Alternator Repair | Book an Alternator Repair in Watford| RAC

£444.50

Average price for this repair in Watford 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

Our top pick in Watford

Our top pick

RAC Mobile Mechanic in Watford

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.

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.

OEM quality parts

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.

Mechanics you can trust

Our mobile mechanics are friendly, honest, and backed by the RAC.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic running a vehicle diagnostic check

Book a diagnostic

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

Diagnostic check

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

Full error report and advice on repairs

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 that we do in Watford

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.

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

View all garages

Brookdene Service Centre

4.8/5

Brookdene Motors has been established for over 25 years, offering general repairs and servicing to Watford and the surrounding areas. We are specialist in VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda. Reputation and trust are key business tools for any independent garage and at Brookdene motors in New Road, Watford, its part of the firm's philosophy. Reputation is a very important word for the team - which explains why Brookdene Motors is celebrating over 25 years in the industry. We are also now proudly part of Elite Remaps. If you need further endorsement, many of our huge database of loyal customers have been using the garage since its very early days when it was situated in Carpenders Park. Now our location is ideal, situated at the edge of Waterfields Retail Park just behind Tesco and only three minutes walk to The Harlequin and Lower High Street Station. Brookdene Motors offers a full range of services and our busy and highly competent staff are all long-serving, With the senior technician being with the garage for over 24 years. We have invested heavily in the latest diagnostics equipment and the facilities also include an automatic tyre charger and a computerized wheel balancer. All our parts come with a standard manufacturer warranty and our labour is guaranteed for 1 year.

10-12 New Road, Lower High Street, Watford, WD17 2EX

RSC Ltd.

4.5/5

We have on site a fully equipped three ramp workshop. Our work shop philosophy is very old school, we will never carry out any work to your vehicle unless it is needed, always ask your permission to carry out any work up and above what has been agreed and do our utmost to give a fair and reasonable cost service at all times. As a result of this we have a loyal database of customers from Rickmansworth, Watford, Northwood, Hatch end, Bushy and surrounding area. We offer a wide variety of services at an extremely competitive rate especially when compared to the main dealers, these include: servicing, repairs, bodywork, tracking, tyres, air conditioning re gasses, clutches, brakes, exhausts, car audio and alarms.

Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey, Watford, WD197SE

The MOT Centre

4.3/5

Based in Hatch End, The MOT Centre has a team of expert mechanics on hand to deal with all your car repair requirments. Our repair service uses the most up to date tools and equipment to repair any make and model of car. We keep most a range of parts in stock, or parts can be delivered within the hour by one of our suppliers, so most work can be done while you wait. We can undertake insurance work and also offer sub-contracted work.

Cornwall Road, Hatch End, Piner, HA54LS

Johnson Motors

4.3/5

We are the approved dealer for the community-áKeep Spending Local Scheme for Watford. We have been providing a first class service for the Watford and surrounding areas for a many years offering service and repair to all makes of cars and light vans, to corporate, fleet and the private sector. Over the years we have built an excellent reputation for our quality workmanship and friendly service. All our fitters and technicians are fully trained and are constantly updated with changes or enhancements made by car manufacturers of all makes. Our team pride themselves in the ability of diagnostics and fault finding, saving you expensive exploratory time that may be incurred at some other garages." We are the only RAC Approved garage in Watford (we service the RAC patrol vans ) we are also AA approved Warranty repairer so the standard of our work is very high.

Unit 5 Moor Park Industrial Centre, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 9SP

Junction Motors

3.7/5

Welcome to Junction Motors - Watford’s leading Vehicle Repair Specialists. We provide MOT testing, servicing, wheel alignment, diagnostics and many more services for cars, LGV’s, Mini-buses and larger vans. Our state-of-the-art workshop in Watford stocks the latest in modern technology and diagnostic equipment to ensure your vehicle gets the correct service it needs and that it is performed to an impeccable standard. Our highly skilled technicians are able to provide servicing, fault troubleshooting and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Between them they have fixed thousands of vehicles so your one will be in safe hands. Did you know our staff are fully qualified to service and repair all hybrid and electric cars? Unlike petrol & diesel models, hybrid & electric cars require a different type of care and service due to the difference in the way these cars are built and function. Not only are our staff fully qualified to look after these cars, but we also have all of the latest equipment to ensure these cars are looked after to the best conditions possible.

1A Garnett Close, Watford, WD247GL

Frequently asked questions about car alternator repairs

Can I drive my car with a bad 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.

What happens when the alternator stops working?

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.

What is alternator reconditioning?

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.

How much does an alternator cost?

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.

Can an alternator be repaired?

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.

Is it worth replacing an alternator?

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.

How often should an alternator be replaced?

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.

Does an alternator repair or replacement fall under warranty?

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.

Is an alternator repair or replacement covered by insurance?

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.

When do I need an alternator replacement?

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.