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 in Southampton

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

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

£427.51

Average price for this repair in Southampton in the last 30 days^

Trustpilot rating for all RAC Mobile Mechanics.

Why choose the RAC for an alternator repair?

With RAC Mobile Mechanics, you can avoid the hassle of taking your vehicle to a garage. They can do an alternator repair on your driveway, so you don't even need to leave the house.

All our alternators are OEM standards, that means we only use parts that meet your vehicle manufacturer’s strict quality criteria, ensuring top quality and reliability. With a 12-month guarantee, you can trust our replacement alternators to last. The price includes fitting – no hidden costs. Just friendly, honest experts.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

Our top pick in Southampton

We’ll come to you at home or work

RAC Mobile Mechanic in Southampton

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

We’ll spend up to 30 mins checking our car’s onboard management system for faults. We’ll talk you through repairs needed and provide a full report. If any further work is needed, we’ll agree this with you before we start. Any additional work after the first 30 minutes will be priced at £20 per 15 minutes. We’ll agree this with you before proceeding.

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.

Average cost of an alternator repair by car make^

The cost to repair your car alternator will depend on the car you drive. According to RAC data, the average cost to repair a car alternator is £458. But you can check out the average price of an alternator repair for your specific car make here.

Make

Average Price

Ford

£435

Volkswagen

£466

Vauxhall

£436

Nissan

£478

Toyota

£417

BMW

£495

Peugeot

£469

Renault

£477

Mercedes-Benz

£525

Citroen

£445

^Average price quoted for RAC Mobile Mechanics from 01/01/25 to 31/03/25.


And it’s not just alternator repairs that we do in Southampton

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

AutoTech Motors Services/Barry Motor Trade Ltd

4.9/5

A customer-focused approach delivered with the friendly, personal touch. Modern garage services from a workshop that regularly invests into new technology. Covering all locations in Hampshire including Southampton, Salisbury, Romsey, Eastleigh and Totton. Specialists in all German marques but able to work on any make or model. Car servicing and repair work undertaken to the same schedules as dealerships. An affordable service from a company that guarantees all parts and its workmanship. Our customers get competitive deals on car and van servicing, MOTs, air conditioning, exhausts, batteries, brakes, clutches, diagnostics, suspension and more. We even offer FREE safety checks to keep you safe on the road. We pride ourselves in giving all of our customers that personal touch, which you would expect from a family-run business, and of course the most competitive prices and great availability and service. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to help, offering unbiased advice, and if you find a cheaper price for the same product in stock, we’ll try our best to beat it at the time of purchase.
Stanley House, Manor House Avenue, Southampton, SO150LF

Crampmoor Garage Ltd

4.9/5

You can trust Crampmoor gargae to do the job right. With over four decades of experience under our belt, we know all there is to know about providing quality car care. Since 1975, the Meader family has endeavoured to deliver high-quality car repairs at affordable prices. So, whether you need a brake fluid replacement, a coolant change, a front wheel alignment, or a general diagnostic check, we are here to help.
Halterworth Lane, Crampmoor, Romsey, SO519AN

Southcoast Automotive Services ltd

4.9/5

Friendly, Local Family Run Garage We are your friendly, local family run car garages in Hampshire, dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive range of automotive services tailored for your specific requirements. From car servicing and maintenance to engine diagnostics and car repairs in, Botley, Hedge End and the surrounding areas we are the company to call. All work undertaken is completed to the highest of standards by trained and experienced auto specialists. We are dedicated to providing a superb range of garage services to meet all your private vehicle and small business needs, including performance and kit cars - please call for details.
Unit C, Mereworth Ind. Estate, Shamblehurst Lane North, Southampton, SO322BY

Swanmore Car Repair Centre

4.8/5

Swanmore Car Repair Centre is an independent repair garage established in 2008. We offer a wide range of services and commend ourselves by providing the best quality and efficiency on every single job we undertake. Our clean, modern and well-equipt premises allow us to welcome any repair and rectify it. We cover anything from a simple service, right through to a full engine rebuild. On-site we have a vast range of different diagnostics equipment from a range of leading suppliers. We can facilitate diagnostics to complete vehicle reprogramming depending on individual need. We can accommodate all vehicle make's and models and are happy to be able to provide you with a reputable dealer level of service, all for the price of an independent garage. Our team specialise in Clutch, Cambelt and Brake repairs and are proud to be rated a national top performer. We are members of the approved garage network This ensures you have peace of mind and confidence when repairing with us. All of our team here at Swanmore Car Repair Centre are fully qualified and trained to the highest standard. We strive in making sure we deliver professional work with results, always put the customer's needs first. Customer satisfaction is essential on each and every job, no matter how big or small. We are very pleased to be able to provide both a collection and delivery service within 10 miles, or a courtesy car subject to availability. Of course, however, you may just prefer to wait in our comfortable waiting room, with free Wi-Fi and refreshments on offer.
Unit 7 Swanmore Business Centre, Lower Chase Road, Swanmore, Southampton, SO32 2PB

Shirley Car Care Centre Ltd

4.6/5

Based in Shirley, we are a family run company and give 100% customer satisfaction for all your vehicle needs. We specialise is Clutches, Semi-automatic gearboxes, Servicing, Mots, Welding, Air conditioning, Vehicle diagnostics and much more. Find us on Facebook for reviews and don't forget to like our page!
1 Vincents Grove, Southampton, SO155HW

Frequently asked questions about car alternator repairs

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 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.