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Alternator Repairs in Reading

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Alternator Inspection

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4.6* on Trustpilot

*Based on Trustpilot: out average rating
4.6 out of 5 from 5613 reviews.

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14,767,382 happy drivers can’t be wrong.

“I’m always on the go, so booking my MOT on my phone was really useful.
I compared garages, picked the best one for me and even saved money, all whilst waiting for my morning coffee!”

4.6/5 based on over 5613 Trustpilot reviews*
* Based on Trustpilot: our average rating 4.6/5 from 5,613 reviews.
LD Garage Services Logo
LD Garage Services
36, Bennet Road, Reading, RG2 0QX
224 Reviews

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LD Garage Services has been established since 2008. We are an RAC Approved garage and AA Accredited.

SONNING COMMON GARAGE LTD Logo
SONNING COMMON GARAGE LTD
PEPPARD ROAD, SONNING COMMON, READING, RG4 9SU
348 Reviews
Established in 1960Family fun & highly professional garage

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We are a family fun and highly professional car repair, service and MOT Garage. Established in 1960, we can service and repair all makes and models including cars still under warranty. Whatever your requirements for service, MOT, repairs or diagnostics let our experienced team look after your motori...

In n Out Auto Centres - Reading Logo
In n Out Auto Centres - Reading
6 Trade City, Sentinel End, Reading, RG2 0BF
117 Reviews
Payment Assist/Paypal Credit availableVideo Authorisation

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IN'n'OUT Autocentres are experts in vehicle servicing, MOT's & repairs. We were established in 2008 and have over 25 autocentres nationwide. All our workshop technicians are trained to the highest standards. Many of whom have joined us from big brand main dealers. They are car enthusiasts and put as...

Cardiff Rd Tyres & Mechanical Repairs Logo
Cardiff Rd Tyres & Mechanical Repairs
173 Cardiff Rd, Reading, RG1 8HD
240 Reviews

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WE DO MOTs, TYRES, BRAKES, SERVICING ALL BODYWORK AND ALL KIND OF AUTOREPAIR. Cardiff Rd Tyres & Mechanical Repairs - one-stop shop for all of your vehicle needs

Car Service Centre Reading Logo
Car Service Centre Reading
Unit 4, 119 Loverock Road, Entrance in Caxton Close, Reading, RG30 1DZ
155 Reviews
Over 20 years’ experience

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Whether you need to book your vehicle in for its annual MOT or you are wanting to service your vehicle to guarantee that it is running to its full capacity, then contact us today. Our garage based in Cardiff Road Reading and has over 25 years’ experience offering our customers an exceptional servic...

Servicing Master Centre Logo
Servicing Master Centre
181 Cardiff Road, Reading, RG1 8HD
366 Reviews

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Welcome to The Servicing Master Center in Reading, Berkshire. We are a local independent garage serving Reading, Berkshire and around 10 miles surrounding area for all makes of vehicle. We offer Full Service, Major Service, Interim Service, Body Work, Engine Work, Tyre and other services. We al...

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 in Reading 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 Reading

Located in the Thames Valley to the west of London, Reading in Berkshire is not too well-known as one of Britain’s must-visit towns. However, once you get there, you’ll discover a surprising amount of things to see and do. It is sometimes described as being on London’s commuter belt but the influx of daily traffic outweighs the outflow due to the large number of tech companies and international businesses which have made Reading their home.

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Alternator Inspection