Last updated on September 20th, 2023 at 02:40 pm

You need to face it. Your car alternator is not going to last forever. When your alternator does go, especially after long service, it means you are in the market for a new alternator. You could then be looking for the cheapest place to get alternator replaced 

This article is designed to quickly get you up to speed on the how, what, and where of the cheapest place to get alternator replaced, Stay with me as we look first at the basics of your car alternator.

What Is An Alternator?

Your car is a wonderful machine that carries its own mini power-generating substation within its engine. That energy maker is called an alternator. Your alternator uses a rather pulley, belt, and crankshaft system to achieve a constant spinning that creates an electromagnetic field.

The electricity generated this way keeps your battery topped up and able to supply all the different electricity needs of your car.

Now, that we know all that, I want you to consider what happens to your car with a bad alternator. Would you say it’s possible to drive on even if you have a defective alternator?

Can I Drive With A Bad Alternator?

Before I go on to the best alternator replacement centers in the US, a little about your car alternator.

You may already know that your alternator uses the spin force of the crankshaft to rotate and create electricity for your car. What you may be unaware of is whether a bad alternator can still move your car.

The answer is that it can’t. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get to a short distance. You can still drive your car using battery power even with a bust-up alternator. You need to also be aware that your battery may last less than 30 minutes depending on its condition. 

Does Autozone Do Alternators?

Yes, among other auto repairs and maintenance services, the 43-year-old auto shop also fixes and replaces alternators. You can visit any of its over 6000 locations to find out more about its alternator services.

Where Can I Get My Alternator Replaced?

Below is a list of the top 15 centers in the US to find an alternator cheaply and sometimes have it professionally replaced. 

This list is comprised of auto shops, auto parts centers, or directories like Yelp that can point you in the direction of the cheapest alternator replacement in your area. 

15 Cheapest Place To Get Alternator Replaced

Without much ado, here are places to get that alternator replacement for your car.

• Autozone Alternator 
• Firestone Alternator
• Midas Alternator
• Walmart Alternator
• Spectrum Car Care Alternator
• Wrench Alternator
• Heart Auto Care Alternator
• Meineke Alternator
• Good Year Auto Service Alternator
• Sun Auto Service Alternator
• O’reilly Auto Parts Alternator
• Patriot Tire & Auto Care Alternator
• Airtasker Alternator
• Yelp Alternator
• Your Mechanic Alternator

How much does it cost to get an alternator replaced in auto shops

so, how much does it cost to get an alternator replaced in auto shops or dealerships?

The cost or price of Switching out your car’s alternator can be a bit of a rollercoaster, typically swinging between $150 and $900. This range covers both the parts and the labor. What you end up paying for alternator replacement will largely depend on the type of car you’re driving, the kind of alternator you pick, and, let’s be honest, where you live with labor costs around that area.

Here’s a quick price breakdown:

• Parts: Roughly $60 to $350
• Labor (Yep, the sweat and grease part): About $80 to $500

If you’re riding in style with a high-end or luxury car, brace yourself for a higher tag. And if your zip code’s on the pricier side, mechanics might charge you a bit more.

Here are some tips to save a few bucks when changing an alternator.

• Get multiple estimates from various auto stores by shopping around before you commit.
• Consider non-OEM parts. Aftermarket parts often do the job just as much the OEM parts without breaking the bank.
• Think local! Your neighborhood mechanic might give you a better deal than the swanky dealership or big autoshop. Please note this can be the opposite in some cases.

However, a couple of curveballs might change the game:

• Your car drive belt’s health: This belt’s job is to power the alternator. If it’s seen better days, replacing it alongside the alternator might be a good idea and so will cost more.
• The hide-and-seek game or accessibility of your car’s model alternator: The alternator’s spotor location varies across vehicle brands and models. If it’s hidden and hard to get, the labor costs will be higher.
• Surprise, unexpected issues: Sometimes, when trying to replace an alternator, other issuesmight pop up, and that might bump up your overall bill.

How Much Is An Alternator At Autozone?

At Autozone, your replacement car alternator will cost you something in the region of $164 to $339. Don’t forget to add something in the region of $100 to $300 for labor costs, unless you can put it in yourself.

The advantage of dealing with Autozone is its 4 decades-plus reputation as one of the largest auto parts distributors and retailers in the country. 

Boasting 6238 Autozone locations, it’s got national spread, so you can pretty much find one anywhere you are. Check out locations across the US here and their preferred shop program vendors here.

Firestone Cost To Replace Alternator

I’m still showing you the cheapest place to get alternator replaced in the US. Firestone is another well-known destination for getting quality alternate replacements in the US. The auto shop claims to have been around for more than 100 years, and that kind of staying power has got to mean something, right?

Regarding the cost of replacing your alternator at Firestone, expect to pay something in the region of $350 for alternator replacement alone using ASE-certified mechanics. Find a store here.

Midas Alternator Replacement Cost

At Midas, your alternator replacement journey will include an on-the-spot evaluation after which an estimate of the service will be issued, usually including parts and labor. Midas stores are easily located and you may also request an appointment for faster service.

Walmart Alternator Repair Cost

Walmart needs no introduction in the US or anywhere else in the world. It’s little wonder that it’s among this list of cheapest place to get alternator replaced in the US. At any of Walmarts stores, your alternator replacement will cost you between $65 and $260. Labor costs will increase that cost by about $200 or thereabouts. Check out Walmart’s alternators here for a quick purchase.

Recap

Alternators are so vital to successfully running your car, it’s important for you to know where to get a replacement cheaply and quickly when your car needs one. Through this article, you should now know the cheapest place to get alternator replaced online with US delivery.

You also have been told the cost of alternator replacement in leading auto parts stores such as Autozone, Walmart, Firestone, and Midas.

In addition, I’ve solved the puzzle of whether you can keep driving your car with a bad alternator.

Following this guide will enable you to get that alternator replacement quickly and cheaply wherever you are in the US.