Battery, alternator and starter : common questions
Straight answers from MRY Pro Services, a garage in Cartierville, Montréal. Prices plus taxes (GST and QST). Prices may change. Please call or text us to confirm the price before your visit: (438) 855-3442.
How do I know if it's the battery or the alternator?
If the car won't start but runs fine after a boost and stays running, it's often the battery. If it dies soon after the boost, or the battery light comes on while driving, it's often the alternator. A charging system test confirms the cause. Electrical: alternator and starter →
What are the signs of a bad alternator?
Dimming lights, a battery warning light, electrical accessories acting up or a battery that keeps going flat. A whining noise or a hot rubber smell can also show up. Have the charging system tested. Electrical: alternator and starter →
How much does an alternator replacement cost?
At MRY Pro Services, alternator replacement starts from $280. The final price depends on your vehicle model and the part. Prices may change. Please call or text us to confirm the price before your visit: (438) 855-3442. Electrical: alternator and starter →
My car clicks but won't start, why?
Rapid clicking often means the battery is too weak. A single loud click with the lights staying bright often points to the starter. Testing the battery and starter tells you which. Electrical: alternator and starter →
How much does a starter replacement cost?
At MRY Pro Services, starter replacement starts from $280. The price depends on your vehicle and how easy the starter is to reach. Prices may change. Please call or text us to confirm the price before your visit: (438) 855-3442. Electrical: alternator and starter →
Why does my battery die in winter?
Cold reduces battery capacity, and the engine needs more power to start. A battery that's already weak often fails on the first deep freeze. A battery test before winter helps avoid surprises. Electrical: alternator and starter →
How long does a car battery last?
It varies with the battery, the climate and how you drive. Hard cold, summer heat and short trips wear it faster. A load test tells you where yours stands. Electrical: alternator and starter →
How do I boost a car safely?
Follow your owner's manual: usually red cable on both positive terminals, black cable on the good battery's negative and then on bare metal on the dead car's engine. Start the working car, then the other. If you're unsure, call a roadside service. Electrical: alternator and starter →
Why does the battery light come on while I'm driving?
This light usually means the battery isn't charging, often because of the alternator or the belt. The car may run for a while on the battery and then stall. Get to a garage soon and turn off accessories you don't need. Electrical: alternator and starter →
Do I need a block heater in Montréal?
It's not required, but a block heater makes cold starts easier and reduces wear. It's most useful if the car is parked outside. Plug it in a few hours before you leave, not all night if you don't need to. Electrical: alternator and starter →
General information. For your vehicle, a mechanic needs to see it. Call us to confirm what applies to you.