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 for your Mercedes

We’ll come to you at home or work

RAC Mobile Mechanic for your Mercedes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

And it’s not just a starter motor repair we can do for your Mercedes

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

View all garages

Richardsons Colchester

4.8/5

Established in 1966 we are one of the South East's leading vehicle repair centres. We have a team of highly trained ATA staff and we are a BSI approved repair centre so you can ensure your vehicle is repaired correctly. We carry our vehicle servicing and repairs at very competitive prices but still follow the exact schedule recommended by the manufacturer and your warranty is NOT compromised regardless of the age of the vehicle. We also fit parking sensors, tyres, batteries, in fact we can undertake almost any of your car needs. We have alos recently been certified as a Which Trusted Trader which the company has been audited on our ability to provide customers with a honest service quality and cost standard. See for yourself by visiting www.grahamrichardsons.co.uk

Grange Way, Colchester, CO28HG

MK MOT & Service Centre

4.8/5

We are a local independent garage offering our customers all forms of mechanical repairs, servicing and MOT's. Business partners Mark and Craig have over 50 years' experience working on all makes and models of vehicles, with no job being too big or too small. We are members of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) which should offer you peace of mind that we take great pride in our work as it ensures we remain up to date with all courses and techniques. We work out of a large workshop which has 4 ramps, including an MOT bay, and we have a large comfortable waiting area available for your use should you like to wait whilst we work on your car.

36 Barton Road, Eaton Ind Est, Milton Keynes, MK23LQ

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

Promotive BMW MINI

4.0/5

Promotive is one of the largest independent BMW and MINI specialists in the country. Our technicians are both BMW specialists & MINI specialists trained and have the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment to pinpoint any faults in your car as quickly and accurately as possible. Any parts that need to be replaced will be of the same quality as those that were originally fitted on your vehicle. We work to a code of practice. This commitment to customer care gives you peace of mind in knowing that you are going to be given not only the best technical service, but also the best customer service. Promotive is run by John O’Sullivan who has 30 years BMW knowledge and training.

66 Tregwilym Road, Rogerstone, Newport, NP109EJ

A1 Motorsports Ltd

5.0/5

At A1 Motorsports ltd, we pride ourselves in repairing vehicles to a satisfactory standard. Using our knowledge and diversity of skills, our services we offer range from Servicing too full engine rebuilds including timing chains and timing belts Based in Longfield/Dartford, with the necessary tools needed to repair a large variety of vehicles.

Chalk Croft Transport Yard, Longfield, Kent, DA28DX

Frequently asked questions about a starter motor repair

How do I know if the starter motor isn’t working?

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.

Can I jumpstart 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.

What causes a starter motor to become faulty?

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

How long do starter motors last?

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.

Where is the starter motor located?

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.

How long does a starter motor repair take?

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.

Can a starter motor be repaired, or does it need to be replaced?

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.

Is it safe to drive with a faulty starter motor?

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.

How do I make my starter motor last longer?

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.

Can I test my starter motor at home?

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.

Can a faulty starter motor affect other parts of the car?

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.

What should I do if the starter motor fails while I am away from home?

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.

Can a faulty starter motor drain my car battery?

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

What should I do if my car starts but the starter motor makes a strange noise?

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.