Book a Full or Interim Car Service in Chelmsford

Trustpilot rating for all RAC Mobile Mechanics.

Our top pick for car servicing in Chelmsford

We’ll come to you at home or work

RAC Mobile Mechanic in Chelmsford

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 driving more convenient and easier. If you need a service or repair, they’ll come to you at your home or work.

Why choose the RAC for car servicing in Chelmsford

Giving our members service they can trust matters. That's why we offer car servicing from our RAC Mobile Mechanics and RAC Approved Garages in Chelmsford. Our professional mechanics have the expertise and experience to make sure your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently – results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Plus, with RAC Mobile Mechanics, you can avoid the hassle of taking your vehicle to a garage. They can do a car service on your driveway, so you don't even need to leave the house. RAC services are backed by our MOT Fee Guarantee. If you get an MOT within 30 days of your service, and you fail over something we’ve checked, we’ll refund your test fee^†.

Need an MOT? You can also book an MOT in Chelmsford with trusted mechanics.

You pass, or we pay^†

Get a service from RAC Mobile Mechanics at home. We're so confident in the quality of our work, that if you fail your MOT within 30 days, over something we've checked, we'll refund you the price of your test.^†

T&Cs apply.

RAC Mobile Mechanic under the wheel arch of a white car

Full service

A comprehensive set of checks to make sure your car’s safe and working correctly. Depending on your vehicle, it can take up to 1hr 30 minutes. Recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles.

Road test

Before and after the service, we’ll run a general road test to detect if anything feels or sounds unusual and to make sure there aren’t any new problems.

Under the bonnet

- Battery and charging system check – Cooling system check – Engine oil and filter change – Fuel filter check – Air filter replacement – Power steering fluid top-up

Exterior checks

– Steering and suspension – Wheels and tyres – Brakes – Front and rear lights – Exhaust – Mechanical parts – Wipers – Wiper fluid top up

Safety feature checks

– Horn – Seatbelts – Seatbelt mounts

Full diagnostic check

We’ll plug into your onboard engine management systems using our specialist diagnostic computer. We’ll then run a full engine management system check, looking for electrical issues and any problems flagged up by the electric control units on the engine, the power steering, transmission, sensors and more.

RAC Mobile Mechanic running a car battery check

Interim service

A series of checks to keep your car running smoothly between full services. It should take around 1 hour.

Road test

Before and after the service, we’ll run a general road test to detect if anything feels or sounds unusual and to make sure there aren’t any new problems.

Under the bonnet

– Battery check – Cooling system check – Engine oil and filter change

Exterior checks

– Steering and suspension – Wheels and tyres – Brakes – Front and rear lights – Exhaust – Mechanical parts – Wipers – Wiper fluid top up

Safety feature checks

– Horn – Seatbelts – Seatbelt mounts

A close-up of somebody topping up a car vehicle's oil.

Oil & filter change

It’s important to get your oil changed regularly, to make sure your engine is running efficiently and prevent damage. It's recommended you change it every 6,000 miles. It should take us around 50 minutes.

Check your engine for leaks

Drain your oil and replenish with new

Change your oil filter

We'll always use the grade of oil your manufacturer recommends or better

Average cost of a full service by car make^

The cost of a full service will depend on the car you drive, but it’s generally higher than an interim service. According to RAC data, the average cost of a full car service is £260. But you can check out the average price of a full car service for your specific car make here.

Car Make	Average Price
Ford	£276
Vauxhall	£272
BMW	£300
Mercedes-Benz	£337
Volkswagen	£276
Nissan	£268
Audi	£288
Peugeot	£283
Mini	£276
Land Rover	£349

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

And it’s not just full & interim services that we can do in Chelmsford

Repairs

RAC Approved Garages and RAC Mobile Mechanics offer expert repairs at a fair price in Chelmsford. Whether you’re looking to have your brake pads and discs repaired at home, or need more extensive work performed at a garage – the RAC has the solution for you.

Diagnostic

If you’re unsure what’s causing your vehicle problems, have it looked at by an expert. RAC's Chelmsford Mobile Mechanics and RAC Approved Garages come with our seal of approval. You can rest assured that you’ll be given an accurate diagnosis and be fully informed of all your options for repair.

What our expert says

There are a few types of service available: interim, full, and manufacturer’s. The advantage of a manufacturer service is it will replace things that the others won’t. Some items are time critical and need to be carried out in line with manufacturer’s guidelines.

Nick Mullender

Lead RAC Mobile Mechanic

Alternatively why not try one of our RAC Approved Garages in Chelmsford

View all garages

BB Motors Solution Ltd T/A Platinum Motor Solutions

4.8/5

Established in 2008 with over 7 years of experience, Platinum Motors is a well-known, locally run business based in Romford. We pride ourselves on providing an honest and reliable service throughout the local area. At Platinum Motoring Solutions we are a small team of qualified and experienced mechanics offering a complete range of garage services. We undertake all car servicing and provide quality MOT testing and repairs as well as computer Diagnostics for all make and models As testament to the high standard of service and workmanship that we provide, we maintain many repeat customers and are highly recommended across the local Romford and Gidea park area. Want to find out if we can help you? Are you looking for a free estimate? Please feel free to contact us today.

376-392, Brentwood Road, Romford, RM25TD

A&R Motors Engineering Ltd

4.7/5

A&R Motors, Canvey's favourite workshop for full car servicing, brakes & clutch, suspension, engine repairs & tuning, exhaust fitting, welding and classic car restoration. Family owned and established for 35 years, we are possibly the longest running workshop in Canvey Island. We are not part of any franchise or chain, just a local garage with honest mechanics you can trust. Your safety is our key objective and our value for money service ensures you hassle free motoring at an affordable cost. We offer a full range of great value services for all types of car and van from personal vehicles to commercial fleets. We also cater for classic vehicles with vast experience in classic Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and most American Cars.

11 Kings Close, Charfleet Industrial Estate, Canvey Island, SS80QZ

Eastern Garage

4.7/5

Eastern Garage is your local independent garage that has been established since 1950. We have been serving the local community for over 60 years and hope to do so for many more years to come. The current owner, Martin Sheath, took over in 1989 and runs a team of 10 employees. Our technicians have over 60 years of combined experience with all makes and models of vehicles. By choosing us to repair your vehicle, you can be assured that your vehicle will receive the care and attention it needs and deserves. We are able to carry out all repairs in line with manufacturers recommendations.

Wethersfield Road, Essex, CM7 4NT

Inverness Garage

4.3/5

We are a family run business in its second generation. Inverness Garage opened in 1970 and are a large independent garage operating in the centre of town, close to bus routes and train stations located near Southend and Leigh on Sea. We have been AA garage of the year (south east) three times. We pride ourselves on being an honest, friendly and very professional garage. We offer a full spectrum of garage services in Westcliff on Sea, from MOT’s and Servicing to the latest electronic diagnostics, car air conditioning services and good old-fashioned welding. There is little we can't do in-house, our expert technicians deliver exceptional customer service and expertise with an extensive network of specialised service partners we provide a one stop for all your motoring needs, all work carried out will be covered by our comprehensive warranty here at Inverness Garage in Westcliff on Sea. Should you require it we offer collection and delivery services as well as two loan cars should you need one whilst your vehicle is with us. If you prefer to wait while we work on your vehicle we have a comfortable waiting room for you to use. So sit back and rest assured your vehicle will be in expert hands at Inverness Garage.

Inverness Avenue, Westcliff-On-Sea, SS09DY

Harris and box vehicle solutions ltd

3.7/5

Harris and Box Vehicle Solutions Ltd is an independent workshop based in Witham. We provide the highest level of service across our expertise and never hesitate to go the extra mile for the satisfaction of our clients. Whether it is a major issue or a minor inconvenience, we will make sure that your car is ready to set off as soon as possible. We cover Witham and the surrounding Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire areas. We possess over 25 years of experience in the motor industry, working at main dealers and fast fits. We are also AA approved. Our professional mechanics can solve any issue that you are experiencing with your car with excellent workmanship and care. We never include any unnecessary repairs or hidden extras. So, when your car needs any repairs or periodic maintenance, you can rest assured that it is in safe hands with Harris and Box Vehicle Solutions Ltd.

36, Witham, CM83TH

Frequently Asked Questions on Full and Interim Services

What does a full service include?

A full service is thorough. It includes checking and replacing the engine oil and all filters. It also involves inspecting brakes, tyres, lights, and exhaust systems. Safety features like seatbelts and airbags are tested. The suspension, steering, and battery are assessed too. Check the specifics to know what your mechanic includes. A full service makes sure every key system in your car is optimised for performance and safety.

How often should I book a full service for my car?

Usually, a full service is needed once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. This depends on what your car’s manufacturer says, so check your owner’s manual or ask your service provider for advice.

What’s included in an interim service?

An interim service includes changing the engine oil and oil filter. Essential fluids are topped up, and key components like tyres, lights, and wipers are checked. It’s designed to keep your car safe and reliable between full services, especially if you drive a lot each year.

How often should you get an interim service?

For frequent drivers, an interim service is should be every 6 months or every 6,000 miles. This helps make sure that often used cars stay in good condition.

What’s the difference between a full service and an interim service?

A full service is more detailed and includes a complete list of checks and recommendations for part replacements. An interim service focuses on the essentials to keep your car running safely and efficiently between full services.

Is it worth getting a full service with an MOT?

Combining a full service with an MOT can be very useful. It makes sure your car meets legal safety and emissions standards and is in top condition. This combination is cost-effective, convenient, and reduces the need for multiple garage visits.