If your alternator is relatively new and the issue is a minor one, such as a loose belt or a faulty diode, repairing it may be a cost-effective solution. If your alternator is old, severely damaged, or has failed entirely, it's usually best to replace it with a new or remanufactured unit.

If your car isn't performing as it should be and you suspect there's a problem with the alternator, a mechanic will be able to help. There's a range of different services they can provide you with depending on the symptoms you're experiencing and the issues they uncover with your alternator.

Lucas is the oldest continually trading automotive brand in the world. In partnership with BORG Automotive, Lucas offers AC compressors, EGR valves, starters, alternators and turbochargers, with the same quality, dedication and eye for detail which has expressed the Lucas brand for more than 140 years.

The alternator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy allowing the car to charge the battery while you are driving. The starter works in a different way converting electrical energy of the auto into mechanical energy. Both the alternator and starter can wear out over time needing repair or replacement.