Service, Repairs & MOT

MOT and service in Chelmsford

Book a local RAC Approved Garage that you can trust.

  • 12-months parts guarantee
  • Honest pricing
  • Exceptional customer service

Why choose the RAC for a MOT and service in Chelmsford?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. So giving our members service they can trust matters. That's why we offer MOT and services from our RAC Approved Garages. Our professional mechanics have the expertise and experience to make sure your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently – results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

JC Autocare Ltd

5.0/5

We are an independent garage with a wealth of experience in the motor trade. Working on all makes and models, we offer a wide range of services. We are also trained Land Rover and Jaguar technicians with expertise in this area.
Unit 4 Long Acre Farm, Hockley, Essex, SS55LR

Eastern Garage

4.7/5

Eastern Garage is your local independent garage that has been established since 1950. We have been serving the local community for over 60 years and hope to do so for many more years to come. The current owner, Martin Sheath, took over in 1989 and runs a team of 10 employees. Our technicians have over 60 years of combined experience with all makes and models of vehicles. By choosing us to repair your vehicle, you can be assured that your vehicle will receive the care and attention it needs and deserves. We are able to carry out all repairs in line with manufacturers recommendations.
Wethersfield Road, Essex, CM7 4NT

Wickford Autocentre

4.6/5

Going by first impressions, Russel Gardens in Wickford may not be the sort of place where you would expect to find a modern auto centre, and especially not one that can offer you fixed MOT and Servicing prices. However, that is exactly what you get with Wickford Autocentre. When Mr Choudhury decided to purchase the site of a former garage and used car sales dealer, he decided it would be to start afresh by completely stripping the site of its infrastructure including tools and machinery. Following a very high figure cash injection into this business, Wickford Autocentre now offers many facilities and services, many of which are usually only found in main dealerships. These include but are not limited to; MOTs / Servicing / Tyres / Nitrogen Tyre Inflation / Brakes / Auto diagnostics / Air condition servicing / Timing belts / Head gasket / All major repairs undertaken / Accident management services. Economical servicing options for are available every pocket and we also offer up to 12months parts and labour warranties to ensure total customer confidence. Every service includes free brake, exhaust, shocks, tyre, battery and clutch checks. A top-down overhaul has catapulted the auto centre into popularity with the local vehicle operators and motor traders. With a transparent, competitive and fair pricing strategy, a significant number of private car users are making a switch to Wickford Autocentre. So if you are looking for a customer friendly, economical and competent technical team to look after your vehicle, call into Wickford Autocentre today!
Russell Gardens, Wickford, SS11 8BH

IN'n'OUT Autocentres Basildon

4.4/5

At IN’n’OUT Autocentres we offer fixed prices MOTs and Servicing for any make and model of car with no hidden extras. We are proud to be a ‘Which? Trusted Trader’ so we are really a garage you can trust. We also have a 5 Star Trustpilot reviews rating. We provide OEM parts and 12 months warranty on all parts and servicing. We only use premium Castrol oils in all servicing. Our services are all completed ‘while-u-wait’ so you have never have the inconvenience of losing your car for the day. You can watch your car as it is being worked on through the viewing window or sit back and relax in our clean and comfortable customer lounges with FREE Wi-Fi and coffee and read the latest magazines. Check out our latest reviews and BOOK NOW!!
East Mayne, Basildon, SS131BW

LDN AUTO SERVICES LTD

4.0/5

Welcome to LDN Auto Services, we take pride in offering a wide range of services to cater to all your vehicle repair needs. From basic maintenance tasks such as oil changes and brake inspections to more complex repairs like engine overhauls and transmission replacements, our team of skilled technicians is here to ensure that your vehicle is running smoothly and efficiently. Trust LDN Auto Services for all your automotive needsHighly experienced technicians with expertise in a wide range of vehicles - RAC Approved Garage - State-of-the-art equipment to diagnose and repair vehicle issues efficiently - Competitive pricing and transparent billing for quality service
Unit 9, Harrison Drive, Braintree, CM71DE

Full service & MOT

Save on time and book your service and MOT in at the same time. A comprehensive set of checks to make sure your vehicle is safe and working correctly during your service.

Before and after the service, we’ll run a general road test to detect if anything feels or sounds unusual and to make sure there aren’t any new problems.
- Battery and charging system check – Cooling system check – Engine oil and filter change – Fuel filter check – Air filter replacement – Power steering fluid top-up
– Steering and suspension – Wheels and tyres – Brakes – Front and rear lights – Exhaust – Mechanical parts – Wipers – Wiper fluid top up
– Horn – Seatbelts – Seatbelt mounts
We’ll plug into your onboard engine management systems using our specialist diagnostic computer. We’ll then run a full engine management system check, looking for electrical issues and any problems flagged up by the electric control units on the engine, the power steering, transmission, sensors and more.
– Lights and signalling – Brakes and tyres – Steering and suspension – Exhaust and emissions – Visibility

MOT

An MOT test checks if your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. Cars over 3 years old must pass an MOT test every year.

Check lights, indicators, and reflectors.
Test brakes and examine tyre condition.
Inspect for wear and proper operation.
Measure emissions and check the exhaust system.
Check mirrors, windscreen, wipers, and washers.
RAC Mobile Mechanic under the wheel arch of a white car

Full service

A comprehensive set of checks to make sure your car’s safe and working correctly. It should take around 1 hour 45 minutes. Recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles.

Before and after the service, we’ll run a general road test to detect if anything feels or sounds unusual and to make sure there aren’t any new problems.
- Battery and charging system check – Cooling system check – Engine oil and filter change – Fuel filter check – Air filter replacement – Power steering fluid top-up
– Steering and suspension – Wheels and tyres – Brakes – Front and rear lights – Exhaust – Mechanical parts – Wipers – Wiper fluid top up
– Horn – Seatbelts – Seatbelt mounts
We’ll plug into your onboard engine management systems using our specialist diagnostic computer. We’ll then run a full engine management system check, looking for electrical issues and any problems flagged up by the electric control units on the engine, the power steering, transmission, sensors and more.

And it’s not just a MOT and service that we do in Chelmsford

Repairs

RAC Approved Garages can offer expert repairs at a fair price. Whether you’re looking to have your brake pads and discs repaired at home or need more extensive work performed at a garage – the RAC has the solution for you.

Diagnostic

If you’re unsure what’s causing your vehicle problems, have it looked at by an expert. RAC Approved Garages come with our seal of approval. You can rest assured that you’ll be given an accurate diagnosis and be fully informed of all your options for repair.

RAC Mobile Mechanic adding oil to a car

Frequently Asked Questions on full service and MOT

A full service and MOT combine thorough checks and maintenance processes. The full service covers major mechanical and electrical components, including engine oil changes, filter replacements, and checks on brakes, steering, and tyres. The MOT focuses on safety and emissions, testing vehicle roadworthiness, brake efficiency, and exhaust emissions to make sure compliance with road safety standards.

Schedule a full service annually or as per your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines, based on mileage. An MOT is required annually for all vehicles over three years old. Combining them simplifies maintenance and makes sure your car is road legal.

Yes, you can book a full service and MOT together. This is often easier and can be cheaper than booking separately. Many service providers offer packages that combine both at a discounted rate.

The time it takes to complete both a full service and an MOT can vary depending on the vehicle and the service provider. You should expect it to take several hours, as the full service is thorough, and the MOT includes several mandatory checks. It’s best to plan for at least half a day.

Often, yes. Many garages offer a discount when you book these services together. This bundled approach not only saves money but also reduces the time and hassle involved in making separate appointments.

Signs that your vehicle might fail an MOT include visible smoke from the exhaust, warning lights on the dashboard, worn brakes, and bald tyres. Regular servicing can help find and fix these issues before your MOT. This increases the chances of it passing.

If your car fails, you’ll get a list of faults classified as 'minor', 'major', or 'dangerous'. Major and dangerous faults must be fixed to pass the retest. You can repair these issues at the same garage, which might offer a free retest, or take it to another garage.