Compare Ford S-Max alternator repair quotes from specialist garages

Ford was the first carmaker to introduce a vehicle assembly line, speeding up the process of production and bringing cars to more people than ever before. The brand's motorsport credentials are equally impressive. In the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race, Ford ended Ferrari's six-year winning streak, beating the likes of Porsche and Lamborghini to the title with an ever-popular GT40.

Jim Morrison, the lead singer of rock band The Doors, famously adored his 1967 Ford Shelby GT500, the only car he ever owned. It is a mystery to this day where the vehicle ended up after his death.

Find out the average price of a Ford service or MOT here, or read this guide to see how Ford's maintenance costs compare with Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The alternator plays a simple but crucial role in keeping your car's battery charged, which means it is also indirectly responsible for starting the vehicle and keeping various components running. It is like a small generator; the engine spins, and the alternator turns this movement into electricity.

Here are five signs your alternator is faulty.

Common reasons for car alternator repair include a failing voltage regulator (which ensures the battery receives the charge at the correct voltage) and worn brushes (which maintain electrical contact with the alternator). An alternator specialist can advise you on the cause of the problem and how best to fix it.

Rather than repairing the component, a total car alternator replacement may be required, which is a straightforward job that most mechanics can do. However, when considering an alternator repair vs replacement, the latter only occurs when multiple parts fail, and the repair cost would be close to that of fitting a new component.

Find out how much it costs to replace an alternator in this guide.