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

£336.03

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?

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 Volvo

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.
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.

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

Kncustoms LTD

4.1/5

Kncustoms LTD are based in Sheffield offering the best possible service to all our customers from the more basic servicing to the extreme - an engine change. We pride ourselves in offering the best customer satisfactory, and going the extra mile!
Unit 1 And 2 Acers Hill Lane, Acers Hill Lane, Sheffield, S94TY

LM Motor Clinic - Kilbirnie

5.0/5

With over 20 years motor trade experience, 2020 saw the establishment of LM Motor Clinic. A business driven by customer service. The ethos at the heart of LM Motor Clinic was to deliver an excellent customer service experience to all customers. We are North Ayrshires only Rac approved Garage. We are also Ayrshires only Castrol service we ensure we use the correct oil for your vehicle. Call us today to book your next service.
30 Holmhead, Kilbirnie, KA256BP

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

Darlington Mot Centre

4.9/5

Darlington Mot Centre Mot cars, vans , motor homes , motorbikes , trikes ,quads • Comfortable reception to wait in • Motorcycle class 1 and 2 only £25 • Class 4 cars and vans only £45 • Class 7 & motor homes up to 3.5ton only £50 • MOT's carried out up to 28 days before expiry - keep your original expiry date • Post card reminder service so you never forget your MOT again • Free re-test within 10 working days • No charge for head light adjustments We service and repair all makes of vehicles All makes serviced and repaired • Full and Interim service • Body shop repairs for those little scrapes, dings and re-sprays • Air-con new and old gasses repairs • Timing belts and engine repairs • Brake disks and pads • Exhaust and suspension • Tracking 4 wheel alignment • Tyres new and part worn • Batteries, starters and alternators • Diagnostics and engine management systems • Clutches and gear boxes
Darlington Mot Centre, 410 Whessoe Road, Darlington, DL3 0RP

Ian Bright Motor Engineer

4.7/5

Ian Bright Motor Engineers is a friendly independent garage situated in a beautiful countryside location in Halnaker, Chichester. Established since 2013, our small team are dedicated to delivering you the highest levels of customer service. Our workshop is fully equipped and we cater for all makes and models of vehicles, offering our customers a comprehensive range of repairs, maintenance work, servicing and MOT’s. Owner Ian has over 47 years of experience, having started his 5 year City & Guilds apprenticeship back in the 70’s. City and Guilds qualifications are a lot more intense and labour intensive compared to the more modern qualifications available to mechanics nowadays, and we were taught how to fix and repair parts as opposed to simply replacing them, which is standard practice in most places today. I have experience working with older classic cars, alongside newer more modern ones too, and no job is too big or too small for us to take on! Most of my customers have been with me for years and know that by choosing my company to undertake works on their pride and joy, they will receive fantastic workmanship alongside a personalised service. We would never advise you doing anything to your vehicle which was unnecessary as some garages do purely for profit, priding ourselves on our honest core values. My son, who was trained in-house alongside me, has branched out into classic and vintage race cars and is fast gaining a fantastic reputation for his first-class trimming, and my eldest grandson Lewis is now working with me and is undergoing his apprenticeship too. Three more grandsons are also looking to come on board and keep this garage running with a strong family presence.
Unit 2 The Workshops, Thicket Lane, Halnaker, PO180QS

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.