When a starter motor fails, it can be a costly repair. In this blog post, we'll tell you the average cost of a  starter motor replacement in the UK and provide tips on how to extend the life of your starter motor.

What does a starter motor do?

Starter motors are an essential component of a vehicle, as they are responsible for powering the combustion engine. You can think of them like an electric motor that turns your engine on when you switch the ignition. That's why 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?

If your starter motor has gone, you may notice a few key signs.

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 also smell something burning coming 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. Replacing the starter motor will usually solve these issues but it comes at a cost, so make sure you are aware of how much it may cost before committing to any repairs.

Starter Motor Cost In The UK 

The cost of replacing a starter motor in the UK can range from £150-£400 depending on the make and model of the car. It is important to note that there may be additional costs such as labour fees or parts fees depending on the garage you take your car to for repair.

Average starter motor replacement cost by car

To give you a better idea of repair costs, we've found the average price by car to replace an alternator in the UK. 

Audi A4 starter motor replacement cost: £550-570

BMW starter motor replacement cost: £270-330

Mercedes starter motor replacement cost: £400-470

Ford Fiesta starter motor replacement cost: £240-260

VW Golf starter motor replacement cost: £240-265

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

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. 

To extend the life of your starter motor, it is important to ensure that your car’s battery is regularly checked and maintained and that any worn or damaged components are replaced as soon as possible.

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.

In order to access the starter motor, various components of the car such as the battery, alternator and engine cover must be disassembled. 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 in place.

After replacement, it is recommended that a thorough check of all other surrounding components is undertaken by an expert mechanic 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 the problem becomes apparent. 

If the starter motor is not working correctly then it will be difficult to restart your car as starting requires more power than for regular operation. As such we would 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 that your starter motor may have gone, it is important to get it checked out by a professional as soon as possible in order to avoid further damage to your car.

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.