Book an MOT in Southend

Why choose the RAC for your MOT in Southend?

At the RAC, we’ve got over 125 years’ experience in helping UK drivers. We offer MOTs from RAC Approved Garages to make sure you’re getting an honest, reliable inspection at a fair price. Our trusted mechanics will make sure your vehicle is operating safely and effectively. You’ll get results you can rely on, at a price you can afford.

We also offer a full and interim car service in Southend.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

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.

Lights and signalling

Check lights, indicators, and reflectors.

Brakes and tyres

Test brakes and examine tyre condition.

Steering and suspension

Inspect for wear and proper operation.

Exhaust and emissions

Measure emissions and check the exhaust system.

Visibility

Check mirrors, windscreen, wipers, and washers.

RAC Mobile Mechanic under the wheel arch of a white car

Full service

Get your car MOT-ready. Book a service with an RAC Mobile Mechanic. We’ll make sure your car’s safe and working correctly. Depending on your vehicle, it can take up to an hour and a half, but not to worry – we come to you. We recommend getting serviced every 12 months or 12,000 miles.

Road test

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.

Under the bonnet

- Battery and charging system check – Cooling system check – Engine oil and filter change – Fuel filter check – Air filter replacement – Power steering fluid top-up

Exterior checks

– Steering and suspension – Wheels and tyres – Brakes – Front and rear lights – Exhaust – Mechanical parts – Wipers – Wiper fluid top up

Safety feature checks

– Horn – Seatbelts – Seatbelt mounts

Full diagnostic check

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 MOTs that we do in Southend

Repairs
Whatever you need, we’ve got a repairs service you can rely on. Looking to get your brake pads and discs fixed at home? RAC Mobile Mechanics come to you. Need more in-depth work done at a garage? Choose an RAC Approved Garage to get quality work at honest prices.

Car Service
MOT coming up? Not to worry. Get ready with a full service from RAC Mobile Mechanics. We come to you at work or home, so you can relax as we service your car in your driveway. We recommend getting serviced once a year, or every 12,000 miles.

Nearby RAC Approved Garages

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JC Autocare Ltd

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

IN'n'OUT Autocentres Basildon

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

Wickford Autocentre

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

M8 Motors ltd

We are local Independent Garage located in Higham, Rochester, we are specialised in German cars (VW, AUDI, BMW, SKODA, SEAT, ETC) but we also love to work on Japane, Korean, French or european Ford. We have a combined experience for over 20 years, we have deep knowledge regarding DPF systems and Ad Blue, also we have a good portofolio of our existing contracts in regards to van repairs. As general services that we offer we present the following : Clutch and Flywheel Replacement Servicing Diagnostics Alternators and Starter Motors replacement Brakes replaced, Suspension/Steering Check and Replacement Steering Lock problems DPF and AD BLUE system problems. Cambelts and Timing Chain Replacement Gearbox and Engine Replacement If you require any other services that are not listed please don't hesitate to contact us.

Me37ja, Unit 15C, Nuralite Industrial Estate, Canal Road, Rochester, ME37JA

L V GROUP MOT AND SERVICE CENTRE LTD

L V GROUP MOT AND SERVICE CENTRE LTD MOTS TYRES BRAKES DIAGNOSTICS SERVICING ENGINE REBUILDS BODY SHOP AIR CON

Unit 4 Newlands End, Basildon, Essex, SS156DU

RLC auto repairs

Local, family-run, and experienced mechanics. RLC Auto Repairs is a hardworking, family run motor mechanic, offering a professional and customer focused service to each and every customer in Kent and surrounds. Our services include brakes, cambelts, diagnostics, MOTs, car serving and more. During the summer months we offer a mobile car mechanic service to those in Kent and surrounding areas - offering you amazing convenience at a competitive price. RLC Auto Repairs also offer engine remapping services to enhance your engine's fuel efficiency and overall performance - available both in the garage and at your home. Courtesy Cars available - 25p per mile enquire within

47 Bayford Road Sittingbourne Kent Me103ad, Sittingbourne, ME103AD

All Vehicle Services (Kent) Ltd

We are an established local independent garage and are proud to be members of Autofirst Network – a nationwide network of independent garages operating to the Network’s 6 core values of Capability, Consistency, Care, Clarity, Cost Effectiveness and Customer Focus. For your added peace of mind we are members of the Motor Ombudsman service which is approved by The Trading Standards Institute. In short, we are a local garage you can trust offering you the support and service guarantees of a national network, giving you complete peace of mind We cover the XY, YZ and QQ postcode areas and offer courtesy cars as well as a free collection and delivery service”

Unit 5A, Brickmakers Estate, Sittingbourne, ME10 3RL

D&T Garage

At D&T GARAGE we want to keep your vehicle operating at its factory standard level. Our certified experts are dedicated to bringing you the best solutions. No problem is too big or too small for us to handle our specialists are here to help, D&T GARAGE is the place WHERE CARS FEEL AT HOME! We can offer assistance in any mechanical repair such as vehicle servicing, pre-mot checks , brakes service, suspension service, timing chain and belt replacement including any wet belts, clutch replacement and manual and automatic gearboxes, automatic and manual gearbox repairs, head gasket replacement , full engine rebuilds, turbocharger replacement , adblue solutions, ear solutions , Dpf solutions, ecu remaping , performance ecu remaping , ac regas ( old or new gas ) , automatic transmission flush approved garage , injector and fuel system repairs! We can offer 24/7 recovery and transportation services at the best prices on the market! We also can help through our bodywork repair garage any assistance for bodywork repairs, scuffs repair , smart repairs, alloys refurbishments , full vehicle 3 stage polish and ceramic coating. No job is to big or to small for us in our paint shop we can assist with any repair from the smallest damage to accident repairs! We can assist you with your instance claim so you don't have to have any hassle regarding your accident , we are here to help ! Please give us a call for any questions atYou can find us at the address during the opening hoursMonday to Friday and Saturday from 09:30 to 17:00 Unit 6, Norton Cross Garage, London Road , Teynham, Kent, ME99JY, or just time on google maps D&T GARAGE . Kind regards, D&T GARAGE MANAGERIAL TEAM

Unit 6, Norton Cross Garage, London Rd, Teynham, Sittingbourne, ME99JY

Saltmarsh Automotive LTD

BMW/Mini/German car specialists, repairs offered on all makes and models. IMI & EV qualified Free collection & delivery offered to all customers in the local area, please call to check collection is offered for you however our radius if from Bradwell-On-Sea to Southend then up to Kelvedon area

Unit L The Mayflower, Mill Road, Mayland, CM36EQ

autotrend motor services limited

Autotrend Motor Services offers Car & Light Commercial Repairs, MOT Testing (Class 4 and Class 7), Welding, Air Conditioning, Servicing, Clutches, Tracking and Diagnostics. Our garage is based in Chatham, Medway, Kent. Autotrend Motor Services have been trading for over 30 years so you can guarantee your vehicle is serviced and repaired to a high standard whilst still offering great value for money to all of our customers. We carry out high quality vehicle servicing, that now due to block exemption will not invalidate your manufacturers warranty. Previously motorists were required to have their vehicle serviced and repaired at the 'main dealer', so as not to invalidate their warranty. The EC Block Exemption Regulation 1400/2002 (October 2003) allows motorists more flexibility in selecting where they get their vehicle serviced. Thanks to this legislation, maintenance and service work no longer has to be carried out by the' main dealer' providing the garage uses Original Equipment (Matching Quality) parts and that the garage follow the manufacturer's service schedules whilst keeping a record. The Block Exemption Regulation (BER) covers service and maintenance during the warranty period and prohibits vehicle manufacturers’ warranties from including conditions that require: 1/ All normal maintenance be provided within the vehicle manufacturer’s network 2/ All parts used must be the manufacturer’s original spare parts Therefore we can provide customers with savings of up to 60% on their car service and repairs! We also carry out a wide range of vehicle repairs from wiper blades to major engine repairs and everything in between.inc hybrid and electric vehicles At Eurorepar Car Service, we’re all about keeping you and your car moving with confidence. As a trusted network of local garages, we provide high-quality car maintenance and repairs tailored to your needs – all at competitive prices. With our exclusive Brakes for Life program and a 2-year parts and labour warranty, you can drive away knowing you’re covered for the long haul.* Ask your Eurorepar Car Service Centre to fit Eurorepar branded parts to qualify. Claims under the 2-year parts and labour warranty must be made at a Eurorepar Car Service Centre. Discover expert care, unbeatable value, and peace of mind – all under one roof. Ready to experience the Eurorepar difference? Request a quote or give us a call today! *Terms and conditions apply.

101-109, Beacon Road, Chatham, ME57BP

MOT FAQs

How early can I book an MOT?

An MOT lasts for a year. The date it runs out is shown on your most recent MOT pass certificate. You can book an MOT near you up to one month (minus a day) before the due date and still keep the same renewal date.

For example: if your MOT runs out on 16 September, the earliest you can MOT your car and keep the same renewal date next year is 17 August. You can book an MOT earlier than this. But if you do, the renewal date will change to one year (minus a day) from the date your vehicle passed this MOT.

To find out when your MOT is and how early you can book it, use the GOV.UK tool.

When do I need to book an MOT?

A car needs an MOT every year once it’s three years old (four years in Northern Ireland). Then it needs to be retested every year on the anniversary of its last MOT. Cars under three years old don’t need an MOT.

Once you’ve passed, you’ll get an MOT test certificate showing the date of the test and the expiry date. You can get your car retested up to a month (minus a day) before it expires and keep the original renewal date.

If your MOT is due, get a quote from an RAC Approved Garage near you and book your MOT online today.

What happens if I fail my MOT?

If your car fails its MOT:

You’ll get a Refusal of MOT Certificate (VT30). You can only drive away if your current MOT certificate is still valid and no ‘dangerous’ faults were listed in the MOT. You will need to have your car repaired and retested.

Your Refusal of MOT Certificate will explain why your car failed its MOT test and explain what needs to be fixed for it to pass. Ask your local garage whether you need a full or partial MOT retest, as how much you pay will depend on the state of your vehicle.

If you get your car tested, repaired and retested at the same test centre within 10 working days, you usually won’t have to pay an MOT retest fee. Sometimes there will be a partial retest fee to pay. Just ask your garage for more information.

If you drive a car that’s failed its MOT because of a ‘dangerous’ fault, you can be fined up to £2,500. You can also be banned from driving and get three points on your licence.

To avoid failing your MOT test, maintain the condition of your car in between MOTs by booking a car service.

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