When a starter motor fails, it can be a costly repair. But before you say yes to a deal, make sure you understand the standard UK costs and what to expect from the service. It's always a good idea to know before you go! 

In this blog post, we'll tell you the average cost of a starter motor replacement in the UK and provide tips on extending your starter motor's life. Scroll down to become an expert on starter motor repair now. 

Starter motor costs in the UK - The rundown 

The cost of replacing a starter motor in the UK can range from £150-£400 depending on the make and model of the car.  

Before we jump into FAQs and information about starter motor repairs, we’ll cover the common costs per vehicle brand to help you budget for your repair. It is important to note that there may be additional costs, such as labour fees or parts fees, depending on the garage you select. 

Average starter motor replacement cost by car model 

Here are the average costs based on the most popular vehicle brands in the UK. .  

If you're worried about an expensive car repair bill, then Bumper could help. Split the cost with 0% interest monthly repayments and save the stress on your wallet. 

Average starter motor replacement cost by UK location 

Starter motor repair costs in the UK vary depending on where you live. This is due to labour costs, parts and materials availability, and service demand.  

Below you’ll find averages per UK region. 

What does a starter motor do? 

Starter motors power the combustion engine. They are like the electric motors that turn your engine on when you switch the ignition.  

The starter motor requires a lot of torque to turn the engine at such fast speeds, pulling fuel and air into the cylinders to compress them simultaneously.  

The starter is found on the driver's side of the engine. Typically, it's just beneath the left bank of cylinders.  

How do you know if your starter motor has gone? 

There are a few key signs your starter motor has gone.  

If your car won't start and you hear a clicking sound when trying to turn it on, the most likely cause of this is a dead starter motor.  

In addition to hearing a clicking noise, you might smell something burning from under the hood. This is typically caused by an electrical short in the starter motor, which can be due to wear and tear over time.  

Here’s a complete list of signs your starter motor has broken: 

• Something sounds off (e.g. a clicking sound or a whirring noise) 
• Your dashboard lights work but you don’t have any engine power 
• Your engine doesn’t work after a jumpstart 
• There’s smoke or a burning smell coming from your engine 

Replacing the starter motor will usually solve these issues, but it comes at a cost, so make sure you know how much it may cost before committing to any repairs. 

What causes starter motor problems? 

Common starter motor problems are caused by age and faulty parts. Here’s a quick overview of other possible causes: 

• Loose wiring around the starter motor  
• Corroded connections around the starter 
• Aged or worn-out parts of the starter 
• Oil leaks around the starter system 
• Bad relay 

If you suspect your vehicle has any of these issues, consult a garage for professional advice. 

How long does a starter motor last? 

The average lifespan of a starter motor is around 5 years or 50,000 miles. However, this can vary depending on how well-maintained your car is and how much wear and tear your starter motor experiences.  

Can you extend your starter motor’s life? 

Yes, you can and should check and maintain your starter motor. This keeps you safe while on the road and protects your finances from surprise repair costs. 

To extend the life of your starter motor, you can: 

• Ensure that your car’s battery is regularly checked and maintained  
• Repair any worn or damaged components ASAP 
• Avoid overloading the starter by turning off unnecessary lights or A/C functions 
• Park in sheltered areas (e.g. garages) to protect your car from extreme weather and temperatures 
• Warm up the engine in colder weather to reduce stress on the battery 

How long does it take a mechanic to replace a starter motor? 

On average, it takes a mechanic around 2 hours to replace a starter motor. This time may differ depending on the garage and your car model. 

How is a car starter motor repaired? 

Various car components, such as the battery, alternator, and engine cover, must be disassembled to access the starter motor. This process can take some time, depending on how difficult it is to remove each component from its place.  

Once all of these parts have been removed, a mechanic or experienced DIYer should be able to locate and replace the faulty starter motor with relative ease. It is important that any new parts are fitted correctly in order for them to work properly and not cause further damage down the line.  

Once the old starter motor has been removed, the new starter motor needs to be connected to the car’s wiring system and secured. 

After replacement, it is recommended that an expert mechanic thoroughly check all other surrounding components just in case anything else has been affected during the repair. 

Is it safe to drive with a faulty starter motor? 

Once a vehicle is running, you don't need your starter motor. So, if it has become faulty while driving, there shouldn't be any immediate danger. However, when you come to a stop, it becomes a problem. 

If the starter motor is not working correctly, restarting your car will be difficult as starting requires more power than regular operation.  

We strongly advise against parking your car facing down a hill and trying to bump-start it each time you need to use it. A repair or replacement of the faulty starter motor should always be considered over attempting this kind of workaround solution. 

Replacing a starter motor can be expensive, but with regular maintenance, you can extend its life and reduce the need for costly repairs. If you think your starter motor may have gone, it is essential to get it checked out by a professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your car. 

Repairing a starter motor in the UK - Final thoughts 

Researching potential car repairs is no one’s idea of a good time, but we hope this blog has made your starter motor repair easier to understand. Consider shopping around for different rates before settling on one garage, and make sure your vehicle is 100% road-safe before you drive. 

Split the cost with Bumper 

Here at Bumper, we know a hefty car repair bill for a starter motor is probably the last thing you want to spend your money on, but essential parts such as these are crucial for you and your family’s safety.  

Look after your car and your bank balance by splitting the cost of repairs into monthly instalments, interest-free.  

Join the Bumper community and get access to the best care for you and your car. Choose a dependable dealership and split your repair bill into monthly chunks.