Alternator Repairs Near You

How Much Does an Alternator Cost in the UK?

Alternator Repairs cost between £100 and £700 in the UK. The average is between £150 to £300 and, while refurbished car alternators are available, they don't offer that much of a saving.

 

How to Book a FREE Visual Inspection For Your Alternator Repair

1. Enter your vehicle reg and postcode.
2. Compare deals. You can sort garages in your area by whatever best suits your needs: labour rate, distance, reviews and ratings or availability.
3. Pick a date and time for your appointment.

 

After you book your FREE visual inspection, we send you a confirmation email with a summary of your booking. We also inform the garage and they may also be in touch to confirm the appointment or to ask for extra details.

The garage will complete the inspection and then diagnose the repair you need, providing an accurate quote for the work at the same time. You may also need to book your alternator repair in with them directly as they may not have the capacity to deal with the repair on the same day.

However, you won't pay anything until after they have completed all the work. You also deal with the garage directly after the initial booking process and can change or cancel your visual inspection for free until the day of your appointment.

 

 

Why Use BookMyGarage For Your Alternator Repair?

We have helped over 5 million drivers compare and save on their MOT, servicing and repair costs at local garages. In fact, when you compare garages near you through our online comparison site, you can save up to 70% when you choose one of the lower-cost options!

As one of the UK’s leading MOT and service comparison sites, we’re dedicated to helping drivers save money on their car maintenance. Here are just some of the ways we keep you in control of your booking your alternator replacement:

 

No Upfront Payment. You never enter any payment details when you book a visual inspection for your alternator repair. We never charge you any fees to use our site and you always pay the garage directly after the appointment.

Clear Communication Throughout. After you make your booking, we’ll never leave you in the dark. Not only do we provide a confirmation email ourselves, but we also pass your contact details on to your chosen garage. This means they can keep in touch throughout the process. They may send you a confirmation email themselves and will contact you whenever there is a development with your appointment. That way, you get the peace of mind you deserve.

24/7 Online Booking. When you need an alternator repair, you want to book it as soon as possible. You don’t want to wait around for the garage to open so you can call up and get it sorted - and with BookMyGarage, you don’t have to. We allow you to make your appointment day or night, even when the garage is closed.

Plenty of Choice. We may recommend certain garages depending on your location or the product you select, but you always have the final say. There are thousands of fast-fit, independent and franchised garages on our online comparison site, so you’re able to see all your options and choose the best local garage for you.

 

Enter your reg and postcode to compare labour rates from specialists near you and book a FREE visual inspection for your alternator repair or replacement in seconds.

After the inspection, your chosen garage will provide a no-obligation estimate for the repair work. You always pay this bill to the garage directly and only ever after they've completed all the work.

 

Alternator Belt Replacement

The alternator belt, also known as the drive belt or serpentine belt, drives several key parts of your engine. This rubber belt keeps your steering, alternator, water pump and air conditioning working properly. It also helps to improve the performance of your car by reducing friction.

To avoid it developing any problems, you should replace your alternator belt every 45,000 to 70,000 miles. The rubber can wear under excessive pressure and heat within your engine, so it's worth driving sensibly and maintaining your car. This will help the drive belt last as long as possible.

You should book an alternator belt replacement if your engine starts squeaking or chirping. This is the key indicator of an alternator belt problem. If you ignore this warning sign, your engine can overheat and potentially break down.

 

 

How Much Does an Alternator Belt Replacement Cost?

The average cost of an alternator belt can range anywhere from £75 - £250. While the part itself will only cost £20 - £30, it is a tricky, time-consuming repair. This means labour costs make up most of the price

Other factors that impact the cost of an alternator replacement include the make and model of your vehicle, how accessible your alternator belt is and the hourly rate of your chosen garage.

 

FAQs

What is a Car Alternator?

Your alternator keeps your car’s battery charged, allowing you to start your vehicle. It also powers all the onboard electrics.

A car alternator uses the drive belt to convert the mechanical energy from the crankshaft into electricity. If your alternator fails and stops charging the battery, you may struggle to keep your car moving.

That’s why you should always book a FREE visual inspection to diagnose the extent of your alternator repair as soon as you notice a problem.

 

How Long Does an Alternator Repair Take?

On average, an alternator replacement takes between 1-2 hours. However, this can vary depending on what make and model of vehicle you drive.

 

How Long Does an Alternator Last?

Most alternators last between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. This means yours can last 8-12 years without needing any repairs if you look after it.

To ensure your alternator lasts as long as possible, book a car service regularly to keep your car in good condition. This avoids putting unnecessary stress on your alternator.

 

What Are Common Alternator Problems?

Your alternator is a very durable component, but it may occasionally need replacing. Common alternator problems include:

• A worn brush. This maintains constant electrical contact with the spinning alternator. If the brush is faulty, the alternator system won't work properly.
• Your voltage regulator fails. This makes sure that the electrical charge is passed to the battery at the correct voltage. Erratic or broken onboard electrics indicate a problem with your voltage regulator.
• The rotor siezes. This spins to create magnetic flux. If this fails, either due to bad bearings or a worn drive belt, your alternator won't get the power it needs to work.
• Your car's copper coils fail. These turn the magnetic flux into alternating current which, in turn, becomes direct current. This is stored in the battery and powers the onboard electrics. If this process doesn't happen, your battery won't be replenished as it should.

 

You can solve most of these problems with an alternator replacement rather than trying to repair a specific part. However, a technician will be able to give you their suggested fix after the initial inspection.

 

Can I Fit a New Alternator Myself?

Yes, you can fit a new alternator yourself. However, you should not attempt the process unless you are experienced and know what you are doing. Not only can you cause extra damage to your vehicle, but a live battery can also be very dangerous if you don’t disconnect it properly.

To fit a new alternator yourself, you must follow this process:

1. Disconnect the battery. You must disconnect the terminals in the right order and ensure it is completely disconnected before continuing.
2. Disconnect the wires from the back of the alternator. Label the wires as you go so you can reconnect them all in the right place.
3. Remove the belt from the pulley.
4. Remove the bolts. These connect the alternator to the bracket. Once these are loose, you are then able to get the old alternator out of the car.
5. Make sure you have the correct replacement alternator. The last thing you need is a part that's too big or too small.
6. Reverse the removal steps to install the new alternator.

 

When Do I Need to Book an Alternator Repair?

You should book an alternator repair near you if you notice any of the following warning signs:

• Your car is difficult or slow to start
• You hear a whirring, whining or squealing noise from the engine
• Your car's interior and exterior lights look dim, blink erratically, gradually fade, suddenly get brighter or don't come on at all
• Your battery warning light comes on
• Your speedometer stops working.
• You can smell rubber burning.
• Your car fails a multimeter test at a garage.

 

What is Alternator Reconditioning?

Alternator reconditioning involves repairing a part-worn alternator to create a cost-effective replacement. A specialist changes faulty parts and services the part to ensure it is in top condition.

As such, a reconditioned alternator may help you save on your replacement costs. Make sure that you buy the part from a reputable dealer and ensure it has passed all the necessary tests and checks before getting it fitted to your car. This will mitigate most of the risk.

 

Does My Car Warranty Cover an Alternator Repair or Replacement?

Yes, a warranty will cover any mechanical alternator fault as it isn't considered standard maintenance. The only exception is if your alternator was damaged during an accident or through neglect.

We would recommend checking the terms and conditions of your warranty to ensure you're covered before making a claim.

 

Do I Need to Replace My Car's Battery and Alternator at the Same Time?

You don't always need to replace your car's battery and alternator together. The battery may still be in good condition and is only hampered by a faulty alternator.

If you're concerned about the quality of your battery and alternator, we recommend booking a free visual inspection at a garage near you.

 

Will a Faulty Alternator Fail My MOT?

No, a faulty alternator will not cause an MOT failure. It isn't checked during the test so you're unlikely to learn about an alternator problem during an MOT appointment.

 

Can I Drive My Car With a Faulty or Broken Alternator?

You may be able to drive your car with a faulty or broken alternator but it won't last very long. Eventually, the battery will drain and your car will grind to a halt. If you suspect your alternator is faulty or broken, we recommend contacting your recovery provider to tow your vehicle to a local garage for an inspection.