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Starting & Charging System Test

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Your vehicle’s starting and charging system is involved in regulating multiple electrical processes that start your engine and keep it running. If any of its components are malfunctioning, the entire system will suffer from poor performance or system failure.

VIP’s Certified Automotive Professionals are experts in handling electrical issues. They will repair them quickly, so you can get safely back on the road.

  • VIP offers FREE battery tests.
  • VIP offers a warranty on most installed parts.
  • VIP stands behind our work with a labor warranty that matches the warranty on installed parts.
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*Prices vary by vehicle and service provided. Pay at store.

Starting & Charging Systems
Helpful Hints

How to Tell If You Need Electrical Repair

If you’re having trouble starting your vehicle, or it’s not starting at all, it probably has an electrical problem. The following are also common warning signs:

  • Power windows aren’t working
  • Battery corrosion
  • Doors aren’t locking/unlocking
  • Speedometer is racing or not working
  • Electrical accessories won’t turn on
  • Blown or missing fuses
  • Lights dim while driving and/or brake lights fail

Common Causes of Starting Problems

If your vehicle isn’t starting properly, possible culprits may include:

  • Battery
  • Alternator or alternator drive belt
  • Computer system
  • Wiring harness
  • Sensors
  • Connectors
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The VIP Experience
Different & Better

At VIP we understand what your car means to you. All of our employees, from our customer service representatives to our world-class ASE-certified master technicians believe in getting the job done right.  We walk you through the work to be done before we begin, including live-feed reviews of your vehicle and copies of your multipoint inspection sent straight to your phone.

With over 32,000 positive Yelp and Google reviews you know you can trust us to be reliable, transparent, and sincere

  • Northern New England’s tire and service leader for almost 100 years
  • The area’s largest family-owned automotive service provider and tire dealer — headquartered in Auburn, ME
  • All locations are staffed with TIA and ASE Certified Automotive Professionals
  • Straight-forward labor and installed parts warranties guarantee the quality of our work
  • Most stores throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut and Vermont are open seven days a week

VIP Locations

ME
VIP Tires & Service - Lewiston, ME
485 Sabattus St
Lewiston, ME 04280
(207) 784-5464
0.0 Miles Away
VIP Tires & Service - Lisbon Street, Lewiston, ME
520 Lisbon Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
(207) 784-0131
1.3 Miles Away
VIP Tires & Service - Auburn, ME
128 Center Street
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 783-8561
1.8 Miles Away
VIP Tires & Service - Topsham, ME
2 Union Park Road
Topsham, ME 04086
(207) 373-1501
15.7 Miles Away

Additional VIP Auto Repair Services

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FAQs

  • My car won’t start! What could be causing that?

    If your car won’t start, it could be caused by several issues, including the battery, alternator, starter, or a wiring problem. Our team would need to inspect your vehicle to properly diagnose the no-start issue and pinpoint the cause rather than guessing. At VIP, we offer a free battery check with every visit to help you understand the condition of your battery.

  • How do I know if it’s my battery or something else electrical?

    If your vehicle’s lights are dimming, your window motors are moving slowly, or your accessories won’t turn on, it could indicate a battery, alternator, or electrical issue. These symptoms can mean the problem is more than just the battery. At VIP, we offer a free battery check with every visit to help you understand the condition of your battery

  • What’s the difference between a battery, alternator, and a starter problem?

    The difference between a battery, alternator, and starter problem comes down to the role each component plays in your vehicle. The battery provides the power needed to start the engine, the alternator keeps the battery charged while you drive, and the starter uses that power to crank (turn over) the engine. These systems work together to keep your vehicle running properly. Our team can test each system individually to determine which component is causing the issue and help you understand what your vehicle needs.

  • My dashboard lights are flickering or dimming while I drive — is that a serious problem?

    If your dashboard lights are flickering or dimming while you drive, it could be a sign of a charging system issue, such as a problem with your battery or alternator. It’s worth getting checked out before the issue leaves you stranded with a vehicle that won’t start. At VIP, we offer a free battery check with every visit to help you understand the condition of your battery.

  • Does VIP guarantee the electrical work on my car?

    Yes, VIP guarantees the electrical work done on your vehicle. We back most installed parts with a warranty, and our labor warranty matches the parts warranty for the work performed.

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All-Season
All-Weather
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All-Season

All-Season tires are versatile and suitable for warm and cool climates, but not recommended for extreme hot or cold weather conditions because of specific rubber components.

All-Weather

Like their name suggests, all-weather tires are versatile and can perform well in a variety of weather conditions and can be severe snow-rated.

All-Terrain

With bigger treads than traditional all-season tires, all-terrain tires allow for both on and off-roading capabilities.

Winter

Winter tires are manufactured to perform well in snow, ice, sleet and other cold weather conditions. Winter tires are typically soft, with an intricate grooved tread pattern — made for holding compacted snow and creating traction — and are severe snow-rated.