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 Preston

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 Preston

We’ll come to you at home or work

RAC Mobile Mechanic in Preston

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 Preston

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

Mount Garages(Liverpool)Limited

5.0/5

Established in 1994, our staff at Mount Garages are experts in delivering an exceptional service. Our modern workshop is fitted with all the latest equipment for repairs and diagnostics and our highly experienced mechanics are here to deliver you with reliable quality labour. Our 24hr forecourt accommodates deliveries 24/7 allowing you to drop your vehicle off when it suits you. We have a customer waiting area where you can enjoy some complimentary WiFi and hot beverages. We also have a Londis convenience store if you need to stock up on some essentials! With a history of servicing and maintaining private and fleet vehicles, our mechanics provide the same level of professionalism to any work that comes through our door. We are proud to have been assssed and achieved certification to the AA CERTIFIED GARAGE SCHEME this ensures you receive customer transparency, quality of work, customer confidence and provides additional reassurance by ensuring that Alternative Dispute Resolution is offered.
Mount Garage, Prescot Rd, Melling, L311AR

COMMON LANE TRANSMISSION LTD

4.0/5

Welcome to Common lane transmissions we're an independent , family run garage in Tyldesley near Manchester. Providing Specialist CLUTCH and GEARBOX repairs mot testing, servicing, repairs and maintenance. Our experienced team have been building up a reputation as one of the most reliable garages in the area providing service for each one of our customers. As well as providing quality clutch and gearbox repairs and comprehensive servicing, transmission repairs and maintenance. If your looking for a specialist repair garage in Manchester look no further than Common Lane Transmissions.
25 Common Lane, Tyldesley, M298DD

Bolton Tyre & Exhaust Ltd (OPEN 7 DAYS)

4.0/5

Bolton Tyre & Exhaust Ltd. Is a reputable vehicle servicing and repair centre based in Bolton, Lancashire. Being an established vehicle service and repair centre we specialise in all aspects of vehicle repairs, incl exhausts shock absorbers, vehicle diagnostics, vehicle air conditioning systems, MOT Testing, and vehicle servicing and repairs to all makes and models of cars and vans. We focus on providing excellent vehicle services to all customers throughout Bolton and the surrounding areas of Bury, Walkden, Leigh, Wigan, Chorley and Blackburn.
Topping Street Off Brownlow Way, Halliwell, Bolton, BL1 3UP

Millward's Autocare Ltd

3.3/5

Millward's Autocare Ltd are a proud garage serving the local community of Ingol, Preston for many years. We have built up a team of very experienced and highly qualified master technicians who are always keen to welcome you and help serve your requirements in a friendly and professional manner. At Millward's, we understand the importance of providing quality garage services which is why we only use the latest available state-of-the-art diagnostic and repair methods for all makes and models of vehicle here in Ingol.
250-253 Tag Lane, Ingol, Preston, PR23TY

Thomas Recovery and Auto Repairs

3.0/5

Thomas Recovery has a modern workshop facilities to deal with any motor vehicle repairs. Our extensive workshop has ramp facilities for vehicles upto 8 tonnes. Servicing. Thomas Recovery can carry out your annual service to manufacturers standard Our trained technicians will go through a 20 point service check to manufacturers standards or you may want an interim service half way through the year to give you the peace of mind that your vehicle is good condition. Tyre fitting. Thomas Recovery can fit tyres to cars and light commercials we can fit budget tyres medium range or branded tyres depending on your budget we fit tyres up to 24inch rims. Wheel balancing will be carried out as standard for FREE with every tyre fitted. Clutch Fitting .Thomas Recovery can fit clutches to cars and light commercials and can carry out clutch repairs to your clutch hydraulic systems. We aim to have your clutch replaced by the following day so as to have you back on the road as soon as possible. Battery fitting Thomas Recovery can fit batteries to all makes of vehicles we offer a FREE battery test to all vehicles.
Unit 15 Lyon Road, Kearsley, Bolton, BL48NB

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.