Book a Car Diagnostic in Loughton

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 Loughton

We’ll come to you at home or work

RAC Mobile Mechanic in Loughton

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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.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic running a vehicle diagnostic check

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.

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 Loughton

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

Buzbys Garage

Having been established by Peter in 1982, Buzby's Garage in Chingford was taken over by Usman in 2020. Since then, we have continued to seal our reputation as one of the go-to independent garages in the area for customers looking for excellent workmanship at a fair and competitive price. Within our clean, modern workshop, you’ll find four inspection ramps and a dedicated MOT bay. Usman and the team are equipped with some of the latest tools and equipment with which they carry out a huge range of vehicle services from Class 4 MOTs to clutches and brakes to vehicle diagnostics. And with the garage having been around for over 40 years, the team has a wealth of experience working on all types of vehicles including cars, vans and, commercial vehicles up to 3.5tonnes. You’ll find Buzby's Garage on Salisbury Road, just off the A112 in Chingford. We’re open six days a week and have a comfortable waiting area as well as ample parking. Give Buzby's Garage a call onor contact us online, we look forward to seeing you soon.

45 Salisbury Road, Chingford, E46TA

CSS Motors

CSS Motors offers car repairs in Waltham Abbey and further afield, such as Loughton, Waltham Cross, Theydon Bois, Buckhurst Hill and beyond. Our team has over 125 years experience in the motor trade and prides itself on customer service and retention. What you will get from us is transparent pricing, a tailored personal service, as well as vehicle collection and delivery, their is also the optional use of a courtesy car if required. Since our inception, we have grown with our customers, offering new techniques and services in response to their needs. Within our service, we cover all makes and models from classic cars to modern cars and commercial vehicles. We are a full MOT test centre supporting class 4, 5A and 7 vehicles which include 3 wheeled bikes, quads, cars, passenger vehicles, taxis, motor homes, ambulances, goods vehicles and also vehicles over 3000kg up to 3500kg gross weight. We can carry out your MOT testing up to one month before the expiry of your current MOT and we can also service your car on-site, so please do consider booking this at the same time. We quote you the cost of your servicing before it begins, so you are fully aware and there are no hidden fees. We also have the latest diagnostic testing equipment and guarantee quality parts and labour from our friendly, professional and fully trained team. We can also service and re-gas your air conditioning system, just ask! We look forward to giving you a warm welcome - and make sure to take a look at our latest.

148 Brooker Road, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JH

Motech Vehicle Services Ltd

If you're looking for a reliable garage in Essex, look no further than Motech Vehicle Services Ltd, specialists in a wide range of garage services including mot, car servicing, engine tuning and air conditioning in Essex.

Unit 6 Roebuck Road Trading Estate, 15-17 Roebuck Road Hainault, Essex, IG63TU

Queensway Autos

If you’re looking for repairs in Enfield that you can trust, Queensway Auto Repairs is the garage for you. We’re a local garage in the area, priding ourselves on our customer service and the amount of happy customers that leave our garage. We have built up a reputation in the area as being a garage our customers can count on and we also have worked hard and done many jobs that has got us on the fixmycar newsletter august spotlight as we are one of the best on the platform nationwide. Whilst we provide quality services, we always endeavour to keep prices affordable. All our parts are genuine quality parts, manufacturer original or equivalent so that your repairs last longer. You don’t need to pay until the day and we’ll always run additional work past you first. We employ a team of 5 fully qualified mechanics, including 3 MOT testers, who can get your vehicle road worthy ASAP. Aside from our mechanics, we also employ 2 drivers, as we offer our customers a FREE local collection and delivery service.

Unit 15D, Queensway, Enfield, EN34SA

MP Automotive Service Centre

We can undertake all manor of works for all leisure and small commercial vehicles. We specialize in bmw’s with our head technician having over 15 years experience in the brand . We are a Registered MOT station offering servicing , maintenance ,organising bodywork , diagnostics , tuning and repairs. Collection and delivery services are available pre booked or sometimes same day where possible

Mp Automotive Service Centre, Rear Of Bush Hill Parade, Bury Street West, London, N99JS

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.