Close up of a stop start engine for a starter motorA close up of a stop start engine button for a starter motor
Service, Repairs & MOT

Starter motor repair in Chelmsford

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

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

Trustpilot rating for all RAC Mobile Mechanics.

Why choose the RAC for a starter motor repair?

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

Our starter motors are high quality, meeting OEM standards – that means we use we only use parts that meet your vehicle manufacturer’s strict quality criteria. and covered by a 12-month guarantee. No hidden costs, just friendly, honest experts.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

Our top pick in Chelmsford

We’ll come to you at home or work

RAC Mobile Mechanic in Chelmsford

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.

Close up of a stop start engine for a starter motor

Book a starter motor repair

A faulty starter motor can leave you stranded, but our mobile mechanics can come to you at home or work to get your car up and running, saving you the hassle of going to a garage.

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 a starter motor repair by car make^

The cost of a starter motor repair will depend on the car you drive. According to RAC data, the average cost of a starter motor repair is £330. But you can check out the average price of a starter motor repair for your specific car make here.

Car make

Average price

Ford

£317

Vauxhall

£329

Volkswagen

£336

BMW

£394

Nissan

£320

Hyundai

£343

Citroen

£355

Peugeot

£325

Volvo

£396

Renault

£341

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

And it’s not just starter motor repairs that we do in Chelmsford

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

Car-Nect Auto Group Ltd

5.0/5

Car-Nect is proud to be part of the Bosch Car Service Network. We provide a friendly first class service at better prices with a national guarantee from Bosch. Whatever the make and model of your car or van we can take care of it. • Quality car servicing at a better price • Class 4, Class 5 and Class 7 MOT test centre • Car problems diagnosed & solved • Van servicing for Essex businesses • Improving performance & safety
41 Brook Road, Brook Road Industrial Estate, Rayleigh, SS67XJ

BB Motors Solution Ltd T/A Platinum Motor Solutions

4.8/5

Established in 2008 with over 7 years of experience, Platinum Motors is a well-known, locally run business based in Romford. We pride ourselves on providing an honest and reliable service throughout the local area. At Platinum Motoring Solutions we are a small team of qualified and experienced mechanics offering a complete range of garage services. We undertake all car servicing and provide quality MOT testing and repairs as well as computer Diagnostics for all make and models As testament to the high standard of service and workmanship that we provide, we maintain many repeat customers and are highly recommended across the local Romford and Gidea park area. Want to find out if we can help you? Are you looking for a free estimate? Please feel free to contact us today.
376-392, Brentwood Road, Romford, RM25TD

Eastern Garage

4.7/5

Eastern Garage is your local independent garage that has been established since 1950. We have been serving the local community for over 60 years and hope to do so for many more years to come. The current owner, Martin Sheath, took over in 1989 and runs a team of 10 employees. Our technicians have over 60 years of combined experience with all makes and models of vehicles. By choosing us to repair your vehicle, you can be assured that your vehicle will receive the care and attention it needs and deserves. We are able to carry out all repairs in line with manufacturers recommendations.
Wethersfield Road, Essex, CM7 4NT

Albert Road Service Station Ltd

4.0/5

MOT and Service Repair Garage, established in Romford 30 Years. Fully Trained workforce, Vehicle Recovery Service. Bodywork undertaken, special offer of Mot and Service for only -ú99.00, includes oil & Filter/Vat and complete checkover.
161-163 Victoria Road, Romford, RM1 2LX

Harris and box vehicle solutions ltd

3.7/5

Harris and Box Vehicle Solutions Ltd is an independent workshop based in Witham. We provide the highest level of service across our expertise and never hesitate to go the extra mile for the satisfaction of our clients. Whether it is a major issue or a minor inconvenience, we will make sure that your car is ready to set off as soon as possible. We cover Witham and the surrounding Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire areas. We possess over 25 years of experience in the motor industry, working at main dealers and fast fits. We are also AA approved. Our professional mechanics can solve any issue that you are experiencing with your car with excellent workmanship and care. We never include any unnecessary repairs or hidden extras. So, when your car needs any repairs or periodic maintenance, you can rest assured that it is in safe hands with Harris and Box Vehicle Solutions Ltd.
36, Witham, CM83TH

Frequently asked questions about about starter motor repairs

If your starter motor isn’t working you may hear a clicking noise when you turn the key, the engine may not crank, you’ll have intermittent starting issues,and could hear grinding noises. Smoke coming from under the bonnet or a burning smell can also be signs of a bad starter motor.

Jumpstarting your car probably won’t help. It’s best to diagnose the problem and repair or replace the starter motor as needed.

Starter motors can become faulty due to wear and tear, electrical issues, mechanical failures, and environmental factors. Regular upkeep can help prevent these problems.

Starter motors last between 100,000 to 150,000 miles. However, this can change based on usage, maintenance, and the quality of the starter motor.

The starter motor is typically found near the bottom of the engine, where it engages with the engine’s flywheel. The exact location can vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model.

The time needed to repair a starter motor can vary. Minor repairs might take 1-2 hours, while a complete replacement could take 2-4 hours, depending on the car’s make and model and the skill of the mechanic.

In many cases, starter motors can be repaired, especially if the issues are minor. However, if the motor itself is damaged or worn out, you might need to replace it.

Driving with a faulty starter motor is not recommended as you could be left stranded if the car fails to start. It’s best to address starter motor issues straight away to avoid trouble and potential breakdowns.

To extend the life of your starter motor, keep up with regular up-keep, keep electrical connections clean and tight, avoid frequent short trips, and sort any starting issues as soon as you notice them.

Yes, you can perform basic tests at home. A visual inspection and battery voltage check using a multimetre are easily done without professional training. However, more detailed tests, like the current draw test, are best performed by a mechanic.

Yes, a faulty starter motor can strain the battery and alternator. Repeated attempts to start the car with a bad starter motor can overwork them, potentially leading to additional issues.

If the starter motor fails while you are away from home, you can contact a mobile mechanic or roadside assistance service. They can help diagnose the issue and perform temporary repairs or arrange towing if necessary.

Yes, a faulty starter motor can drain your car battery. This can make the car difficult to start and shorten the battery’s lifespan.

If the car starts but the starter motor makes a strange noise, such as grinding or whining, it could indicate a misalignment or wear in the starter gear. Have it inspected and repaired to avoid further damage.