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Alternator Repairs in South West

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4.7* on Trustpilot

*Based on Trustpilot: out average rating
4.7 out of 5 from 5461 reviews.

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4.7/5 based on over 5461 Trustpilot reviews*
* Based on Trustpilot: our average rating 4.7/5 from 5,461 reviews.
HiQ Tyres & Autocare Plymouth Logo
HiQ Tyres & Autocare Plymouth
UNIT 205-216, FARADAY MILL BUSINESS PARK, PLYMOUTH, PL4 0ST
523 Reviews
Trading Standards & RAC approved garage

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General Repair FROM £68

At HiQ Plymouth we are proud to be a Trading Standards and RAC approved garage. Here at HiQ Plymouth, we offer MOT'S, vehicle repairs and servicing for individuals, companies and businesses across Devon. We stock leading tyre brands such as Goodyear, Dunlop and Sava along with other leading tyre bra...

Motorcare Logo
Motorcare
1 Groveley Business Centre, Groveley Road, Christchurch, BH23 3HB
132 Reviews

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General Repair FROM £68

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT (01-04-2020) Stuart has been operating Motorcare in Southbourne for the last 15 years and has now expanded, buying out Super Service, in the middle of a global pandemic and moving in on April fools day! (seriously, this is not a joke) We aim to carry out the same great service ...

Fast Fit Poole Offers Logo
Fast Fit Poole Offers
70 Nuffield Road, Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole, BH17 0RS
306 Reviews
Tests carried out by DVSA approved techs

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General Repair FROM £65

Our highly trained technicians at Fast Fit Poole offer thorough and comprehensive car servicing for most makes and models of vehicles. We carry out all of our work in accordance to the manufacturer's specifications and use genuine / approved parts to avoid invalidating your warranty. In addition to...

Bill Lomas Motor Services Ltd Logo
Bill Lomas Motor Services Ltd
Blachford Road, Ivybridge, PL21 0AD
161 Reviews
Over 30 years experience

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General Repair FROM £50

Bill Lomas Motor Services is a one-stop-shop in Blachford Road. Here, you can be confident you’ll receive exceptional service on every visit. We ensure that we cater to all of our customers and their vehicle’s needs. With over 30 years experience in the motoring industry, we are able to conduct serv...

Marshall Motors SW Ltd - Offers Logo
Marshall Motors SW Ltd - Offers
26 Valley Road, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 1RF
416 Reviews

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General Repair FROM £65

Marshall Motors SW LTD is an independently run business that prides itself on offering unrivaled sales, services, MOTs and mechanical repairs to its customers in the local area and further afield. We offer a comprehensive range of services so whether you need to book an MOT, have your car inspect...

Five Square Motors Ltd Logo
Five Square Motors Ltd
Salisbury Road, Shaftsbury, SP7 8BU
149 Reviews
Bosch Car Service Code of Practice

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General Repair FROM £55

The Bosch Car Service network is a national network of independent garages. Each garage is well established in its own right and aims to keep its premises neat and tidy with clear Bosch Car Service signage, uniforms and equipment. They are an independently owned businesses with friendly staff, train...

What is a Car Alternator?

Your alternator keeps your car’s battery charged, allowing you to start your vehicle and power your electronics. It uses your car’s drive belt to convert the mechanical energy from the crankshaft into electricity. If your alternator fails and stops charging the battery, you can struggle to keep your car moving. That’s why you should always book an alternator repair as soon as you notice a problem.

 

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.

 

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 ar available, they don't offer that much of a saving.

 

What Causes the Need for a New Alternator?

 

Your alternator is a very durable component, but you can end up needing a replacement if either of the following happens:

  • The brush, a component which maintains constant electrical contact with the spinning alternator, becomes worn.
  • Your voltage regulator fails. This makes sure that the electrical charge is passed to the battery at the correct voltage.

 

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 give you a nasty shock 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 the wrong sized part.
  6. Reverse the removal steps to install the new alternator.

 

Enter Your Reg and Postcode to Compare and Save on an Alternator Repair Near You

 

If an alternator replacement sounds like too much hard work, enter your reg and postcode to find a garage near you to complete the work instead. You can filter by reviews, labour rate, distance or availability - whatever matters to you the most. Once you’ve compared deals and picked the most suitable garage, you can select your preferred date and time to complete the booking.

You never pay a penny until after your chosen garage has completed your alternator repairs and there are no hidden extras either. When you compare garages near you through BookMyGarage, you can save up to 70% vs booking an alternator replacement direct.

 

Enter Your Reg and Postcode to Compare Deals From Local Garages

 

How Long Does an Alternator Replacement 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?

 

If you look after your alternator by driving sensibly, it can last 8-12 years without needing any repairs. Book a car service regularly to keep your car in good condition and avoid putting unnecessary stress on your alternator.

 

Driving in the South West

The South West contains some truly iconic destinations, including Stonehenge, the New Forest, the Eden Project and of course the fantastic beaches of the longest regional coastline in Britain. The region’s biggest city is Bristol, and other major conurbations include Plymouth, Bath, Swindon and Bournemouth.

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