Compare prices for your alternator
The alternator recharges the battery while you drive. When it fails, the vehicle eventually stops — usually at the worst possible moment. Describe the problem and compare offers.
Free · No obligation
- 1Describe the repair
- 2We look for garages
- 3Compare the offers
Common symptoms
- The battery light comes on while driving
- Headlights dim, or dashboard lighting fades
- The battery keeps going flat, even a new one
- The vehicle stalls while driving
- A whining or grinding noise from the engine
- A smell of hot belt
You do not need to know which one applies: describe what you notice and the garage will do the diagnosis.
Common services
What changes the price
We do not publish an average price: we do not yet have enough real data to give an honest one. Here is what makes up the bill instead.
- Access
- On some engines the alternator is right at the front and comes out quickly; on others, accessories have to come off or the job is done from underneath. That is often the largest labour factor.
- New, remanufactured or original
- A remanufactured alternator costs less than a new original part, and the warranty differs too. Ask which is being quoted.
- The belt
- The accessory belt, and sometimes its tensioner, are often replaced at the same time because they are already off. Doing it then is usually cheaper than a second visit.
- The condition of the battery
- A battery damaged by a failing alternator may no longer hold a charge. A good garage tests both rather than replacing one and hoping.
When an inspection is needed
A flat battery is not always a battery problem. A charging-system test distinguishes a battery at the end of its life, an alternator that has stopped charging, and a parasitic drain. If you are unsure, ask for an electrical diagnostic rather than a specific part.
How it works
- 1
Tell us what your vehicle needs
One request, a few minutes.
- 2
We look for garages able to perform the work
We contact garages in your area.
- 3
Compare the offers you receive
Price and availability, side by side.
- 4
Choose the option you prefer
You are free to walk away.
Common questions
Is it my battery or my alternator?
A useful clue: if the vehicle starts after a boost and then dies shortly after, it points to the alternator. If it starts and runs normally afterwards, it points to the battery. A test at the garage settles it in minutes.
How long can I drive with a failing alternator?
Not long — the vehicle is then running off the battery alone and will stop. It is not a repair to postpone, particularly in winter.
How does FixMyCarQuote work?
You describe the repair your vehicle needs — it takes a few minutes. Our team looks for garages able to do the work and passes them your request. You compare the offers that come back and choose. It is free and there is no obligation.
Do you cover my area?
Give us your postal code and we will look for garages in your area able to do the work. Availability depends on where you are, the repair, and which garages have capacity when you ask — if we find no one, we will tell you plainly.
What we don't promise
We don't guarantee a number of offers, a response time, or a saving. We pass your request to garages and show you what they say. If nothing comes back, we'll tell you.
Ready to compare options for your repair?
Describe the repair your vehicle needs. It only takes a few minutes.
Free · No obligation