Comprehensive Auto Electrical Repair and Maintenance Services
Have a dead battery? Misfiring starter or alternator? For all of your auto electric repair and maintenance needs, come to Hitchcock Automotive Repair in Sarasota, FL. We service your vehicle with care, providing a high level of workmanship you can trust.
Our auto electrical repair and maintenance services include:
Alternators
An alternator is a crucial automotive component responsible for converting mechanical energy into electric energy (alternating current). It plays a pivotal role in your vehicle's engine, and any malfunction can result in your car's breakdown. If you encounter issues with your car's alternator, it is imperative to seek expert assistance.
Batteries
The battery is the powerhouse that supplies electrical energy to vital automotive systems such as the ignition system, starter motor, and lights. If you find yourself needing a jump-start to kickstart your vehicle in the morning, it may be a sign that your battery is deteriorating.
Depending on the extent of damage, a failing battery can either be repaired or replaced. If you are experiencing battery-related issues, do not hesitate to contact us in Sarasota, FL. We offer convenient battery testing and replacement services, designed to swiftly get you back on the road. From battery replacement and charging to installation, testing, and recycling, we cover it all.
Starters
The starter serves as the motor, whether electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic, responsible for initiating the operation of your internal combustion engine. Starters are vital components within your car's engine, and any malfunction can lead to your vehicle's failure to start.
In the event of starter problems, it is crucial to seek professional assistance. Our team of experts is well-equipped to handle all your starter-related needs efficiently, ensuring you can resume your journey promptly. Visit Hitchcock Automotive Repair today for expert starter services.
Battery FAQs
What are mistakes made when jumping a car?
Mixing up negative and positive cables is the most common mistake. When you mix up the negative and positive cable it ruins your car's alternator. Just remember black to negative and red to positive. Other common mistakes are using cheap cables that don't conduct properly, letting the cables swing and become detached, touching the clips together, and ignoring cracks in your battery or dirty battery terminals.
What should I be careful of when changing a car battery?
It may sound obvious but be sure that you do not drop the battery. Be careful not to let the tools touch both the negative and positive terminals simultaneously, as it could create a spark, cause the battery to short out, or even damage the vehicle's electrical components.
Make sure to separate the cables to the side so that they don't touch the battery until it is in place. Attach the negative cable first and then the positive cable. If have any doubts while you are trying to change your battery you should always call in an expert.
How do I replace my car battery without losing car memory?
Use a car memory saver or other secondary power source. If you don't own a car memory saver, come to Hitchcock Automotive Repair and we can do this process for you. First, make sure to turn off your car before you unplug the battery. Next, plug the car memory saver into the cigarette lighter or the OBD2 connector. Remove the old battery and install the new battery and attach the connectors. Finally, unplug the memory saver from the car.
Why is my engine stalling after replacing my car battery?
If your car lost battery power completely then your car's computer system may have lost valuable information to regulate engine performance causing it to stall even after you replace the battery.
However, the car's system will quickly collect new data and engine performance should return to normal. In some case you may need to have the throttle body, or your idle air control valve cleaned out as carbon deposits can build up inside these parts, pushing them beyond the computer's ability to regulate engine performance.
Car Starting FAQs
How do I unlock my steering wheel?
Place your foot on the brake and turn the wheel in the direction in which it has a little range of motion. This should ease the tension in the steering column and allow you to turn the key. Turning the key unlocks the steering wheel. Do not try to unlock your steering wheel without a key or if the battery is dead. This should only be done by a professional auto repair technician.
How do I change my keyless entry remote battery?
This should work for most remotes:
- Remove the metal blade key from the remote.
- Use a standard (flat head) screwdriver to gently pry open the fob.
- Remove the battery. It is usually a small round lithium watch battery.
- Insert a new battery.
- Snap the key fob back together.
- Insert the metal blade key into the fob.
What does a dead starter sound like?
Clicking noises upon turning the key are a classic sign of starter failure. However, this isn't the only clue. A dying starter might remain completely silent or offer subtle warnings through whirring or grinding sounds before finally giving up the ghost.
Why won't my car start?
The most common reason why a car will not start is a bad or dead battery. However, there are several other possibilities too. If you are having trouble getting your vehicle started, give Hitchcock Automotive Repair a call at 941-306-1000. Our auto repair professionals will try to help you diagnose the issue, which could be one of these problems:
- Failing alternator
- Starter motor
- Ignition switch malfunction
- Bad spark plugs
- Cracked distributor cap
- Broken timing belt
Headlight FAQs
What are the 3 situations where headlights are required?
First, you should make sure both of your headlights are in good working order before driving your car. Headlights must be in use from sunset to sunrise.
Secondly, headlights are also necessary when you cannot see more than 400 feet in front of you. You should also use your car's headlights whenever windshield wipers are in use.
Thirdly, some studies have shown that when drivers elect to always drive with their headlights on it can reduce automobile accidents.
Do parking lights and turn signals use the same bulb?
Yes, your car uses the same bulb for the front turn signal and parking lights. Side bulbs are located on the inside of the wheel wells. All lights on your car will eventually burn out and need to be replaced.
To learn more about our Electrical services, call us at 941-306-1000 or request a quote by clicking below:
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what our customers say
Forgive me as it has been some time since I was there, but about a month ago I was getting ready to head over to Orlando for work training from Sarasota. I pulled out of my driveway and my power steering was gone. I immediately drove to the only auto repair shop I have been to since living out here and they were too busy to help me. I started to google shops around me and Hitchcock Automotive came up. I made my way over and they had space and time to help me out right away. Scott Sr. (I believe was his name) was super kind (which I usually find uncommon as a woman looking to get her car fixed) and he reassured me it was an easy fix. The ?o-ring? had completely broken a piece off and they got my car up and cleaned up and replaced the ring within 20-30 min. I expressed my thanks and asked how much I owed and he told me it was on them and not to worry about it. Believe me I was worried about it. I never know how much mechanics are going to charge me and I couldn?t believe he did all of that for free. It was probably an easy little fix for them, but it was a huge fix to my day and restored a part of my faith in kindness. Thank you guys seriously. You had no idea how helpful that was to me when I needed it. Many thanks and will be back for any future car troubles. I highly recommend making this your first stop with auto repairs. A trustworthy team, quality work, and a safe and clean space. 10/10 guys.
I was looking for a good auto repair shop for my Lexus when I found Hitchcock Automotive mentioned several times on Next Door. I called and brought my car in with a list of items that needed to be repaired and asked if they would give me an estimate. While I waited, they looked the car over , gave me a very good price on the repairs and offered to do the work that day or the next, based on my convenience. I am very happy with the work that was done on my car and quite impressed with the customer service of Hitchcock Automotive. What a great find! Just an update to my last review because I know people are always looking for a good auto mechanic. My husband and I have used Hitchcock Automotive several times now for my Lexus RX 350 and his Jeep and we are extremely happy with their service. Scott, the owner, is just great! He runs a very efficient shop where the work is done on time and in line with the estimate. We have never had to bring anything back for an adjustment. Scott explains what needs to be done and , just as importantly, what doesn?t need to be done. When we bring our cars in for service, we know that the work will be done correctly and that we will be treated in a professional and courteous manner.
I couldn't speak more highly of this family owned and operated shop! They were honest, reasonable, good people. I will be recommending them to everyone I know! I came in with a muffler issue, they could have looked at me and assumed they could make some good money off of me by telling me I needed an all new muffler installed. Instead they brought me into the garage showed me the exact problem along with their recommendation and were able to easily fix the problem with very little cost to me. Five stars ? Thank you for being one of the good ones!!
