We have helped over 17.8 million drivers compare prices to save on their MOT, servicing and repairs at local garages. In fact, when you compare UK garages 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 garage 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 they're closed.
Plenty of Choice. We may recommend certain garages depending on your location, 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 one for you.
Enter your reg and postcode to compare labour rates from specialists near you and book a visual inspection for your alternator repair or replacement in seconds.
After you book your 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 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.