A mechanic standing inside a garage.A picture of mechanic standing in an approved garage
Service, Repairs & MOT

Book an MOT in Watford

Book an MOT at a local RAC Approved Garage.

  • Trusted mechanics
  • Honest pricing
  • Great customer service

Why choose the RAC for your MOT in Watford?

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 Watford.

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.

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

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.

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 MOTs that we do in Watford

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.

RAC Mobile Mechanic adding oil to a car

Nearby RAC Approved Garages

ACS Autowerks Limited

5.0/5

ACS AUTOWERKS first began in 1991 in West Drayton at a basic but functional workshop site. Many of you reading this may have been to see us at the original site and we thank you for your continued custom. For 17 years the company grew in knowledge, expertise and experience. Specialising in German Vehicles enabled our team to gain extensive knowledge in all areas of the German motor vehicle. Specialising heavily in BMW, Mercedes and Porsche has pushed ACS AUTOWERKS to the forefront of vehicle technology.Our bodyshop works to the highest standard and will treat every vehicle with the same respect and care as we do our own. We are able to offer repairs of any nature including insurance work. We also specialise in non fault accident claims and can assist you every step of the way to get your vehicle back on the road.
Unit 2 Chancerygate Industrial Centre, Horton Close, West Drayton, UB7 8EB

Hertfordshire Vehicle Services

4.7/5

Fast, professional and reliable service for the motorists of Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City and surrounding areas. Mechanical repairs and servicing undertaken on all makes & models of cars and light commercials. Diagnostics services also available, with the latest up to date equipment on the market alongside the general services we also specialise in DPF. WE WELCOME PRIVATE, FLEETS, TAXIS AND TRADE CUSTOMERS When it comes to looking after your car, look no further than HVS - our commitment to customer service makes us the obvious choice.
21 Fiddle Bridge Lane, Hatfield, AL100SP

ALL IN 1 MOTORS

4.6/5

From servicing and repairs to body works and tyres we are a one stop shop for all. We also specialise in alloy wheel refurbishment, may it be diamond cut or standard paint spray, and we offer a complete range of tyre and alloy wheel packages for sale. We also arrange and complete MOT repairs up til the car is ready for collection. We also offer part worn tyres.
All In 1 Motors, Unit 28, Home Farm Estate, Middle Green, Wexham, Slough, SL36BS

RSC Ltd.

4.5/5

We have on site a fully equipped three ramp workshop. Our work shop philosophy is very old school, we will never carry out any work to your vehicle unless it is needed, always ask your permission to carry out any work up and above what has been agreed and do our utmost to give a fair and reasonable cost service at all times. As a result of this we have a loyal database of customers from Rickmansworth, Watford, Northwood, Hatch end, Bushy and surrounding area. We offer a wide variety of services at an extremely competitive rate especially when compared to the main dealers, these include: servicing, repairs, bodywork, tracking, tyres, air conditioning re gasses, clutches, brakes, exhausts, car audio and alarms.
Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey, Watford, WD197SE

Acton Service Centre

4.2/5

Acton Service Centre came under new management in 2012. A family run business that prides itself in offering excellent customer service and professional workmanship. Our highly trained engineers and technicians are committed to providing you with the solution to all your motoring needs. Based in Acton just off the A406, our modern reception and viewing area has been newly designed for the comfort of our large base of loyal customers.
17-18 The Broadway, Gunnersbury Lane, Acton, W38HR

Car Repair World Ltd

4.0/5

Hi, From Car Repair World. We are an RAC APPROVED GARAGE and Credited Bodyshop for all Mechanical, Bodywork & Electrical repairs for your car. We also cover Insurance & Warranty Claim Repairs! We repair all Accident Damage vehicles to Manufacturer Standard. We are also VAT Registered for any Car Insurance Claim or Warranty Claim Repairs. We take pride in providing the highest levels of service to all our customers. We would be very happy to answer any questions you have. We look forward to hearing from you. Kindest regards, Car Repair World SL6 0JE carrepairworld . co . uk
Unit C, Riding Court Farm, Riding Court Road, Slough, SL39JT

Palmers Green Tyres & Service Centre

4.0/5

Palmers Green Tyres & Service Centre have a team of qualified and experienced mechanics on-hand to assist you with MOT, Servicing, Engine and Exhaust Diagnostics and Mechanical needs. Our dedication to customer service and competitive prices ensure that you always get great value for money and a high standard of workmanship.
141-143 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 4SP

The Winchmore Hill Service Centre LTD

3.9/5

Conveniently located in the heart of Winchmore Hill, we cater for Palmers Green, Southgate, Enfield through to Cockfosters. With over 30 year experience, we have earned a reputation for service quality and customer care. We have a dedicated professional team of fully qualified technicians, equipped to perform all types of repair and service. We will only ever use quality parts and offer a 12-month warranty on parts and labour as standard.
891 Green Lanes, Winchmore Hill, London, N212QP

Nash Mills MOT & Service Centre

3.8/5

At Nash Mills we are a young and progressive company located on the boundaries of Hemel Hempstead and further afield, such as in - St. Albans - Watford - Hatfield - Berkhamsted -Kings Langley We've been trading in the local Hertfordshire area since September 2013 and we have an excellent reputation for being one of the friendliest and most reliable garages in the county. Our, team combines 60 years of trade experience to deliver a complete range of repair and services for all make cars and vans. We carry all the latest diagnostics equipment, so we're able to diagnose all sorts of faults, as well as carrying out the more common repair types, such as: - Servicing - Mots - Engine diagnostics - Repairs When you need reliable commercial and regular vehicle services in and around Hertfordshire get in touch with Nash Mills MOT & Service centre on whocanfixmycar.com! 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.
Nash Mills Mot And Service Centre, Rear Of - 194A Belswains Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP39XA

Halt Motor Company

3.6/5

David Bux started Halt Motor Company in 1979 and it is now a well-established family business, with sons James and Charles now running the workshop full-time.  HMC has been specialising in quality used cars since 1984 and all aspects of after-sales, including servicing, repairs and MOTs.  As a proffesional car care centre, we have the latest equipment, which allows our qualified mechanics to diagnose any problems quickly. We have recently invested in more diagnostic equipment that will help us to rectify any problems you may have with your car more efficiently.
Unit 1, Hurricane Trading Estate, London, NW9 5QW

MOT FAQs

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.

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.

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.