Find a local car electrician

What can car electricians repair?

Auto electricians specialise in a car’s electrical systems. They primarily work on repairing, installing, inspecting, and maintaining all the electrical parts contained in a vehicle.

A contemporary car is packed with electronics and electrical components which, from time to time, can fail to work correctly. Perhaps the electric windows have stopped functioning, perhaps it's the wiper motor that’s busted, the car’s audio won’t work, the electric wing mirror motions no longer go in when you lock your car, a bulb in the headlights has dimmed, the fog lights won’t turn on, the tow bar plug becoming faulty or the electric sunroof.

Whatever the problem is, it usually requires a repair, replacement or diagnostics check by a car electrician, to ascertain whether a fuse has simply blown or whether the problem is more complex.

Car electrical repair average costs

Whilst prices vary depending on the fault at hand and the labour time needed to fix the problem, we’ve found that a diagnosis and fixing electrical faults can cost an average of £62.34 depending on your car make and model. Take a look below at the average quote on FixMyCar for quotes on some of the common car makes.

How can you find mobile car electricians on FixMyCar?

Many auto electricians will even offer a mobile electrical repair service, so that you can get your electrical fault fixed from the convenience of your home. Whether you've got a faulty convertible roof, or your electric car windows are jammed, we work with a network of over 15,000 mechanics and garages across the UK so we can find competitively priced car electricians near you. Simply follow the steps below to retrieve your quote:

• Enter your car registration and postcode

• Compare trusted car electricians and mobile auto electricians near you

• Request a quote and book online

Browse car electricians

Common electrical problems with cars

Like the rest of the car’s components, your electrical system can fail too. 

However, to avoid a disaster, there are certain signs you can look out for which indicate electrical faults. That way, you can take your car to a garage upon the appearance of a couple of these symptoms for a diagnosis and subsequent repair. This will save you money in the long run by keeping extensive damage at bay and not putting you at risk of a complete electrical failure whilst out driving.

Signs that your car’s electrical system is failing:

• You are experiencing battery issues

• Headlights are dim

• Fuses have blown out more than once in short space of time

• There is a smell of burning plastic

• The electronic components are not working e.g. the stereo or power windows

Which car electrician service do you need?

Your car’s battery provides power to the starter. The alternator gives that battery the energy it demands to power your car. If any of these parts are not working as they should, your car won't start or run well. Here are some common services that car electricians will offer to look at:

Dead car battery

One of the most common electrical issues that a car electrician will come across, is a dead battery. Whilst a car battery can last between 3-5 years without needing to be replaced, it can die quicker than this and could possibly need replacing. The battery can also die if the car’s lights are left on, or the radio is played when the engine isn’t running anymore. In these scenarios, the car will need to be jump started to get it back up and running, as a dead battery will stop the car from firing up.

Failed starter

The starter motor’s role is to get the engine running by spinning the flywheel. If it is getting a weak supply of electricity then it is likely that you will hear some loud clicks or a series of clicks when you turn the key, but no noise will come from the engine. This is what signals that the starter motor should be replaced by a car electrician.

Malfunctioning alternator

While the engine is running, the alternator will be busy producing the electricity that is needed for the car to run. Any surplus power it produces is then collected in the battery to help start the car. General signs of alternator problems include issues with accessories, such as the power windows or heated seats, issues with the radio, or dim headlights.

Blown fuse

When the car’s fuses blow, or they are facing issues, then you will notice that the functions and accessories of the vehicle will stop working. Often, a bad or blown fuse will produce symptoms to alert you that there is a problem. Fuses regulate the amount of electrical power that flows to a certain system, making sure it is not overloaded.

Sometimes, when it has been sent too much electricity, it can end up blowing and cut off power to the circuit in order to protect it from the possibility of damage. If you find or suspect that one or more of your fuses are blown or may be having an issue, have the vehicle inspected and diagnosed by a car electrician near you.