An RAC Mobile Mechanic using a diagnostic machine inspecting a car for an alternator repair.A mechanic using a diagnostic machine to inspect a car vehicle engine
Service, Repairs & MOT

Alternator repair for your Volvo

Book an RAC Mobile Mechanic and we’ll come to you at home or work.

  • 12-months parts guarantee
  • Honest pricing
  • Exceptional customer service

£313.92

Average price for this repair for your Volvo in the last 30 days^

Trustpilot rating for all RAC Mobile Mechanics.

Why choose the RAC for an alternator repair?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running.

Plus, with RAC Mobile Mechanics, you can avoid the hassle of taking your vehicle to a garage when you need a repair. We’ll come to you, at your home or work.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

RAC Mobile Mechanic

Our top pick

RAC Mobile Mechanic

At the RAC, we’ve got over 125 years’ experience in offering complete peace of mind to our members. We’re best known for our breakdown service. And now – our new RAC Mobile Mechanics are here to help make every day motoring easier. If you need a service or repair, they’ll come to you at your home or work.

An RAC Mobile Mechanic using a diagnostic machine inspecting a car for an alternator repair.

Book an alternator repair

If your car’s battery keeps dying or electrical systems are acting up, it could be a faulty alternator. Your alternator should charge the battery properly, and if it doesn’t, you could need an alternator repair.

We use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standard parts, which means every new part will be the same standard and same quality as the original part it replaced.
Our mobile mechanics are friendly, honest, and backed by the RAC.
Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic running a vehicle diagnostic check

Vehicle diagnostic check

£99

For when you know something isn’t right, but you’re not sure what – our mobile mechanics are here to help.

We’ll look for any mechanical or electrical problems. If we need to, we’ll also check your car’s onboard engine management system. Depending on your car and issue, this will usually include: – Engine – Power steering – Brakes – Transmission – Exhaust system – Fuel injection system – Cooling system and air flow – Sensors
If we detect any issues, we'll talk through what needs to be repaired. We’ll give you a no-obligation quote to fix it on the spot, if we can. Or we’ll recommend a local RAC Approved Garage, and give you a full error report to take there.

And it’s not just alternator repairs we can do for your Volvo

Mobile mechanics bring the garage to you, saving you the hassle of getting your car to a garage. If you need a service or repair, they’ll come to you at your home or work.

A close up of an RAC mobile mechanic looking under the hood of a car

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

MP Automotive Service Centre

5.0/5

We can undertake all manor of works for all leisure and small commercial vehicles. We specialize in bmw’s with our head technician having over 15 years experience in the brand . We are a Registered MOT station offering servicing , maintenance ,organising bodywork , diagnostics , tuning and repairs. Collection and delivery services are available pre booked or sometimes same day where possible
Mp Automotive Service Centre, Rear Of Bush Hill Parade, Bury Street West, London, N99JS

Richardsons Colchester

4.8/5

Established in 1966 we are one of the South East's leading vehicle repair centres. We have a team of highly trained ATA staff and we are a BSI approved repair centre so you can ensure your vehicle is repaired correctly. We carry our vehicle servicing and repairs at very competitive prices but still follow the exact schedule recommended by the manufacturer and your warranty is NOT compromised regardless of the age of the vehicle. We also fit parking sensors, tyres, batteries, in fact we can undertake almost any of your car needs. We have alos recently been certified as a Which Trusted Trader which the company has been audited on our ability to provide customers with a honest service quality and cost standard. See for yourself by visiting www.grahamrichardsons.co.uk
Grange Way, Colchester, CO28HG

Millennium Garages Ltd - RAC Approved Garage

5.0/5

Millennium Garages is based in Southwark, London offering MOTs, Services and Car Repairs using industry-standard equipment and fully trained staff with over 40 years of experience in the motor industry. Since 2019, Millennium Garages Ltd has been a RAC Approved Garage. ALL Customers, Including RAC Warranties, are responsible for paying Congestion Charge and ULEZ when required for their vehicles.
Arches 43 - 47, Kings Bench Street, London, SE10QX

A1 Tyres and Exhausts

5.0/5

With over 30 years experience of automotive repairs in Coventry, A1 Tyres and Exhausts is a name that you can rely on to deliver a professional, high quality, and reliable service, that will meet all of your car needs. And above all, we are a name you can trust again and again.
Unit 12-13, Relton Mews, Coventry, CV65HE

T & K Motors

4.9/5

T&K Motors have been established for more than 30 years and are a helpful friendly garage, we carry out MOT’s, servicing and mechanical repairs on all makes and models of vehicles. We pride ourselves on offering main dealer quality of work, at independent prices, whilst ensuring that your warranty remains intact by using genuine or manufacturer approved parts, and are usually able to save you over 60% in price comparison. Our mechanics are fully qualified with many years of experience behind them in the motor industry, who take great pride in their work. Our services include the following; • All makes serviced to manufacturer's specification • MOT VOSA class 4 and 7 Car and Light Commercial • Air Conditioning re-charge and leak testing • Batteries/Alternators checked and replaced • Brakes pads and discs, brake fluid changes • Clutch replacement and repair • Cylinder Head repairs • Engine management light diagnostics • Exhausts repaired and replaced • Free vehicle health check • Fuel injection diagnostic/repair • Oil and filter changes • Suspension spring replacement specialists • Timing belts and water pump replacement • Tyres fitted, balanced and aligned • Van servicing and repairs • Free Vehicle diagnostic checks • Welding repairs to MOT standard • Warning lights diagnosed and reset * Car Service, Van Service, Commercial vehicle service
47-53 Green Street, Ayr, KA88BQ

Frequently asked questions about car alternator

Driving with a bad alternator isn't a good idea. A failing alternator can make the battery drain fast, leading to a breakdown. Electrical parts may also stop working, which can be unsafe. It’s best to get the alternator checked and fixed or replaced as soon as you can.

When the alternator fails, the battery won't charge and will drain. This can make the car stall and prevent it from starting. Electrical parts like lights, radio, and power windows may stop working. Get help from a mechanic right away to avoid more damage.

Alternator reconditioning means fixing an old alternator by replacing worn-out parts. This can be cheaper than buying a new one, but it may not last as long as a new alternator.

The cost of an alternator varies by the type of car and the quality of the alternator. To know exactly how much, you should talk to your local mechanic.

Yes, alternators can be repaired if the damage isn't too bad. If the alternator is very damaged, it may be better to replace it.

Replacing an alternator is often worth it if the alternator is old or very damaged. A new or rebuilt alternator can work better and prevent future problems. Talk to a mechanic to help make the best choice.

Alternators usually last between 80,000 and 150,000 miles. But it can vary based on where and how you drive, and maintenance. Regular check-ups and fixing problems early can help it last longer.

Some alternator repairs or replacements may be covered under the car’s warranty, especially if the car is still new. Check your warranty details or talk to your mechanic to see if it's is covered.

They’re often not covered by standard car insurance policies because they're thought to be part of your vehicle's upkeep. But, if it's damaged in an accident, it might be covered.

You need an alternator replacement when it's very damaged or has worn-out parts that can't be fixed. If it's not keeping the battery charged or causes electrical issues, you'll need to replace it.