Book a Starter Motor Repair in Watford

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 Watford

We’ll come to you at home or work

RAC Mobile Mechanic in Watford

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.

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 Watford

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

Brookdene Service Centre

4.8/5

Brookdene Motors has been established for over 25 years, offering general repairs and servicing to Watford and the surrounding areas. We are specialist in VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda. Reputation and trust are key business tools for any independent garage and at Brookdene motors in New Road, Watford, its part of the firm's philosophy. Reputation is a very important word for the team - which explains why Brookdene Motors is celebrating over 25 years in the industry. We are also now proudly part of Elite Remaps. If you need further endorsement, many of our huge database of loyal customers have been using the garage since its very early days when it was situated in Carpenders Park. Now our location is ideal, situated at the edge of Waterfields Retail Park just behind Tesco and only three minutes walk to The Harlequin and Lower High Street Station. Brookdene Motors offers a full range of services and our busy and highly competent staff are all long-serving, With the senior technician being with the garage for over 24 years. We have invested heavily in the latest diagnostics equipment and the facilities also include an automatic tyre charger and a computerized wheel balancer. All our parts come with a standard manufacturer warranty and our labour is guaranteed for 1 year.

10-12 New Road, Lower High Street, Watford, WD17 2EX

RSC Ltd.

4.5/5

We have on site a fully equipped three ramp workshop. Our work shop philosophy is very old school, we will never carry out any work to your vehicle unless it is needed, always ask your permission to carry out any work up and above what has been agreed and do our utmost to give a fair and reasonable cost service at all times. As a result of this we have a loyal database of customers from Rickmansworth, Watford, Northwood, Hatch end, Bushy and surrounding area. We offer a wide variety of services at an extremely competitive rate especially when compared to the main dealers, these include: servicing, repairs, bodywork, tracking, tyres, air conditioning re gasses, clutches, brakes, exhausts, car audio and alarms.

Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey, Watford, WD197SE

Johnson Motors

4.3/5

We are the approved dealer for the community-áKeep Spending Local Scheme for Watford. We have been providing a first class service for the Watford and surrounding areas for a many years offering service and repair to all makes of cars and light vans, to corporate, fleet and the private sector. Over the years we have built an excellent reputation for our quality workmanship and friendly service. All our fitters and technicians are fully trained and are constantly updated with changes or enhancements made by car manufacturers of all makes. Our team pride themselves in the ability of diagnostics and fault finding, saving you expensive exploratory time that may be incurred at some other garages." We are the only RAC Approved garage in Watford (we service the RAC patrol vans ) we are also AA approved Warranty repairer so the standard of our work is very high.

Unit 5 Moor Park Industrial Centre, Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 9SP

Nexa Max Garages

4.0/5

Professional car repair and MOT service in Watford (WD24 7GP), focused on quality, reliability, and expertise. We provide high-quality repairs, diagnostics, and servicing for all brands. Our experienced team precisely handles engine repairs, brakes, suspension, transmissions, retrofits, and multimedia installations. Equipped with the latest tools, we ensure fast, efficient, and expert service. Book your appointment today!

Unit A, 2 Greycaine Road, Watford, WD247GP

Junction Motors

3.7/5

Welcome to Junction Motors - Watford’s leading Vehicle Repair Specialists. We provide MOT testing, servicing, wheel alignment, diagnostics and many more services for cars, LGV’s, Mini-buses and larger vans. Our state-of-the-art workshop in Watford stocks the latest in modern technology and diagnostic equipment to ensure your vehicle gets the correct service it needs and that it is performed to an impeccable standard. Our highly skilled technicians are able to provide servicing, fault troubleshooting and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Between them they have fixed thousands of vehicles so your one will be in safe hands. Did you know our staff are fully qualified to service and repair all hybrid and electric cars? Unlike petrol & diesel models, hybrid & electric cars require a different type of care and service due to the difference in the way these cars are built and function. Not only are our staff fully qualified to look after these cars, but we also have all of the latest equipment to ensure these cars are looked after to the best conditions possible.

1A Garnett Close, Watford, WD247GL

Frequently asked questions about about starter motor repairs

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.