Book a Car Diagnostic in Preston

£128.91

Average price for this repair in Preston 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 Preston

We’ll come to you at home or work

RAC Mobile Mechanic in Preston

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 Preston

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

Mount Garages(Liverpool)Limited

5.0/5

Established in 1994, our staff at Mount Garages are experts in delivering an exceptional service. Our modern workshop is fitted with all the latest equipment for repairs and diagnostics and our highly experienced mechanics are here to deliver you with reliable quality labour. Our 24hr forecourt accommodates deliveries 24/7 allowing you to drop your vehicle off when it suits you. We have a customer waiting area where you can enjoy some complimentary WiFi and hot beverages. We also have a Londis convenience store if you need to stock up on some essentials! With a history of servicing and maintaining private and fleet vehicles, our mechanics provide the same level of professionalism to any work that comes through our door. We are proud to have been assssed and achieved certification to the AA CERTIFIED GARAGE SCHEME this ensures you receive customer transparency, quality of work, customer confidence and provides additional reassurance by ensuring that Alternative Dispute Resolution is offered.

Mount Garage, Prescot Rd, Melling, L311AR

COMMON LANE TRANSMISSION LTD

4.0/5

Welcome to Common lane transmissions we're an independent , family run garage in Tyldesley near Manchester. Providing Specialist CLUTCH and GEARBOX repairs mot testing, servicing, repairs and maintenance. Our experienced team have been building up a reputation as one of the most reliable garages in the area providing service for each one of our customers. As well as providing quality clutch and gearbox repairs and comprehensive servicing, transmission repairs and maintenance. If your looking for a specialist repair garage in Manchester look no further than Common Lane Transmissions.

25 Common Lane, Tyldesley, M298DD

Bolton Tyre & Exhaust Ltd (OPEN 7 DAYS)

4.0/5

Bolton Tyre & Exhaust Ltd. Is a reputable vehicle servicing and repair centre based in Bolton, Lancashire. Being an established vehicle service and repair centre we specialise in all aspects of vehicle repairs, incl exhausts shock absorbers, vehicle diagnostics, vehicle air conditioning systems, MOT Testing, and vehicle servicing and repairs to all makes and models of cars and vans. We focus on providing excellent vehicle services to all customers throughout Bolton and the surrounding areas of Bury, Walkden, Leigh, Wigan, Chorley and Blackburn.

Topping Street Off Brownlow Way, Halliwell, Bolton, BL1 3UP

Millward's Autocare Ltd

3.3/5

Millward's Autocare Ltd are a proud garage serving the local community of Ingol, Preston for many years. We have built up a team of very experienced and highly qualified master technicians who are always keen to welcome you and help serve your requirements in a friendly and professional manner. At Millward's, we understand the importance of providing quality garage services which is why we only use the latest available state-of-the-art diagnostic and repair methods for all makes and models of vehicle here in Ingol.

250-253 Tag Lane, Ingol, Preston, PR23TY

Thomas Recovery and Auto Repairs

3.0/5

Thomas Recovery has a modern workshop facilities to deal with any motor vehicle repairs. Our extensive workshop has ramp facilities for vehicles upto 8 tonnes. Servicing. Thomas Recovery can carry out your annual service to manufacturers standard Our trained technicians will go through a 20 point service check to manufacturers standards or you may want an interim service half way through the year to give you the peace of mind that your vehicle is good condition. Tyre fitting. Thomas Recovery can fit tyres to cars and light commercials we can fit budget tyres medium range or branded tyres depending on your budget we fit tyres up to 24inch rims. Wheel balancing will be carried out as standard for FREE with every tyre fitted. Clutch Fitting .Thomas Recovery can fit clutches to cars and light commercials and can carry out clutch repairs to your clutch hydraulic systems. We aim to have your clutch replaced by the following day so as to have you back on the road as soon as possible. Battery fitting Thomas Recovery can fit batteries to all makes of vehicles we offer a FREE battery test to all vehicles.

Unit 15 Lyon Road, Kearsley, Bolton, BL48NB

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.