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 Volkswagen

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

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

£489.33

Average price for this repair for your Volkswagen 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 for your Volkswagen

We’ll come to you at home or work

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.

Vehicle diagnostic check

£99

Our mobile mechanics will spend up to 30 minutes checking your car for faults and talk you through any repairs you might need and give you a report for your records. Plus, when we’ve diagnosed the problem get £50 off mobile mechanic repairs over £150 – for a limited time only. T&Cs apply. Offer ends 03/08, 23:59. 

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 Volkswagen

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

MMM Auto UK

5.0/5

We are an independent Vehicle service station situated in Liongate Enterprise Park on Morden Road. Specialist is German and Japanese cars. Along with MOT testing station we also offer servicing, repairs and tyres.
Unit 10 Liongate Entreprise Park, 80 Morden Road, Mitcham, CR44NY

Central Garage Lakenheath

5.0/5

Thank you for choosing Central Garage lakenheath. We are a family run, friendly garage based in Lakenheath, close to the Norfolk border (IP27 9EW). The garage itself was established in 1965 and we have been here for 10 years now. We have experience in all makes of car and all types of work on these. We also do motorcycles! We focus on you, the customer, to get the best solution for whatever problem your car is exhibiting at the lowest cost possible, it all helps!, while giving you the best experience we can. We are always available to discuss problems with you car, although between 8am and 6pm is the best times! We are looking forward to welcoming you to Central Garage Lakenheath - kettle is on!!
100 High St, Lakenheath, Brandon, IP279EW

Ayaz MOT Centre

4.6/5

Ayaz MOT Centre is a car and van repair & mot centre offering its clients the best possible service in order to meet their expectations. Not only prompt service will be offered, clients will be able to benefit from a clean, comfortable and welcoming waiting area with complementary hot drinks while they wait for their vehicles. The waiting area compromises of information desk and boards, Mot viewing area, complimentary tea.coffee facilities, customer toilets, social gaming and TV's that show the live workshop while your vehicles are in process along with tv entertainment. Alongside these, we guarantee our work quality, and should the repaired issue reoccur we offer one year labor guarantee and parts guarantee subject to suppliers warranty. Some of the services Ayaz MOT Centre offers are; servicing, new tyres, 3D Wheel alignment, Mot Testing(class 4 and 7), brakes, suspension, AC Gas filling (new and old), exhaust, transmission, steering, carbon cleaning, batteries, number plate fitting and general diagnostics.
48 Alexandra Road, Enfield, EN37EH

Polyne Garage.

4.4/5

Here at Polyne Garage we are a small local, independent, family run business and have been serving Saltash, Liskeard and the surrounding area for over 60 years. We offer a genuinely friendly and personal service and as a Unipart Car Care Centre, as well as first class mechanics and workshops, we offer top quality parts at competitive prices. We provide a unique 12 month / 12,000 mile warranty on parts and labour, which is honoured at over 2000 Car Care Centres nationwide. We also understand that dropping off and collecting your vehicle is not always convenient so we offer a collection and delivery service, please feel free to contact us for more information on this. We can estimate all jobs and will advise you in advance if any variation is necessary. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM. From all of us here at Polyne Garage we look forward to hearing from you.
Trerulefoot, Saltash, Cornwall, PL125DA

B&W Motor Company.

4.4/5

Welcome to B&W Motor Company From our convenient location in South Croydon, we aim to offer our customers peace of mind that we can cater for all aspects of maintaining their vehicles in a cost effective and friendly manner. We deal with all makes of cars and LCV’s whether they are Privately owned, Company or Lease managed vehicles. We are delighted to have been invited to join the national network of RAC Approved Garages. The RAC have been serving motorists since 1897, and as the motorist’s champion, it’s their duty to provide motorists with a network of independent garages they can trust, that’s why they set up the RAC Approved Garages Network. As an RAC Approved Garage we follow the RAC Customer Charter for Approved Garages. This means you will get: Honest pricing – All work will be explained clearly and the costs will be transparent Quality work – Any repairs done will meet the high standard set by the RAC Exceptional customer service – You’ll find the service friendly, straightforward and jargon free For more information about the RAC and the Approved Garages network, please visit: www.rac.co.uk/approvedgarages Our range of services offer a winning combination of affordability along with the highest technical and customer service standards; whether basic servicing, diagnostics, wheel alignment, brakes, clutches or air conditioning.
57 Brighton Rd, South Croydon, CR26ED

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 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.