Book a Car Diagnostic in Cardiff

£176.73

Average price for this repair in Cardiff 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 Cardiff

We’ll come to you at home or work

RAC Mobile Mechanic in Cardiff

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.

OEM quality parts

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.

Mechanics you can trust

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:

Clutch Replacement

We diagnose and repair clutch issues – whether your clutch is heavy or slipping, or you’re having trouble changing gears.

Alternator repair

We check and correct alternator faults to keep your charging system running smoothly.

Oil change

Oil is vital to a healthy engine, so it’s important to change it regularly.

Brake pads & Discs

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 Cardiff

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

View all garages

Causeway 4x4

5.0/5

We are a garage located in Dunball, Nr Bridgwater in Somerset just off Junction 23 of the M5 motorway. As Independent Landrover Specialists we specialise in 4×4 vehicle repairs, service, MOTs and spare parts. If you are looking for Land Rover or other vehicle service then look no further! Since re establishing in 2009 we now also offer service work, repairs and MOT’s to all vehicles, not just 4×4’s. We look forward to hearing from you!

Bristol Road, Dunball, Bridgwater, TA64TN

K&C garage

4.6/5

Local family friendly garage for all car and light commercial needs including mot's servicing brakes battery's clutches welding and any other motoring needs.

The Old Station Yard, Avonmill Lane, Keynsham, Bristol, BS312UG

Westerleigh Car Centre Ltd

4.0/5

The company has been in business since 1989 in Westerleigh Bristol,and operating from the site for 15 years.We moved to Downend Bristol in 2004, purchasing our own premises offering a larger workshop and showroom for vehicle sales. The company offers high quality services on today modern vehicles. We have become one of the largest, and best equipped independent garages in Bristol.Our workshop offers 7 ramps including two MOT Bays for class seven,class five,and class 4 MOT Testing,MOT Tests are carried out on two ATL test lanes at our premises.We are able to carry out mot tests on cars and light commercials Vans up to 3500 kg,Camper Vans,Motor Homes up to 5000 KG. Mini Buses,4-4s,We also have a full alignment lift for all your Geometry requirements, and some of the best equipment available to the garage industry.We are PRO-CUTS premier garage for brake disc skimming in Bristol. We aim to provide top quality service and commitment to our customers, whether it be fleet or private vehicles, The garage is a member of the RMI and is a fully approved Trust my Garage member,The garage is a fully approved Delphi Diesel and Fuel injection specialist, We have invested in the latest Delphi Software and equipment.We are able to test Diesel pumps and Injectors for correct operation using our equipment.We are able to deal with pump repairs in house, or we can offer a Delphi Service exchange pump normally within 24 hours.We are also able to send your pump to Delphi for repair, if a service exchange unit is not available of the shelf,The company has been appointed a fully approved, Unipart Diesel and Fuel Injection specialist,We are able to deal with all makes and models of cars and light commercials.All work is guaranteed to be of the highest possible standard and comes with a 6 month or 6000 miles Labour Warranty. All parts carry a minimum 12 Months or 12000 miles Warranty. All Unipart parts fitted have a nationwide warranty through the network of Unipart Service Centres. We carry a range of quality used vehicles. All vehicles have a new mot (if less than six months remaining) and have three months warranty. Cars also have a full pre-delivery inspection before leaving the workshop.Opening times for workshops,Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:30pm Saturday 8:00am to 12:00pm Opening times for Vehicle Sales Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5.30pm Saturday 8:00am to 4:00pm.

84 Downend Road, Downend, BS16 5UE

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

How much does it cost to diagnose a car problem?

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.

Is a car diagnostic test worth it?

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.

Can I do a car diagnostic myself?

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.

How long does a car diagnostic test take?

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

What are common car diagnostic codes?

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.

Is a car diagnostic test necessary for a service?

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.