voltage, you'll notice dimming headlights, slow cranking when starting the engine, or warning lights on your dashboard. Drivers in Columbia who make short trips around town often find that their batteries don't get fully recharged between starts, which shortens battery life and increases the chance of being stranded.

T&G Auto Repair LLC provides battery testing, replacement, and charging system diagnostics to keep your vehicle starting reliably in all weather conditions. We test your battery's voltage and cold cranking amps to see if it's still capable of starting your engine, then check the alternator's output to make sure it's recharging the battery correctly. If the battery is weak or the alternator is failing, we replace the faulty component and test the system again to confirm everything is working as it should.

If your engine cranks slowly, your headlights dim at idle, or your battery warning light is on, contact T&G Auto Repair LLC to schedule battery and charging system service in Columbia.

How We Test and Fix Starting Problems

When you bring your vehicle to our shop in Columbia, we connect a digital battery tester to measure voltage, cold cranking amps, and internal resistance. This tells us whether the battery can still deliver enough power to start your engine or if it needs replacement. We also test the alternator's output voltage while the engine is running to make sure it's charging the battery and powering your vehicle's electrical systems without overloading or undercharging.

After the service, your engine should crank quickly and start without hesitation, your headlights should stay bright at idle, and your dashboard warning lights should turn off. A healthy battery and charging system mean you won't be stuck in a parking lot in Columbia waiting for a jump start, and your electrical accessories will work reliably every time you drive.

We install batteries that match your vehicle's specifications and meet the demands of your driving habits, whether you make short trips or long highway drives. We also inspect battery cables and terminals for corrosion, clean them if necessary, and tighten connections to ensure good electrical contact. Battery and charging system service doesn't include diagnosing complex electrical issues like parasitic draws, but we'll let you know if we find signs of abnormal battery drain.

Most Drivers Have Similar Questions

These questions come up regularly when drivers in Columbia are trying to figure out whether they need a new battery, a new alternator, or both.

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How long should a car battery last?
Most car batteries last three to five years, depending on how often you drive, the climate, and whether your alternator is charging correctly. Batteries in vehicles driven daily around Columbia typically last longer than those in vehicles that sit unused for weeks at a time.
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What are the signs of a failing alternator?
You'll notice dimming headlights, flickering dashboard lights, a battery warning light on your dash, or a dead battery even after it's been replaced. We test the alternator's voltage output to confirm whether it's charging your battery properly.
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Why does my battery keep dying?
A battery that keeps dying is usually caused by a failing alternator that isn't recharging it, a parasitic draw from an electrical component that stays on when the vehicle is off, or an old battery that can no longer hold a charge. We test both the battery and the alternator to identify the problem.
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Can I drive with a bad alternator?
You can drive for a short time on battery power alone, but once the battery is drained, your engine will stall and your vehicle will stop running. It's better to have the alternator tested and replaced before you're stranded on the side of the road.
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What causes battery terminal corrosion?
Corrosion forms when battery acid vapor leaks from the battery and reacts with the metal terminals. We clean the terminals with a wire brush and baking soda solution, then apply a protective coating to slow future corrosion.

If your engine cranks slowly, your headlights dim when idling, or your battery warning light stays on, T&G Auto Repair LLC can test your battery and charging system and replace the parts that are no longer working correctly. Call (803) 566-2431 or visit our contact page to schedule battery and charging system service in Columbia.