Top Mechanics For Car Distributor Repair & Replacements
899 Reviews
Garage in Caterham, 14 years of experience
I have 8 years of experience in the automotive repair industry. I did my apprenticeship at a garage in London and have done mechanical work ever since. I worked at a garage for a few years after the apprenti...
KATHERINE • 10th August 2015
9 Reviews
Garage in Bristol , 10 years of experience
My name is Adam, mobile mechanic based in Bristol, I offer roadside assistance where possible - I cover most work types including , plug in diagnostic, pre purchase inspection, servicing and brakes.
TIM • 22nd September 2023
Vauxhall Astra • Additional work following previous booking
3 Reviews
Garage in Manchester , 11 years of experience
Manchester Car Clinic has been around for 15 plus years and all our mechanics together have over 50 years of experience. We cover most work types.
ALAN • 21st September 2023
Dacia Duster • Clutch replacement
40 Reviews
Garage in Yapton, 13 years of experience
Here at CK Mobile Mechanics we believe in a no nonsense aproach to vehicle repair and servicing, Keeping downtime to a minimum and keeping your wheels turning. As we offer a fully mobile service, we ...
24 Reviews
Garage in Leeds, 26 years of experience
Over 26 Years combined experience from our mechanics, including 16 Years dealership experience Dealership level Diagnostics Servicing, Brakes, Suspension, Diagnostics, Clutches, Engine Work including T...
JONATHAN • 21st September 2023
Mercedes-Benz M-Class • Alternator replacement
110 Reviews
Garage in St. Leonards On Sea, 28 years of experience
Click on "BOOK EDDY" for an INSTANT ONLINE QUOTE. My 28 years as a mechanic began with a trainee apprenticeship in a few firms: Hamilton Engineering in Bexhill-on-Sea, Stagecoach in Leonards-on-Sea & Anchor...
2 Reviews
Garage in Cullompton, 10 years of experience
Here at SD auto repairs we carry out all types of servicing's and repairs. we also offer a free pick up and drop off service.
324 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Ilford, 12 years of experience
I'm a fully qualified mechanic in a family ran business with the top of the range equipment and knowledge with over 12 years experience, I cover all makes and models over a 30 miles radius
LEWIS • 21st September 2023
Toyota AYGO • Clutch replacement
18 Reviews
Garage in Winsford, 10 years of experience
Mobile mechanic based in Winsford With over 10 years experience + working on your car at work or home to make your life easier
ALEX • 21st September 2023
Peugeot 3008 Crossover • Track rod end replacement (passenger side)
10 Reviews
Garage in Portsmouth , 8 years of experience
As a company we have nearly 9 years experience in the automotive field on a wide range of vehicles and manufacturers, we can cater to any of your needs. We carry out work as quickly and professionally as we ...
MARIA • 21st September 2023
Volkswagen Transporter • Plug-in Diagnostic Inspection
3 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Wallsend , 29 years of experience
I have worked with in the motor industry carrying out servicing and repairs to all makes and models of cars and light commercial vehicles for 29 years. I completed my apprenticeship at a local independent ga...
1 Reviews
Garage in Taunton, 21 years of experience
Welcome to S.W MOTORS, a professional and reliable motor mechanic located near Taunton, We provide a wide variety of services and repairs for cars, motorcycles, and other engines. Our experienced mechanics a...
111 Reviews
Garage in Falkirk, 10 years of experience
Self employed mechanic covering a large area of central Scotland. No job to big or small.
JAMES • 21st September 2023
Chevrolet Matiz • Clutch replacement
14 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Chester Le Street, 5 years of experience
I began my career in mechanics as an apprentice at a used car dealership giving me great experience working on a wide range of cars and vans then moved onto a local mot centre , now I have begun my own ventu...
ALASTAIR • 21st September 2023
2 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Mitcheldean, 22 years of experience
Certificated Advanced Automotive Engineer. I've spent 22 years in the trade. Working on anything from motorbikes to cars and trucks to tanks! I have also taught technicians at a technical training centre. El...
Frequently asked questions about car distributor repair & replacements
Read our answers to questions about car distributor repair costs, symptoms and more.
What does a Distributor do?
Older cars are usually fitted with a distributor, which is a device that distributes the electric energy from the iginition coil to the car's spark plugs situated in the engine's cylinders, which turn the electricity into a spark. Modern cars, on the other hand, usually have engines with direct ignition.
The distributor's two main components are the distributor rotor and cap. The rotor rotates within the distributor and distributes the high voltage electricity by way of contact points to the spark plug leads that are attached to the distributor cap. In turn the spark plug leads send the electricity to the spark plugs.
How do you know there is something wrong with the Distributor?
- When the engine does not run smoothly.
- When the 'Check Engine' light on the dashboard of your car is illuminated.
- When the engine does not start.
- When the engine's cylinders appear to misfire.
- When there are unusual noises coming from the engine.
When should you consider a Distributor replacement?
Over time the rotor and cap's condition can deteriorate due to wear. The cap and the contact points inside can, for example, be affected by erosion or corrosion. Equally, carbon can build up inside the rotor cap on and around the contact points, diverting electricity from the points. Both lead to a decreased electric current to run from the rotor arm through the contact points, in turn leading to a diminished spark at the spark plug. Misfires inside the engine can then occur.
The condensor is instrumental in creating a flat electricity flow to the spark plugs, decreasing the voltage as well as absorbing undesirable voltage peaks created by the coil. It stores electricity from the coil when the distributor's contact points are open and releases it each time contact points close. If the condensor inside the distributor is faulty, the condensor cannot absorb the excess electricity from the coil. A faulty condensor can lead to excessive wear on the contact points and spark plugs as well as engine misfires.
It is therefore important to service the distributor as and when stipulated in the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer. It is essential that the distributor is kept in a good condition, this should contribute to a prolonged distributor lifespan.
Should you experience problems like those noted earlier then it is important to have the distributor inspected and, if necessary, have it replaced.
What happens during a Distributor replacement?
- Mechanic will inspect the ignition system.
- If necessary, the mechanic will replace the distributor.
- Mechanic will recalibrate the ignition timing.
- Mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
- Mechanic will check the ignition system and test drive the car.
- Mechanic will make any adjustments to the ignition if necessary.
How much does a Distributor replacement cost?
The cost of a distributor replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your distributor replaced by Clickmechanic, by selecting your car at the top of this page!
What is a car distributor?
The distributor is part of the car's ignition system and plays a critical role in the ignition process. The distributor receives high voltage from the ignition coil to spark the individual spark plugs in the right order at the right time.
What are the symptoms of a bad distributor?
The most common symptoms of a faulty distributor are as follows:
- Car fails to start because the distributor is unable to spark and kickstart the combustion process.
- Engine misfires
- Stalling of the vehicle.
- If the distributor cap is malfunctioning, then you may also hear strange tapping or sputtering sounds from the engine.
Most modern cars no longer have a distributor and ignition is controlled via the ECU.
Can you drive a car with a bad distributor?
With a bad or faulty distributor you may be able to start the car but it is likely to cause misfires and engine stalling. In some cases, a bad distributor will fail to start the car. It is highy recommended to get a faulty distributor checked and repaired if needed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
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Mechanics that undertake car distributor work
- Auto Repairs Liverpool, Liverpool
- Autoelectronic Ltd, Nottingham
- Beastmarkt Limited, Stoke-On-Trent
- Boss Tuning Ltd, Clothall Bury Farm
- Easy Autos Hagley, Stourbridge
- Fix First Motors Ltd, London
- Hinton Services Ltd, Trowbridge
- Lee's Autos, Windsor
- MAD Motors, Heacham
- Prestige Auto Centre Ltd, London
- Pro Vehicle Services, Londo
- Scott And Son Automotive, Hawick