Book a Car Diagnostic in Preston

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

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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 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

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Ace Elite Autos LTD

HERE AT ACE ELITE AUTOS LTD, WE TAKE PRIDE IN ALL WORK CARRIED OUT. WITH OUR IN-HOUSE QUALITY CONTROL, WE ENSURE EACH AND EVERY VEHICLE LEAVES TO A SATISFACTORY STANDARD AND ENSURING ALL WORK IS CARRIED OUT WITHIN MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS. WITH ALMOST 85% OF INBOUND VEHICLES OF GERMAN ORIGIN, YOU CAN BE ASSURED WE HAVE THE BEST KNOWLEDGE, TOOLS, AND DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT TO CARRY OUT YOUR REPAIRS. WITH CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AT THE HEART OF OUR BUSINESS, IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS OR REQUESTS PRIOR TO OR POST-BOOKING, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US. THANK YOU

Patten Street 1, Garage, Preston, PR12HA

Eldon Street Garage Ltd

Eldon Street Garage has been established for over 40 years, we are a medium sized business with a large local customer base. We provide a friendly and personal service which has earned us an outstanding reputation in and around Preston. All of our work is guaranteed and we have a fixed labour charge, which means that you don't have to worry about any hidden charges. We provide a wide range of garage services for any make or model and we are Citroen specialists.

174 Eldon Street, Ashton-On-Ribble, Preston, PR2 2AY

CKE Commercials/Fleet Services Limited

LGV & HGV Roadside Assistance in Lancashire Our trained experts pride themselves on efficiency, accuracy and a 5* level of service! We price our work competitively, and put a lot of work into preparing your quotes so that they are as accurate as possible, and without surprise costs! We can provide an expert roadside assistance service that is tailored to your needs. We work in partnership with your business, and we understand the need to keep efficiency up and cost down, whilst ensuring to keep your vehicles moving!

453A Carr Place, Walton Summit Ind, Preston, PR58AU

Woods Fleet Support Ltd

Operating in Preston, Lancashire, Woods Fleet Support not only provides vehicle breakdown assistance and recovery locally, but nationwide, due to a widespread network of trusted sub-contractors who are individually vetted to ensure they provide the best service possible for our customers. With an ETA of 60-90 minutes, our main aim is to have your vehicles operating and back on the road with as little down time as possible, therefore, any possible roadside repairs will be completed before deployment of a recovery vehicle. With a fully equipped and PAS43 & ISO9001 accredited workshop based in Preston, Lancashire, we provide full fleet maintenance, repair, breakdown, and MOT packages which is scheduled on our professional, fleet maintenance system meaning you can trust us to take care of your fleet whatever the needs.

Cuerdon Farm Liverpool Road Tarleton, Preston, PR46HN

Auto Technics Southport

Southport MOT's Managing Director, Chris Cross, discovered his passion for mechanics at the tender age of four years old. He would follow his father “like a shadow”, watching and learning while he tinkered with motorbikes and cars. By the age of 14, Chris was such a competent car mechanic that he removed his first engine from the chassis of an original Fiat 500. When Chris left school, aged 16, he was only out of work for a week before he went to work for Jack Hodson Ltd; a well-established garage in Bootle. At the same time he attended Riversdale Technical College, in Liverpool, gaining his City and Guilds Motor Vehicle Technicians Part 1, 2 and 3 qualifications. At the age of 21, Chris launched his own business, starting as a mobile mechanic before moving to a workshop in Formby. He finally settled the business at its current location, at 71 London Street, Southport, twelve years ago. All of which means that Chris has been a top flight car mechanic for more than 33 years. Chris constantly seeks to upgrade his skills and knowledge to remain at the top of his game. He has gained just about all the relevant qualifications possible and is a member of the Institute of Road Transport Engineers and Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). Southport MOT is also an accredited Which? Trusted Trader, Unipart Car Car Centre and part of the Approved Garages network – so you can always be sure of the highest standards of customer service. Right-hand man, Mike, has been with the business for more than 25 years. His knowledge and expertise are second to none. While Chris' son, Tom, has followed in his father's footsteps to become a fully qualified technician at the garage and has been with the company for 15 years. “I'd like to think that people come to us because of what we can do. We tend to get a lot of problems that other car garages can't rectify because we've got a serious amount of experience in the motor trade. I've always liked cars and I take pride in doing a good job more than anything.” – Chris Cross, Managing Director, Southport MOT Talk to us today about our services onor email [email protected].

Autotechnics, 71 London Street, Southport, PR90TX

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.