A customer in the garden with an RAC Mobile Mechanic in the background.A close-up of a customer tending to her garden with an RAC Mobile Mechanic in the background.
Service, Repairs & MOT

Car diagnostic in Bristol

Book an RAC Mobile Mechanic and we’ll come to you at home or work

  • State of the art equipment
  • No hidden costs
  • Mechanics you can trust

£165.33

Average price for this repair in Bristol in the last 30 days^

Trustpilot rating for all RAC Mobile Mechanics.

Why choose the RAC for a car diagnostic?

With RAC Mobile Mechanics, you can avoid the hassle of taking your vehicle to a garage. They can do a vehicle diagnostic check on your driveway, so you don't even need to leave the house.

When it comes to diagnosing issues with your vehicle, our friendly expert mechanics are here to help. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to accurately identify any problems, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and safely. The price includes the diagnostic service – no hidden costs. Just friendly, honest experts.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

Our top pick in Bristol

We’ll come to you at home or work

RAC Mobile Mechanic in Bristol

At the RAC, we’ve got over 125 years’ experience in offering complete peace of mind to our members. We’re best known for our breakdown service. And now – our new RAC Mobile Mechanics are here to help make every day motoring easier. If you need a service or repair, they’ll come to you at your home or work.

A customer tending to her garage with an RAC Mobile Mechanic in the background

Book a car diagnostic

Our mobile mechanics will spend up to 30 minutes checking your car for faults and talk you through any repairs you might need and give you a report for your records. There are various ways we can check for faults, which could include plugging in to check your car’s onboard engine management system.

We use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standard parts, which means every new part will be the same standard and same quality as the original part it replaced.
Our mobile mechanics are friendly, honest, and backed by the RAC.
Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic running a vehicle diagnostic check

Book a repair

It’s easy to book a car repair online. We bring the garage to you with RAC Mobile Mechanics, or find a trusted local garage. Common repair jobs include:

We diagnose and repair clutch issues – whether your clutch is heavy or slipping, or you’re having trouble changing gears.
We check and correct alternator faults to keep your charging system running smoothly.
Oil is vital to a healthy engine, so it’s important to change it regularly.
If your brakes are making noise or you’re noticing reduced stopping power, it’s likely time to replace your brake pads or discs.

Average cost of a vehicle diagnostic by car make^

The RAC charges a flat rate for the cost of a car diagnostic but prices may change due to inflation. According to RAC data, the average cost of a car diagnostic is £87.

Make

Average price

Ford

£105

Vauxhall

£105

Volkswagen

£105

Peugeot

£104

Mercedes-Benz

£104

Nissan

£106

BMW

£107

Audi

£106

Renault

£104

Citroen

£104

^Average price quoted for RAC Mobile Mechanics from 01/01/25 to 31/03/25.

And it’s not just car diagnostics that we do in Bristol

Mobile mechanics bring the garage to you, saving you the hassle of getting your car to a garage. If you need a service or repair, they’ll come to you at your home or work.

A close up of an RAC mobile mechanic looking under the hood of a car

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

Tech and tyres mobile vehicle services LTD

5.0/5

Professional garage and mobile tyre fitting service based in Wiltshire.
Bradford Road, Melksham, SN128LQ

Tetbury Motor Centre GL8

5.0/5

If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing properly" Welcome to Tetbury Motor Centre, your leading main dealer alternative. Run as a friendly family garage, we were established in the 1980's with an extensive range of knowledge covering all vehicles. We pride ourselves in being high quality, hassle free and most importantly being trustworthy. Although we are specialist in Subaru, Isuzu and Tata, we service all makes of vehicle to the highest standard using your manufacturers service guidlines, thus keeping your warranty protected and "peace of mind satisfaction". We are also a full MOT testing station, air conditioning service centre, and a tyre fitment dealer, using the latest full diagnostics computer software and equipment.
Unit 6 Tetbury Industrial Estate, Cirencester Road, Tetbury, GL88EZ

Car Care Tetbury

4.4/5

Established in 1974, we are Tetbury's premier independent garage offering a dedicated and experienced team of seven mechanics. As a small, family run business we provide a professional yet personal service and a familiar face to all of our returning customers. We have been voted Independent Garage of the Year 2012 by both Motor Trader and the Motor Industry Code of Practice! We offer a full range of services for all makes of cars, four wheel drives and light commercial vehicles. At Car Care Tetbury customer satisfaction is our top priority so please contact us today at whocanfixmycar.com.
Car Care (Tetbury) Ltd, Units 1-3, Priory Industrial Estate, London Road, Tetbury, GL8 8HZ

Promotive BMW MINI

4.0/5

Promotive is one of the largest independent BMW and MINI specialists in the country. Our technicians are both BMW specialists & MINI specialists trained and have the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment to pinpoint any faults in your car as quickly and accurately as possible. Any parts that need to be replaced will be of the same quality as those that were originally fitted on your vehicle. We work to a code of practice. This commitment to customer care gives you peace of mind in knowing that you are going to be given not only the best technical service, but also the best customer service. Promotive is run by John O’Sullivan who has 30 years BMW knowledge and training.
66 Tregwilym Road, Rogerstone, Newport, NP109EJ

John Dolbear Tyre & Auto Services Ltd

3.1/5

John Dolbear Tyre and Auto Services 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.
North Road, Cardiff, CF14 3AF

Frequently asked questions on car diagnostics

The cost you pay can vary depending on the type of car and how complicated the diagnostic test. Check with your mechanic for a quote.

Yes, a diagnostic test may save you a lot of money. It finds issues early before they become costly repairs. It can also keep your vehicle running efficiently and safely.

While you can buy a diagnostic tool, interpreting the results needs expertise. It’s best if you to have a professional mechanic perform the test.

Diagnostic tests take from 30 minutes to a few hours. This depends on what issues are being looked at.

Common diagnostic trouble codes include:

  • P0300: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
  • P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold
  • P0171: System Too Lean (Bank 1)

These are general examples, so your car may have different codes. Always check with a mechanic so you get an accurate diagnosis.

Yes, they are. Regular diagnostics can help keep your car in good health. It makes sure that underlying issues are addressed quickly, so you can drive with peace of mind on the road.

Again, keep in mind that mechanics might have their own checklists. Chat with your mechanic to be sure that they address any specific issues you have.