Find a trusted auto electrician near me

If you suspect there's an issue with your car’s electrical system, it's important to get it seen by an auto electrician as soon as possible. The last thing anyone wants is a car that won’t start – or, worse, a car operating with a potentially dangerous electrical fault.

Auto electricians are ten-a-penny. But how do you find the best auto electrician to ensure your car's electrical faults are repaired professionally and safely? That's where Checkatrade can help.

Just follow one of these three simple steps to book car electric repair experts near you:

Option 1 – Download our app

Connect directly with an auto electrician local to you through our secure in-app chat. Ask questions and receive quotes — all without phone calls or emails.

Option 2 – Use our ‘request a quote’ form

Rather receive an email? Fill in our quick ‘request a quote’ form to receive quotes directly to your inbox.

Option 3 – Search our online trade directory

Just type your postcode in the box below to compare auto electricians in your area, and then contact them directly.

All of our approved members have passed our thorough checks. So, you can be sure of their workmanship and have your car back up and running in no time.

What does an auto electrician do?

Understanding what an auto electrician can and can't fix is wise. That way, you know you’re contacting the right professional.

Let's briefly look at the difference between an auto electrician and an auto mechanic.

Role of an auto electrician:

An auto electrician covers all the electrical systems of a vehicle, such as:

• Electrical wiring and fuses

• Battery and charging system

• Starter motor

• Air conditioning system

• Electronic Control Unit (ECU) programming errors

• Sensors

• Car alarms and immobilisers

• Lighting

• Infotainment systems (the multimedia system that connects to your phone)

Role of an auto mechanic:

An auto mechanic deals with the mechanical parts of an automobile, such as:

• Engine repairs and servicing

• Brakes, suspension, and exhaust systems

• Clutch and gearbox repairs

• Oil changes

• MOT testing

Our car mechanic hiring guide has plenty more information about these types of jobs. But if in doubt, it's always best to contact a garage or car services company near you to clarify what type of car repair specialist you need.

Why you need an auto electrician

Hiring a qualified auto electrician is crucial for repairing modern car electrical systems. Attempting to fix a problem yourself could invalidate your car's warranty and make your car unroadworthy.

From headlights and interior lights, to battery wiring and starter motors, the list of repairs and replacements an experienced auto electrician works on is long.

However, the type of auto electrician you need will depend on whether you can drive your car safely to a garage. Let's look at the options:

When to use a mobile auto electrician:

• Car won't start – A mobile auto electrician can diagnose and fix the problem at your home. They carry spares should components need to be replaced

• Minor electrical fixes – Such as battery replacements and wiring faults. They'll use car diagnostics tools to 'plug in' to your car and identify any issues

When to use a garage auto electrician:

• Complex electrical repairs – For in-depth diagnostics or wiring repairs that require specialist equipment

• Major component replacements – If you need alternator replacements or starter motor repairs, a garage is better equipped

• Insurance and warranty work – Your insurers or manufacturers might require repairs to be carried out at an approved garage to keep the warranty in place

Common car electrical problems and possible causes

Your car not starting is a surefire way to know there's a problem with your starter motor or wiring. However, some car electrical issues aren’t so easy to spot.

Let’s look at some common car electrical problems and possible causes:

• Battery not holding charge – Could indicate alternator failure

• Warning lights on dashboard – The Electronic Control Unit has detected a fault

• Headlights or indicators not working – Fuse or wiring fault

• Strange burning smells – Most likely an electrical short circuit

Don't attempt to drive the car if you spot any of the above warning signs. Contact an auto electrician as a first priority, and they can advise what's best to do.

How to find the best auto electrician near me

Once people find a trusted auto electrician or mechanic, they'll tend to stick with them. And rightly so. A trusted and reliable tradesperson is a good person to know!

However, if you’re a new car owner, have recently moved, or have been let down previously by an unprofessional service, you’ll be starting afresh with your search.

Luckily, finding an auto electrician near you can be quick and straightforward if you know what you’re looking for.

Here are some suggested steps to make your search easier:

1. Ask friends and family

There’s no better way to find a trusted tradesperson than asking your friends and family for a recommendation.

You can then check their details and experience using a professional directory (like ours!). That’s up next.

2. Use a professional directory

If you haven’t got any recommendations to go off, don’t worry. You can use our free professional directory to compare auto electricians in your area.

We're so confident in the quality of the hire companies on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we offer a guarantee of up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.

Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*

* Eligibility and T&Cs apply

3. Read online reviews

A review from a previous customer is one of the best ways to check an auto electrician's professionalism. That’s why we always recommend reading local auto electrician reviews before any hire.

At Checkatrade, we check all online reviews to ensure they're from real people and that trades meet our high standards.

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

4. Check qualifications

You can also check an auto electrician's qualifications on our free directory. Qualifications you’re most likely to see listed for a professional auto electrician include:

• Level 2 Certificate-Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

• Level 3 Diploma-Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

• T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

5. Check insurance

Working with electrical auto systems comes with its hazards. That’s why we always recommend that any auto electrician you hire has public liability insurance.

Book any tradesperson through Checkatrade, and be rest assured they have the necessary protection. All Checkatrade-approved have public liability as standard.

6. Compare quotes

Get at least three quotes to compare auto electricians local to you. That way, you can be sure you're getting the best price for the job.

Find the best auto electricians near you and get your car safely back on the road by searching your postcode below. It’s that simple.