# RepairRadar

> RepairRadar is a UK car repair marketplace. Drivers upload a photo of the damage or
> describe the fault, an AI estimator returns an instant cost range using UK parts and
> labour prices, and trusted local garages then send real competing quotes.

Country: United Kingdom. Currency: GBP. Labour baseline used in estimates: about £70 per
hour for independent mechanical work and £80 per hour for bodyshop work, higher for
premium and prestige specialists. Parts prices are tiered by vehicle brand, so a Range
Rover part costs considerably more than the equivalent Dacia part.

## Key pages

- Home: https://repairradar.live/
- How it works: https://repairradar.live/how-it-works
- Get quotes and an instant AI estimate: https://repairradar.live/get-quotes
- Find a local garage: https://repairradar.live/garages
- Advice hub: https://repairradar.live/advice

## How RepairRadar works

1. Snap it. Take a photo of the damage or describe the fault.
2. Send it. The AI returns an instant estimated cost range.
3. Sort it. Local garages send real quotes so you can compare and book.

## UK repair cost guides

The sections below reproduce the full content of every guide on the site. Prices are
typical UK ranges including VAT unless stated otherwise, and vary by vehicle and region.

## Car battery replacement cost in the UK

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/car-battery-replacement-cost
Category: Repair cost guides
Typical UK cost: £90 to £400

What a replacement battery really costs, and how to avoid overpaying.

UK price ranges for a supplied and fitted car battery, plus the signs yours is on the way out.

---

## Clutch replacement cost in the UK

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/clutch-replacement-cost
Category: Repair cost guides
Typical UK cost: £450 to £2,500

Clutch prices by car type and what pushes the bill up.

What a new clutch costs by car type, including dual-mass flywheels and DSG clutch packs.

---

## Cambelt replacement cost in the UK

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/cambelt-replacement-cost
Category: Repair cost guides
Typical UK cost: £300 to £1,000

Cambelt intervals, prices and the risk of leaving it too long.

Timing belt prices, service intervals, and why skipping it can cost you an engine.

---

## Brake pads and discs replacement cost in the UK

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/brake-pads-and-discs-replacement-cost
Category: Repair cost guides
Typical UK cost: £120 to £600

Brakes are the job most drivers face first, and the one where quotes vary most. Here is what pads and discs really cost to replace in 2026, and how to tell whether you need both.

### Typical UK brake prices

Prices below cover parts and labour at an independent garage working at around £70 an hour. Main dealers usually sit 30 to 60 per cent higher for the same work.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Front pads only | £120 to £200 |
| Rear pads only | £110 to £190 |
| Front pads and discs | £220 to £400 |
| Rear pads and discs | £200 to £380 |
| Rear pads and discs with electronic handbrake | £250 to £450 |
| All four corners, pads and discs | £400 to £750 |
| Prestige or performance brakes | £500 to £1,500+ |

### What changes the price

- **Pads only or pads and discs**: Discs wear alongside pads. If the discs are lipped, scored or below minimum thickness, replacing pads alone is false economy because the new pads will wear unevenly.
- **Car make and model**: A Dacia or Fiesta uses cheap, widely available parts. A Range Rover, BMW M car or large SUV uses bigger discs and pricier pads, which can double or triple the parts bill.
- **Electronic parking brakes**: Most modern cars need the rear calipers wound back with a diagnostic tool. That adds time and means the job needs a garage with the right kit.
- **Parts quality**: Budget pads are cheaper up front but often dust more, fade sooner and wear faster. Mid-range OE-equivalent parts usually work out better value over the life of the car.

### Signs your brakes need attention

- A squeal or grinding noise when braking, especially at low speed.
- The brake pedal feels spongy, long, or pulses under your foot.
- The car pulls to one side under braking.
- A visible lip around the outer edge of the disc, or deep scoring.
- The brake wear warning light appears on the dashboard.

### How to pay less

Brakes are a safety item, so the cheapest quote is not automatically the right one. Ask each garage which brand of pads and discs they will fit and whether the price includes new wear sensors and fitting kits. Comparing three quotes on a like-for-like basis usually saves £80 to £150 on a four-corner job.

### FAQ

**How much does it cost to replace brake pads in the UK?**

Expect £110 to £200 per axle for pads supplied and fitted at an independent garage. Larger cars, performance brakes and main-dealer labour rates push that higher.

**Do I need to replace discs at the same time as pads?**

Not always. Discs have a minimum thickness stamped on them, and a garage should measure them. If they are within tolerance and free of deep scoring or heavy lipping, pads alone are fine. Discs are typically replaced every second pad change.

**How long do brake pads last?**

Front pads usually last 25,000 to 40,000 miles, rears often longer. Town driving, towing, heavy loads and hilly areas all shorten pad life considerably.

**Is it safe to drive with grinding brakes?**

No. Grinding usually means the friction material has worn through and metal is contacting the disc. That lengthens stopping distances and destroys the disc, turning a pad job into a pad and disc job. Get it looked at straight away.

**Why do brake quotes vary so much?**

Parts brand, labour rate and whether discs are included account for most of the difference. Always compare quotes that specify the same parts and the same axles.

---

## Car respray and paint repair cost in the UK

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/car-respray-and-paint-repair-cost
Category: Repair cost guides
Typical UK cost: £300 to £6,000

Paint is the single biggest variable in any bodywork quote. Materials, booth time and colour matching all add up, and UK bodyshop prices have risen sharply. Here is what a proper job costs in 2026.

### Typical UK paint and respray prices

These figures assume a professional bodyshop working at roughly £80 an hour, using two-pack paint in a heated booth, with the panel prepared, primed, painted and lacquered. Cheap mobile jobs undercut them, but rarely last.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Small localised paint repair (smart repair) | £150 to £300 |
| Single panel respray, solid colour | £300 to £500 |
| Single panel respray, metallic | £380 to £650 |
| Single panel respray, pearl or tri-coat | £500 to £850 |
| Bumper respray including prep | £350 to £600 |
| Blending into adjacent panels (per panel) | £150 to £300 |
| Half respray (one side or front end) | £1,200 to £2,500 |
| Full body respray, same colour | £2,500 to £6,000 |
| Full colour change respray | £4,000 to £10,000+ |

### What changes the price

- **Paint type and colour**: Solid white or black is the cheapest. Metallics need more coats, and pearls or tri-coat finishes such as Range Rover and Mazda reds need test panels and careful blending, which is why they cost the most.
- **Preparation and damage**: Paint is only as good as the prep. Filling, sanding and priming dents or rust often takes longer than the spraying itself, and rust repair can double the labour.
- **Blending into neighbouring panels**: A perfect match on an aged car usually means fading the new colour into the panels either side. That is extra labour and materials, but without it the repair is visible in daylight.
- **Bodyshop standard**: A manufacturer-approved bodyshop with a heated booth and warranty costs more than a back-street sprayer. For a car you plan to sell or a lease return, the better finish pays for itself.

### When paint work is worth doing

- Scratches deep enough to catch a fingernail, which will start to rust.
- Stone chips on the bonnet or front wings showing bare metal.
- Lacquer peel on the roof or boot lid, common on older reds and blues.
- A mismatched panel from a previous cheap repair.
- Before selling or handing back a lease car, where paint damage attracts charges.

### How to pay less

Paint quotes for the same car can differ by hundreds of pounds. Ask whether the price includes blending, whether the paint is two-pack in a booth, and what warranty comes with it. Getting three bodyshop quotes through RepairRadar means you can compare finish quality and price side by side rather than guessing.

### FAQ

**How much does it cost to respray one panel in the UK?**

Budget £300 to £500 for a solid colour, £380 to £650 for metallic and £500 to £850 for pearl or tri-coat finishes, including preparation, painting and lacquer.

**How much is a full respray?**

A same-colour full respray on a family car typically runs £2,500 to £6,000. Changing colour means painting door shuts, jambs and the engine bay, which pushes it to £4,000 and well beyond.

**Why is car paint so expensive now?**

Two-pack paint, primer, lacquer and booth energy costs have all risen, and colour matching on modern pearls takes real skill and time. Materials alone on a single metallic panel can run to £100 or more before any labour.

**Is a smart repair as good as a full respray?**

For a small, contained scuff on a bumper corner or door edge, a good smart repair is excellent value and often invisible. For damage crossing body lines or covering a large area, a full panel respray gives a far better result.

**Will the new paint match my car exactly?**

A bodyshop mixes to your paint code, then adjusts for fade. On anything more than a few years old, blending into the adjacent panels is what makes the match invisible. Always ask if blending is included.

---

## Bumper repair and replacement cost in the UK

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/bumper-repair-cost
Category: Repair cost guides
Typical UK cost: £120 to £1,200

Bumpers take the brunt of car park life. Most damage can be repaired rather than replaced, which is usually a lot cheaper, but sensors and radar have made modern bumpers more expensive to put right.

### Typical UK bumper prices

Prices assume a bodyshop at around £80 an hour. Whether the bumper can be repaired or must be replaced makes the biggest difference to the bill.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Light scuff, smart repair on site | £120 to £250 |
| Scuffed bumper, removed and resprayed | £350 to £600 |
| Cracked bumper, plastic welded and resprayed | £400 to £700 |
| Replacement bumper, mainstream car | £450 to £900 |
| Replacement bumper, prestige or SUV | £800 to £2,000 |
| Parking sensor replacement (each) | £60 to £150 |
| Front radar or camera recalibration | £150 to £400 |

### What changes the price

- **Repair or replace**: Plastic bumpers can usually be welded and filled unless the mounting tabs are destroyed or the damage crosses several sections. Repair is nearly always cheaper than a new painted panel.
- **Sensors and driver aids**: Parking sensors, cameras and cruise-control radar all live in modern bumpers. Replacing or refitting them, then recalibrating, adds cost that older cars simply did not have.
- **Brand and paint finish**: A Dacia bumper skin is a fraction of the price of a Range Rover or Audi equivalent, and pearl or tri-coat paint adds hundreds to the refinishing side.
- **Hidden damage**: What looks like a bumper scuff can hide a cracked bracket, damaged crash bar or bent bonnet slam panel. A proper inspection before quoting avoids surprises mid-job.

### When a bumper needs more than a polish

- Deep scuffing through the paint into the grey plastic beneath.
- Cracks, splits, or a bumper sitting proud of the wing.
- Parking sensors beeping constantly or not at all after a knock.
- Broken mounting clips leaving the bumper loose or sagging.
- Damage that will be charged for on a lease return inspection.

### How to pay less

Insurance excesses are often £350 to £750, so many bumper repairs are cheaper paid for directly and keep your no-claims intact. Get two or three quotes before deciding, and ask specifically whether repair is possible instead of replacement.

### FAQ

**How much does it cost to repair a scuffed bumper in the UK?**

A mobile smart repair on a contained scuff typically costs £120 to £250. A full bumper removal, prep and respray at a bodyshop is usually £350 to £600 depending on the paint finish.

**Is it cheaper to repair or replace a bumper?**

Repair is almost always cheaper. Replacement only makes sense when the bumper is badly cracked, the mountings are broken, or the damage covers most of the panel.

**Should I claim on insurance for bumper damage?**

Compare the quote against your excess plus the value of your no-claims discount. Many bumper repairs come in near or below a typical excess, so paying directly often works out better.

**Do parking sensors need recalibrating after a bumper repair?**

Standard ultrasonic parking sensors normally just need refitting correctly. Forward-facing radar and cameras used for cruise control and emergency braking do need calibration, which is an extra £150 to £400.

**How long does a bumper repair take?**

A smart repair takes two to four hours. A full removal, respray and refit is usually two to three days at a bodyshop, mostly waiting for paint to cure.

---

## Dent removal cost in the UK

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/dent-removal-cost
Category: Repair cost guides
Typical UK cost: £60 to £600

Car park dings, trolley dents and hail damage are the most common bodywork jobs in Britain. If the paint is unbroken, the fix can be surprisingly cheap.

### Typical UK dent repair prices

Paintless dent repair (PDR) massages the metal back from behind and leaves the original paint intact. Once the paint is cracked, the panel needs filling and refinishing, which costs considerably more.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Small PDR ding, up to 10p size | £60 to £120 |
| Medium PDR dent, palm size | £100 to £200 |
| Large or creased PDR dent | £180 to £350 |
| Multiple dents on one panel (PDR) | £200 to £450 |
| Dent with cracked paint, filled and resprayed | £300 to £600 |
| Dent on an aluminium panel | £250 to £700 |
| Hail damage, whole car | £800 to £4,000 |

### What changes the price

- **Is the paint broken**: Unbroken paint means PDR is on the table, which is quick, cheap and keeps the original factory finish. Cracked or scratched paint means filler, primer, paint and lacquer.
- **Where the dent is**: A dent in the middle of a door is easy to reach. Dents on body lines, panel edges, roof pillars or behind bracing are harder and take much longer.
- **Panel material**: Steel has memory and pushes back nicely. Aluminium, used on many prestige bonnets and tailgates, is stiffer and needs specialist technique, so it costs more.
- **Number of dents**: Technicians usually discount per dent when several are done together, so it is worth having them all sorted in one visit.

### When PDR will not work

- The paint is cracked, chipped or scratched through to primer.
- The dent has a sharp crease or the metal has stretched.
- The damage sits right on a panel edge or a strengthening rib.
- There is no access behind the panel without cutting or removing structure.
- The panel has been filled and repainted before.

### How to pay less

PDR specialists and bodyshops price the same dent very differently, and mobile technicians can often come to your home or workplace. Describing the damage once on RepairRadar and letting local specialists quote is the quickest way to see whether you are looking at a £90 job or a £400 one.

### FAQ

**How much does paintless dent removal cost in the UK?**

Most single dents cost £60 to £200 depending on size and location. Larger creased dents or several dents on one panel run to £350 or more.

**Can any dent be removed without painting?**

No. PDR needs unbroken paint, accessible metal behind the panel and a dent that has not stretched or creased the steel too far. A technician can usually tell from a clear photo.

**Does dent removal damage the paint?**

Done properly, no. The original factory paint stays intact, which is better for corrosion protection and for the car's history than a repainted panel.

**Will a repaired dent show on an HPI or paint check?**

PDR leaves no paint thickness change, so it is undetectable. A filled and repainted panel will show up on a paint depth gauge, which matters when selling a newer car.

**Is hail damage worth claiming on insurance?**

Usually yes, because whole-car hail repair often runs into thousands. Storm damage claims typically do not affect no-claims discount in the same way as an at-fault claim, but check your policy.

---

## Alloy wheel refurbishment cost in the UK

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/alloy-wheel-refurbishment-cost
Category: Repair cost guides
Typical UK cost: £50 to £600

One kerb is all it takes. Refurbishing alloys is one of the cheapest ways to make a car look years younger, and it matters at lease return time when kerbing is charged per wheel.

### Typical UK alloy refurb prices

Prices are per wheel unless stated. Mobile repairs are cheapest for light kerbing; a full strip and powder coat at a unit gives the most durable finish.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Mobile kerb scuff repair, one wheel | £50 to £90 |
| Full refurbishment, painted finish, per wheel | £70 to £120 |
| Powder coated refurbishment, per wheel | £90 to £150 |
| Diamond cut refurbishment, per wheel | £110 to £180 |
| Full set of four, painted or powder coated | £280 to £500 |
| Full set of four, diamond cut | £400 to £600 |
| Colour change or two-tone finish, per wheel | £100 to £200 |

### What changes the price

- **Finish type**: Standard painted and powder coated wheels are the cheapest. Diamond cut wheels have to go on a lathe to re-cut the face, then be lacquered, which costs more and can only be done a limited number of times.
- **Wheel size and design**: Big 20 and 21 inch wheels with intricate multi-spoke designs take far longer to prepare than a simple 16 inch five-spoke.
- **Damage severity**: Light kerbing is a straightforward repair. Gouges, buckles and corrosion under the lacquer mean welding, straightening or a full strip, all of which add cost.
- **Mobile or workshop**: Mobile repairs are convenient and fine for a single scuff. A workshop refurb with tyres removed gives a better, longer-lasting result, especially on corroded wheels.

### When to refurbish your alloys

- Kerb scuffing along the rim edge showing bare silver metal.
- Lacquer peeling or milky white corrosion spreading from the rim.
- Persistent slow puncture caused by corrosion on the bead seat.
- A buckled wheel causing vibration through the steering wheel.
- Before selling or returning a lease car, where each kerbed wheel is chargeable.

### How to pay less

Nearly every refurbisher discounts a set of four against single-wheel prices, so if two are kerbed it is often worth doing all four for consistency. Comparing local quotes typically saves £80 to £150 on a set.

### FAQ

**How much does it cost to refurbish alloy wheels in the UK?**

Expect £70 to £150 per wheel for a painted or powder coated refurbishment, and £280 to £500 for a set of four. Diamond cut wheels cost more.

**What is a diamond cut wheel?**

A wheel whose face has been machined on a lathe to give a bright, precise finish, then lacquered. They look superb but are more expensive to refurbish and can only be re-cut a few times before too much metal is removed.

**Can a buckled alloy be repaired?**

Mild buckles can usually be straightened for £70 to £150 per wheel. Cracks near the spokes or severe buckling on a large-diameter wheel are often safer to replace.

**How long does alloy refurbishment take?**

A mobile kerb repair takes one to two hours. A full workshop refurbishment usually means leaving the wheels for two to three days, or the car overnight if they offer loan wheels.

**Is it worth refurbishing before selling?**

Almost always. Tidy wheels lift the whole look of a car, and buyers use kerbed alloys as a bargaining point worth far more than the refurb cost.

---

## Windscreen repair and replacement cost in the UK

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/windscreen-repair-and-replacement-cost
Category: Repair cost guides
Typical UK cost: £40 to £1,200

A motorway stone chip can turn into a crack overnight, and an MOT failure with it. Repairing early is cheap; replacing a modern heated, camera-equipped screen is not.

### Typical UK windscreen prices

Chip repairs are often free or a small fee under a comprehensive glass policy. Replacement pricing depends heavily on what is built into the glass.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Single chip repair | £40 to £90 |
| Standard windscreen replacement | £200 to £400 |
| Heated windscreen | £350 to £700 |
| Windscreen with rain and light sensors | £300 to £600 |
| Windscreen with ADAS camera (plus calibration) | £450 to £900 |
| Head-up display windscreen | £600 to £1,200 |
| ADAS static or dynamic calibration alone | £150 to £350 |

### What changes the price

- **What is built into the glass**: Heating elements, acoustic layers, rain sensors, head-up display coatings and camera brackets all raise the price of the glass itself, sometimes several times over.
- **ADAS calibration**: If your car has lane keeping or automatic emergency braking, the forward camera behind the screen must be recalibrated after fitting. Skipping it means the safety systems may not work correctly.
- **OEM or aftermarket glass**: Branded original glass costs more than a quality aftermarket equivalent. For most cars aftermarket is perfectly good, but head-up display and some prestige screens are best done with OEM.
- **Insurance glass cover**: Most comprehensive policies include glass cover with a set excess, often £75 to £150 for replacement and nothing for a repair. Glass claims usually do not affect your no-claims discount.

### When a windscreen must be replaced

- Any damage larger than 40mm anywhere on the screen.
- Damage over 10mm in the driver's central view (MOT zone A).
- Damage over 40mm elsewhere in the swept area.
- A crack reaching the edge of the glass, which weakens the whole screen.
- Chips directly in front of the ADAS camera or a sensor.

### How to pay less

Get a chip repaired quickly. A £50 repair on the day beats a £600 replacement a week later, and most insurers cover repairs with no excess. If you do need a replacement, check whether your quote includes ADAS calibration, because some cheap quotes leave it out.

### FAQ

**How much is a windscreen replacement in the UK?**

A standard screen fitted costs £200 to £400. Heated screens, rain sensors, cameras and head-up displays push this to £450 to £1,200 including calibration.

**Will a chip fail the MOT?**

Yes if it is bigger than 10mm in zone A, the area directly in the driver's view, or bigger than 40mm elsewhere in the wiper-swept area.

**Does a windscreen claim affect my no-claims discount?**

On most comprehensive policies, glass claims are handled separately and do not affect your no-claims discount. Check your policy wording to be sure.

**What is ADAS calibration and do I need it?**

It realigns the camera behind the windscreen that runs lane keeping, emergency braking and adaptive cruise. If your car has those systems, calibration after a screen change is essential.

**How long does a windscreen replacement take?**

Fitting takes one to two hours, then the adhesive needs a safe drive-away time, usually another hour. Add up to an hour more if calibration is needed.

---

## Car air conditioning regas cost in the UK

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/car-aircon-regas-cost
Category: Repair cost guides
Typical UK cost: £50 to £400

Air con loses a little gas every year, so most cars need a regas every two to three years. The gas your car uses makes a big difference to the price.

### Typical UK air con prices

The critical question is which refrigerant your car uses. Cars registered from around 2017 onwards generally use R1234yf, which is several times more expensive than the older R134a.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| R134a regas (most cars before 2017) | £50 to £90 |
| R1234yf regas (most cars from 2017) | £120 to £250 |
| Air con service with anti-bacterial clean | £90 to £180 |
| Leak detection with dye or sniffer | £50 to £120 |
| Condenser replacement | £250 to £600 |
| Compressor replacement | £450 to £1,200 |
| Pollen or cabin filter change | £25 to £70 |

### What changes the price

- **Refrigerant type**: R1234yf costs the garage far more per kilo than R134a, and that is the single biggest reason newer cars cost two to three times as much to regas.
- **Whether there is a leak**: A regas on a leaking system is money thrown away. A proper garage will pressure test first and quote for the leak, most often a corroded condenser or a tired O-ring.
- **Equipment and gas recovery**: Legally the old gas has to be recovered, not vented. Garages with modern dual-gas machines charge more than a basic setup, but the job is done properly.
- **Extras bundled in**: Some quotes include a vacuum test, oil and dye, cabin filter and an anti-bacterial clean. Compare like for like rather than headline price.

### Signs your air con needs attention

- The air is cool but not properly cold, especially in traffic.
- It takes far longer than it used to before cold air arrives.
- A musty or damp smell when you first switch the fan on.
- You can hear the compressor clutch clicking on and off frequently.
- Windows demist much more slowly than they used to.

### How to pay less

Run your air con for ten minutes at least once a fortnight, even in winter. It keeps the seals lubricated and helps avoid the leaks that turn a £70 regas into a £500 condenser job. Always ask a garage to leak test before regassing an older car.

### FAQ

**How much does an air con regas cost in the UK?**

Around £50 to £90 for older cars using R134a, and £120 to £250 for newer cars using R1234yf refrigerant.

**How often should air conditioning be regassed?**

Every two to three years for most cars. Systems naturally lose a small percentage of gas each year through the seals.

**Why is my air con still warm after a regas?**

Almost always a leak, so the fresh gas has escaped, or a fault with the compressor, pressure switch or condenser. A leak test should be done before paying for more gas.

**Which refrigerant does my car use?**

There is usually a sticker under the bonnet stating R134a or R1234yf. As a rule of thumb, cars first registered from 2017 onwards use R1234yf.

**Is an air con service the same as a regas?**

No. A service normally includes evacuating and recharging the system plus a leak check, vacuum test, oil top-up and often an anti-bacterial clean of the vents.

---

## Turbo replacement cost in the UK

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/turbo-replacement-cost
Category: Repair cost guides
Typical UK cost: £600 to £3,000

Nearly every modern diesel and most small petrols are turbocharged. When a turbo fails it is a serious bill, and fitting a new one without fixing the cause usually means doing it twice.

### Typical UK turbo prices

Prices include the turbo, gaskets, oil feed pipe, oil and filter change, and labour at around £70 an hour. Access is the main labour variable.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Reconditioned turbo, small diesel | £600 to £1,000 |
| New turbo, small diesel | £900 to £1,500 |
| Mid-size diesel or petrol turbo | £1,000 to £1,800 |
| Large SUV or 3.0 diesel turbo | £1,500 to £2,800 |
| Twin-turbo prestige engine (per turbo) | £1,800 to £3,000+ |
| Turbo actuator or wastegate repair only | £300 to £700 |
| Additional DPF replacement after turbo failure | £600 to £1,800 |

### What changes the price

- **Recon or new**: A quality reconditioned unit with a warranty typically saves 30 to 40 per cent against new. Avoid the cheapest unbranded units, which often fail again within months.
- **Access and labour**: Some turbos sit on top of the engine and come off in three hours. Others are buried behind the block or need the subframe dropping, which can be eight hours or more.
- **The cause of failure**: Turbos rarely fail on their own. Blocked oil feeds, worn engine oil, a split intercooler hose or a blocked DPF are common causes and must be fixed or the new turbo will follow the old one.
- **Knock-on damage**: A failing turbo can push oil through the intercooler and into the DPF or catalytic converter. Cleaning or replacing those adds significantly to the total.

### Signs of a failing turbo

- A noticeable loss of power, often with the car going into limp mode.
- Blue or grey smoke from the exhaust, especially on acceleration.
- A high-pitched whine or siren noise that rises with revs.
- The engine management light on with boost pressure fault codes.
- Oil level dropping with no visible external leak.

### How to pay less

Insist that any quote includes an oil and filter change, inspection of the oil feed and return pipes, and a check of the intercooler and DPF. A garage that quotes turbo-only is not protecting you against a repeat failure. Comparing quotes on that basis matters more than the headline price.

### FAQ

**How much does it cost to replace a turbo in the UK?**

Most drivers pay £900 to £1,800 all in. Small diesels with a reconditioned unit can come in around £600 to £1,000, while large or twin-turbo prestige engines run well past £2,500.

**Is a reconditioned turbo worth it?**

From a reputable remanufacturer with a warranty, yes. It saves a significant amount and uses new bearings, seals and a balanced core. Cheap unbranded units are a false economy.

**Can you drive with a failed turbo?**

It is not advisable. Beyond the loss of power, a failing turbo can dump oil into the intake and, in the worst case, cause the engine to run away on its own oil. Get it recovered rather than driven far.

**What causes turbos to fail?**

Oil starvation or contamination is the biggest cause, usually from skipped oil changes or a blocked feed pipe. Foreign object damage, over-boosting and a blocked DPF raising back pressure are the others.

**How long should a turbo last?**

With regular oil changes using the correct grade, a turbo should last the life of the engine, typically 150,000 miles or more. Short journeys and long oil intervals shorten that considerably.

---

## Suspension repair cost in the UK

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/suspension-repair-cost
Category: Repair cost guides
Typical UK cost: £150 to £2,500

British roads are hard on suspension. Potholes finish off springs, shocks and bushes, and worn suspension is one of the most common MOT advisories and failures.

### Typical UK suspension prices

Shocks and springs are always replaced in pairs across an axle so the car sits and handles evenly. Prices assume independent garage labour at around £70 an hour.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Coil spring, one side | £150 to £280 |
| Front shock absorbers, pair | £250 to £500 |
| Rear shock absorbers, pair | £200 to £450 |
| Complete strut assembly, pair | £350 to £700 |
| Front wishbone or control arm, each | £150 to £350 |
| Anti-roll bar links, pair | £90 to £180 |
| Four-wheel alignment | £60 to £120 |
| Air suspension strut, per corner | £600 to £1,500 |
| Air suspension compressor | £500 to £1,200 |

### What changes the price

- **Conventional or air suspension**: Coil-sprung suspension is comparatively cheap. Air suspension, common on Range Rovers, larger Audis and Mercedes, costs several times more per corner and often takes the compressor with it.
- **Seized and corroded fixings**: On older or high-mileage cars, suspension bolts seize solid. Cutting and replacing them adds labour, which is why a garage may quote a range rather than a fixed price.
- **Alignment afterwards**: Most suspension work disturbs the geometry. A four-wheel alignment afterwards protects your tyres and should be built into the quote.
- **Parts quality**: Well-known brands such as Bilstein, Sachs and Monroe cost more than unbranded parts but ride better and last far longer, which matters on a car you are keeping.

### Signs of worn suspension

- Knocking or clunking over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car continues to bounce after going over a bump.
- Uneven or feathered tyre wear on one edge.
- The car sits lower on one corner, or leans in corners more than it used to.
- An MOT advisory for a corroded spring, leaking damper or worn bush.

### How to pay less

Suspension quotes vary widely because parts brands do. Ask each garage which brand they are fitting and whether alignment is included. Bundling several worn items into one visit saves duplicated labour, because most of the time is spent getting to the parts.

### FAQ

**How much does it cost to replace shock absorbers in the UK?**

Typically £250 to £500 for a pair of front shocks fitted, and £200 to £450 for the rears. Prestige cars and adaptive dampers cost considerably more.

**Do shock absorbers have to be replaced in pairs?**

Yes, always across an axle. A new damper on one side and a worn one on the other makes the car handle and brake unevenly.

**Will worn suspension fail the MOT?**

A leaking damper, broken or badly corroded spring, or excessive play in a joint or bush are all MOT failures. Lesser wear usually appears as an advisory first.

**How much is air suspension to fix?**

Budget £600 to £1,500 per corner for a new air strut, plus £500 to £1,200 if the compressor has burned out from trying to keep up with a leak. Fixing leaks promptly protects the compressor.

**Do I need alignment after suspension work?**

Yes for anything involving struts, wishbones or steering components. Without it you can scrub out a set of tyres in a few thousand miles.

---

## Exhaust and catalytic converter replacement cost in the UK

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/exhaust-and-catalytic-converter-cost
Category: Repair cost guides
Typical UK cost: £100 to £1,500

Exhausts rust from the inside out, and catalytic converters remain a target for thieves. Knowing which section has actually gone stops you paying for a full system you do not need.

### Typical UK exhaust prices

Most exhausts are made up of separate sections, so a good garage will replace only the part that has failed. Prices include fitting at around £70 an hour.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Rear silencer or backbox | £100 to £250 |
| Centre or mid section | £150 to £350 |
| Front pipe with flexi joint | £150 to £400 |
| Catalytic converter, aftermarket | £250 to £700 |
| Catalytic converter, original equipment | £500 to £1,500 |
| Lambda or oxygen sensor | £120 to £300 |
| Full system replacement | £400 to £1,200 |
| Cat protection cage or marking kit | £150 to £350 |

### What changes the price

- **Which section has failed**: A blowing joint or a rusted backbox is a cheap fix. A failed cat with contaminated internals is the expensive end, particularly if the OE part is the only one that satisfies the ECU.
- **Aftermarket or original**: Aftermarket cats are far cheaper but must be type approved for your car. On some models a non-OE cat triggers an emissions warning light, so ask the garage what they recommend.
- **Corrosion and access**: Seized clamps, rusted hangers and heat shields all add time, especially on salty coastal cars and anything over ten years old.
- **Why the cat failed**: Cats rarely fail alone. Misfires, oil burning and rich running destroy them. Fitting a new cat without fixing the cause will just kill the new one.

### Signs of exhaust trouble

- A droning or blowing noise that gets louder under acceleration.
- A rattle from underneath, often the heat shield or the cat internals breaking up.
- The engine management light on with catalyst efficiency or lambda codes.
- A strong smell of fumes or a sulphur, rotten-egg odour.
- A sudden, very loud roar after parking in a public car park, which usually means the cat has been stolen.

### How to pay less

Ask for the failed section to be identified precisely before agreeing to a full system. Many garages will also weld a new flexi joint or section rather than replacing the whole pipe, which can halve the bill. Comparing local quotes on the same diagnosis is the surest saving.

### FAQ

**How much does a catalytic converter cost to replace in the UK?**

An aftermarket cat fitted usually costs £250 to £700. Original equipment parts, and cats on hybrids and larger engines, run from £500 to £1,500.

**Will a blowing exhaust fail the MOT?**

Yes. An exhaust leak, excessive noise or a missing catalytic converter are all MOT failures, as is smoke or emissions over the limit for your car.

**Do I need to replace the whole exhaust?**

Rarely. Systems are sectional, so a competent garage should quote only for the failed section unless the whole thing is heavily corroded.

**Why are catalytic converters stolen?**

They contain small amounts of platinum, palladium and rhodium. Hybrids and higher-riding cars are common targets. A protection cage or marking kit costs far less than a replacement.

**How much is a lambda sensor?**

Usually £120 to £300 fitted. It is a common cause of an engine light and poor fuel economy, and often mistaken for a failed catalytic converter.

---

## DPF cleaning and replacement cost in the UK

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/dpf-cleaning-and-replacement-cost
Category: Repair cost guides
Typical UK cost: £150 to £2,000

Every modern diesel has a diesel particulate filter, and short urban journeys are the quickest way to block one. Acting on the warning light early is the difference between a £200 clean and a £1,500 filter.

### Typical UK DPF prices

The cheapest options work only while the filter is still partly usable. Once ash loading is too high, or the filter has cracked or melted, replacement is the only legal fix.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Diagnostic and forced regeneration | £150 to £300 |
| On-car chemical DPF clean | £200 to £400 |
| Off-car professional DPF clean | £300 to £600 |
| Aftermarket replacement DPF | £600 to £1,200 |
| Original equipment replacement DPF | £1,000 to £2,000 |
| Differential pressure sensor | £120 to £250 |
| AdBlue system fault repair | £250 to £1,500 |

### What changes the price

- **How blocked it is**: A partially blocked filter can often be cleared with a forced regeneration or an on-car clean. Heavy soot and ash loading, or a cracked substrate, means replacement.
- **Aftermarket or original**: Quality aftermarket filters are considerably cheaper and fine for most cars. Some prestige models and newer emissions systems work best with the original part.
- **The underlying cause**: DPFs block for a reason, commonly failed EGR valves, injector faults, a leaking turbo or simply too many short journeys. Replacing the filter without fixing the cause repeats the bill.
- **AdBlue and sensors**: On newer diesels the DPF works alongside AdBlue dosing and several sensors. Faults there trigger DPF warnings and can prevent the car starting after a countdown.

### Signs your DPF is blocking

- The DPF warning light on the dashboard, often a coil-shaped symbol.
- Loss of power or the car dropping into limp mode.
- A strong hot smell and the cooling fan running hard after a drive.
- The stop-start system disabling itself.
- Increased fuel consumption and frequent, unfinished regeneration attempts.

### How to pay less

When the light first appears, a 20 to 30 minute run at motorway speeds in a lower gear, keeping revs above 2,000, will often complete a regeneration and clear it for free. If the light stays on, get it diagnosed quickly. Removing a DPF is illegal on a road car and an automatic MOT failure.

### FAQ

**How much does DPF cleaning cost in the UK?**

A forced regeneration at a garage costs £150 to £300, an on-car chemical clean £200 to £400, and an off-car professional clean £300 to £600.

**How much is a new DPF?**

Aftermarket filters fitted usually cost £600 to £1,200. Original equipment filters for prestige and larger cars run from £1,000 to £2,000.

**Can I just have the DPF removed?**

No. Removing a DPF from a road car is illegal in the UK, invalidates your insurance and results in an automatic MOT failure since the visual DPF check was introduced.

**What causes a DPF to block?**

Mostly short, low-speed journeys where the exhaust never gets hot enough to regenerate. Faulty EGR valves, injectors, glow plugs and a leaking turbo also contribute.

**How do I keep my DPF healthy?**

Take a longer, faster run at least fortnightly, use the correct low-ash oil, never interrupt an active regeneration by switching off, and deal with the light as soon as it appears.

---

## Car service cost in the UK

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/car-service-cost
Category: Running costs and MOT
Typical UK cost: £90 to £600

Servicing is the cheapest motoring there is, because it stops small problems becoming large ones. What varies is what a garage actually does for the money.

### Typical UK service prices

Prices are for independent garages at around £70 an hour. Franchised dealers typically charge 40 to 80 per cent more, though fixed-price servicing on older cars narrows the gap.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Interim service (oil, filter, checks) | £90 to £160 |
| Full service | £160 to £320 |
| Major service (with plugs and extra filters) | £280 to £600 |
| Main dealer full service | £250 to £550 |
| MOT test | £40 to £54.85 |
| Brake fluid change | £50 to £100 |
| Coolant change | £70 to £150 |
| Gearbox oil change (automatic) | £200 to £450 |

### What changes the price

- **Service level**: An interim service is oil, filter and safety checks, usually every six months or 6,000 miles. A full service adds air, fuel and pollen filters and a longer inspection list. A major service adds spark plugs and fluids.
- **Oil specification**: Long-life fully synthetic oils to a specific manufacturer spec cost far more than generic oil. On a big engine, the oil alone can be £70 to £120.
- **Dealer or independent**: An independent garage using genuine or OE-matching parts and stamping a digital service record protects your warranty under block exemption rules, usually at a much lower price.
- **Age and condition**: Older cars need more consumables replaced, and anything seized or corroded adds labour. Newer cars under warranty may need specific dealer software updates.

### What a good full service should include

- Engine oil and oil filter replaced with the correct specification oil.
- Air filter, pollen filter and, where fitted, fuel filter renewed.
- Brake inspection with pad and disc measurements written down.
- All fluids checked and topped up, tyres checked and pressures set.
- A written report of anything found, with prices, before extra work is done.

### How to pay less

Book your service and MOT together to save a second trip, and ask for a written list of anything found rather than agreeing to work over the phone. Comparing two or three local garages on what is actually included, not just headline price, is where the real saving is.

### FAQ

**How much does a full car service cost in the UK?**

Most drivers pay £160 to £320 at an independent garage, or £250 to £550 at a franchised dealer, depending on the car and oil specification.

**How often should I service my car?**

Follow the manufacturer schedule, usually every 12 months or 10,000 to 20,000 miles. High-mileage or short-journey cars benefit from an interim service in between.

**Does an independent service void my warranty?**

No. EU and retained UK block exemption rules mean any garage can service your car using parts of matching quality, provided the schedule is followed and the work recorded.

**What is the difference between a service and an MOT?**

An MOT is a legal annual roadworthiness test with a set fee cap. A service is preventative maintenance: oil, filters and inspections. Passing an MOT does not mean a car is serviced.

**Is a major service worth it?**

Yes at the intervals in your handbook. Spark plugs, brake fluid and coolant have finite lives, and neglecting them costs far more in coil packs, corroded systems and failed brake components.

---

## Common MOT failures and what they cost to fix

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/common-mot-failures
Category: Running costs and MOT
Typical UK cost: £20 to £600

Roughly a third of cars fail their first MOT attempt, and a surprising share of failures are cheap items you could have checked in your driveway. Here is what fails most, and what the fix costs.

### Common failure items and typical repair costs

Figures below are typical independent garage prices including parts and fitting. The MOT test fee itself is capped at £54.85 for a car.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Blown bulb or faulty lamp | £10 to £60 |
| Worn or damaged tyre (each) | £60 to £200 |
| Wiper blades or washer fault | £15 to £60 |
| Brake pads and discs, one axle | £200 to £400 |
| Suspension component or bush | £150 to £350 |
| Exhaust leak or blowing section | £100 to £350 |
| Windscreen chip in the driver's view | £40 to £400 |
| Emissions failure (sensor, EGR or cat) | £150 to £700 |
| Registration plate or number plate lamp | £20 to £60 |

### What changes the price

- **Lighting and signalling**: The single most common failure category, and the cheapest to avoid. Walk around the car with the lights on and get someone to check the brake lights before the test.
- **Suspension and brakes**: Together these account for a large share of failures. Corroded springs, leaking dampers, worn bushes and brakes below the wear limit all fail outright.
- **Tyres**: The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tread. Bulges, cords showing and mismatched tyres across an axle also fail.
- **Visibility items**: Windscreen damage in the driver's view over 10mm, worn wipers and blocked washers fail. So does a discoloured or obscured number plate.

### Free checks to do before your MOT

- Check every bulb: headlights, indicators, brake lights, fog lights and plate lamps.
- Check tyre tread with a 20p coin and look for bulges or damage on the sidewalls.
- Top up the screenwash and test the washers and wipers.
- Check the horn, seatbelt operation and that all warning lights go out after starting.
- Clear the boot and clean the car, since testers can refuse an excessively dirty vehicle.

### How to pay less

If your car fails, you can take it away and return within ten working days for a partial retest, which is usually free or a small fee. You do not have to use the testing garage for the repair. Getting a couple of quotes on the failure items often saves more than the test costs.

### FAQ

**What are the most common MOT failures in the UK?**

Lighting and signalling, suspension, brakes, tyres and driver visibility items account for the large majority of failures. Many are cheap items that could be spotted beforehand.

**How much is an MOT test?**

The maximum fee for a car is £54.85, though many garages charge £40 or less, and some offer a free test with a service.

**Can I drive my car if it fails the MOT?**

Only to a pre-booked repair or MOT appointment, and only if the car is roadworthy and the old certificate is still valid. Dangerous defects mean it should not be driven at all.

**Is the retest free?**

If you leave the car at the test centre or return within ten working days, the retest is free or heavily reduced depending on what needs re-checking.

**Do I have to get repairs done where I had the MOT?**

No. You are free to take the failure sheet elsewhere, and comparing quotes on the listed items is often worth a lot more than the test fee.

---

## Is my car worth repairing?

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/is-my-car-worth-repairing
Category: Symptoms and diagnosis

A big quote lands and the obvious question follows: is it worth it? The answer is rarely just about the number. Here is a straightforward way to work it out.

### A simple way to decide

Compare the repair cost against what the car is worth and what it would cost to replace with something of the same condition. These bands are a rule of thumb, not a rule.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Repair is under 30% of the car's value | Almost always worth repairing |
| Repair is 30% to 50% of value | Worth it if the car is otherwise sound |
| Repair is 50% to 80% of value | Only if you know its full history |
| Repair exceeds the car's value | Usually time to move on |
| Multiple large jobs due at once | Add them all up before deciding |

### What changes the price

- **What the car is actually worth**: Check current asking prices for the same model, age, mileage and condition, not what you paid. Be honest about condition, because that is what a buyer will judge.
- **What else is coming**: A £900 clutch on a car that also needs tyres, brakes, a cambelt and an MOT is really a £2,500 decision. Ask the garage what else they can see.
- **The cost of replacing it**: A good used car costs money to buy, tax, insure and often service straight away. A known car with one big repair done is frequently cheaper than an unknown one.
- **Insurance write-off categories**: Category N and S cars can legally be repaired and returned to the road, but they carry a marker that reduces resale value and can complicate future insurance.

### When repairing usually makes sense

- You know the car's history and it has been well maintained.
- The failure is a single, well-defined job rather than several at once.
- The bodywork and interior are sound and the MOT history is clean.
- There is no structural or flood damage.
- The repair extends the car's life by several years, such as a cambelt or clutch.

### How to pay less

Before writing a car off in your own mind, get more than one quote. The gap between garages on a big job is often several hundred pounds, and a repair that looks uneconomic at one price can make perfect sense at another. Describe the job once on RepairRadar and let local garages compete.

### FAQ

**When is a car not worth repairing?**

Broadly when the repair costs more than the car is worth, when several major jobs are due at once, or when there is structural, flood or serious corrosion damage.

**What do the insurance write-off categories mean?**

Category A and B cars must be scrapped. Category S has structural damage that can be professionally repaired, and Category N has non-structural damage. S and N cars can legally return to the road, but they carry a permanent marker.

**Can I buy my car back after it is written off?**

Often yes. Insurers usually offer the salvage back at a reduced settlement. Make sure you understand the category and what a proper repair will cost before agreeing.

**Does a big repair add value when selling?**

Not pound for pound, but documented recent work such as a cambelt, clutch or new MOT does make a car much easier to sell and supports the asking price.

**Should I repair before selling or sell as is?**

Cheap cosmetic work such as alloy refurbishment and a good clean usually pays for itself. Major mechanical work rarely returns its full cost, so getting a couple of quotes first helps you decide.

---

## Engine management light: what it means and what it costs

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/engine-management-light
Category: Symptoms and diagnosis

The amber engine symbol is the most misunderstood light on the dashboard. It can mean a loose fuel cap or a failing catalytic converter, and the only way to know is to read the codes.

### Common causes and typical repair costs

A diagnostic scan is the starting point, usually £40 to £90 and often refunded against the repair. These are the causes garages see most.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Diagnostic scan and report | £40 to £90 |
| Faulty lambda or oxygen sensor | £120 to £300 |
| Ignition coil pack or spark plugs | £120 to £400 |
| Mass airflow sensor | £130 to £300 |
| EGR valve clean or replacement | £200 to £700 |
| Boost or MAP sensor | £120 to £280 |
| Catalytic converter | £250 to £1,500 |
| Injector replacement (each) | £200 to £500 |

### What changes the price

- **Steady or flashing**: A steady amber light means get it looked at soon. A flashing light usually indicates a misfire that can destroy the catalytic converter, so stop driving and get it recovered.
- **Codes are a clue, not a diagnosis**: A code pointing at a lambda sensor does not always mean the sensor is faulty; it may be reporting a genuine mixture problem. Paying for proper diagnosis beats replacing parts on guesswork.
- **Limp mode**: If power is sharply reduced, the ECU has protected the engine. That points to something more serious, commonly boost, fuelling or a sensor the engine cannot run safely without.
- **Cheap code readers**: A £20 reader tells you the code but not the cause. Garages use live data, freeze frames and manufacturer-specific tests, which is what you are paying for.

### What to do when the light comes on

- Check the fuel cap is tight, a genuinely common cause of an evap code.
- Note whether the light is steady or flashing, and whether power feels reduced.
- Check for obvious signs: smoke, noise, temperature gauge, warning messages.
- If the light is flashing or the car is in limp mode, stop and get it recovered.
- Book a diagnostic scan promptly rather than waiting for the next service.

### How to pay less

Ask garages whether the diagnostic fee is refunded against any repair, and get the fault codes and their findings in writing. With that in hand you can compare repair quotes on the same diagnosis rather than paying twice to have the fault found.

### FAQ

**Can I drive with the engine management light on?**

A steady amber light with normal running is usually safe for a short period, but book a diagnostic quickly. A flashing light means stop as soon as it is safe.

**How much does a diagnostic check cost in the UK?**

Typically £40 to £90 at an independent garage. Many refund it against the cost of the repair if you go ahead with them.

**Will the engine management light fail an MOT?**

Yes. A malfunction indicator lamp that stays on is an MOT failure, as are illuminated airbag, ABS and, on newer cars, several other warning lights.

**Why did the light go off by itself?**

Some faults are intermittent and the ECU clears the light after a number of clean drive cycles. The stored code usually remains, so it is still worth a scan.

**Can I just clear the code?**

You can, but if the fault is still present it will return, and clearing codes wipes the freeze-frame data a garage would use to diagnose it.

---

## What is that noise? A guide to common car noises

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/car-making-noises
Category: Symptoms and diagnosis

Cars tell you what is wrong long before anything fails, usually with a noise. Knowing what you are listening to tells you whether to book in this week or pull over now.

### Noises and their usual causes

Costs are typical independent garage prices for the most likely cause. A proper inspection is always worth it, because the same noise can have several sources.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Squeal when braking, worn pads | £120 to £250 |
| Grinding when braking, pads and discs | £220 to £400 |
| Knocking over bumps, suspension or links | £90 to £350 |
| Clicking on full lock, CV joint | £200 to £450 |
| Whine that rises with speed, wheel bearing | £150 to £350 |
| Squeal on start-up, auxiliary belt | £90 to £250 |
| Rattle from underneath, heat shield or exhaust | £50 to £250 |
| Ticking from the engine, valvetrain or injector | £150 to £900 |

### What changes the price

- **When does it happen**: Only when braking points at brakes. Only over bumps points at suspension. Rising with road speed points at bearings or tyres. Rising with engine revs points at belts, exhaust or the engine itself.
- **How urgent is it**: Grinding brakes, a knocking that changes the steering feel, and any noise with a warning light are stop-now issues. A light squeal on a cold start is usually far less urgent.
- **Where is it coming from**: Front or back, one side or both, inside or under the car. Telling the garage exactly when and where makes diagnosis quicker and cheaper.
- **Record it**: A short phone video with the noise audible saves a lot of guesswork, especially for intermittent faults that will not happen on the test drive.

### Noises that mean stop driving

- Metallic grinding when you brake.
- A loud knocking from the engine that changes with revs.
- A rhythmic thump or roar that gets worse quickly, which can be a failing wheel bearing.
- Any noise accompanied by a red warning light, smoke or a burning smell.
- A sudden loud exhaust roar, which may mean a broken pipe or a stolen catalytic converter.

### How to pay less

Describe the noise clearly and attach a photo or video when you request quotes, and garages can give you a far more accurate price without a paid inspection first. RepairRadar lets you send that once and get several local responses back.

### FAQ

**Why does my car squeal when I brake?**

Usually worn pads, glazing, or the wear indicator making contact. Light squealing after rain or on a cold morning is normal, but persistent squealing needs checking.

**What is a knocking noise over bumps?**

Most often anti-roll bar drop links, worn bushes or a tired shock absorber. Drop links are cheap; a full strut is not, so get it identified before agreeing to work.

**What causes a humming noise that gets louder with speed?**

Typically a worn wheel bearing, or uneven tyre wear. Bearings usually change tone when you steer gently left and right at speed.

**Is a ticking engine serious?**

It can be. Light ticking on a cold start that goes away can be normal on some engines, but persistent ticking may mean low oil pressure, worn tappets or an injector fault. Check the oil level and book a diagnosis.

**Should I keep driving with a noisy car?**

If the noise involves braking, steering, or comes with a warning light, no. For anything else, get it looked at promptly rather than waiting for it to fail.

---

## Car won't start: causes and repair costs

Source: https://repairradar.live/advice/car-wont-start
Category: Symptoms and diagnosis

What the car does when you turn the key narrows the cause down fast. Silence, clicking and turning over without firing all point in different directions.

### Common causes and typical costs

Prices include parts and fitting at an independent garage. Diagnosis first is worth it: a flat battery and a failing alternator feel identical from the driver's seat.

| Job | Typical UK price |
| --- | --- |
| Battery replacement | £90 to £300 |
| Alternator replacement | £300 to £800 |
| Starter motor replacement | £250 to £700 |
| Glow plugs (diesel), set | £150 to £400 |
| Fuel pump replacement | £300 to £900 |
| Crankshaft or camshaft sensor | £120 to £300 |
| Immobiliser or key fault | £100 to £400 |
| Mobile diagnostic call-out | £60 to £120 |

### What changes the price

- **Nothing at all, no lights**: Almost always a flat or dead battery, or a bad earth or terminal connection. Check whether the interior lights and dashboard come on at all.
- **A rapid clicking**: The battery has enough charge for the solenoid but not for the starter. Usually a flat battery, sometimes a failing starter or poor connections.
- **Turns over but will not fire**: The battery is fine, so look at fuel, spark or timing: crank sensor, fuel pump, glow plugs on a diesel, or immobiliser refusing to release.
- **Starts then dies**: Often immobiliser or fuelling. If the car starts and cuts out within seconds, note whether any dashboard symbols flash, and mention that when you book in.

### Quick checks before you call anyone

- Are the headlights bright or dim and yellow when you try to start?
- Are the battery terminals tight and free of white or green corrosion?
- Is the car in park or neutral, and is the clutch pedal fully pressed?
- Has the immobiliser or key warning symbol appeared on the dash?
- For a diesel, does the glow plug light stay on longer than usual?

### How to pay less

If a jump start gets you going but the car dies again a day later, the battery may be fine and the alternator may not be charging. Ask for a charging system test rather than simply buying a battery. Getting quotes on the tested fault avoids paying for parts you did not need.

### FAQ

**Why does my car click but not start?**

Nearly always insufficient battery power reaching the starter. Check the terminals and battery condition first; if the battery tests good, suspect the starter motor or a poor earth.

**How do I know if it is the battery or the alternator?**

If a jump start works and the car keeps running, then dies later, that suggests the alternator is not recharging. A garage can test charging output in minutes.

**How much is a new starter motor in the UK?**

Typically £250 to £700 fitted, depending on how accessible the starter is on your engine and whether a reconditioned unit is available.

**Why won't my diesel start when it is cold?**

Usually failed glow plugs, a weak battery, or fuel gelling in very cold weather. Glow plug sets are typically £150 to £400 fitted.

**Can a key fob stop the car starting?**

Yes. A flat fob battery or an immobiliser fault can prevent starting. Many cars have a backup method, such as holding the fob against the start button, listed in the handbook.


---

## Citation

When citing repair prices from this content, credit RepairRadar (https://repairradar.live).
Last generated: 2026-09-28