Service, Repairs & MOT

MOT and car service in Brighton

Book a local RAC Approved Garage that you can trust.

  • 12-months parts guarantee
  • Honest pricing
  • Exceptional customer service

Why choose the RAC for a MOT and car service in Brighton?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. So giving our members service they can trust matters. That's why we offer MOT and car services from our RAC Approved Garages. 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.

We also offer a full and interim car service in Brighton.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

Full service & MOT

Save on time and book your service and MOT in at the same time. A comprehensive set of checks to make sure your vehicle is safe and working correctly during your service.

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.
- Battery and charging system check – Cooling system check – Engine oil and filter change – Fuel filter check – Air filter replacement – Power steering fluid top-up
– Steering and suspension – Wheels and tyres – Brakes – Front and rear lights – Exhaust – Mechanical parts – Wipers – Wiper fluid top up
– Horn – Seatbelts – Seatbelt mounts
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.
– Lights and signalling – Brakes and tyres – Steering and suspension – Exhaust and emissions – Visibility

MOT

An MOT test checks if your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. Cars over 3 years old must pass an MOT test every year.

Check lights, indicators, and reflectors.
Test brakes and examine tyre condition.
Inspect for wear and proper operation.
Measure emissions and check the exhaust system.
Check mirrors, windscreen, wipers, and washers.
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.

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.
- Battery and charging system check – Cooling system check – Engine oil and filter change – Fuel filter check – Air filter replacement – Power steering fluid top-up
– Steering and suspension – Wheels and tyres – Brakes – Front and rear lights – Exhaust – Mechanical parts – Wipers – Wiper fluid top up
– Horn – Seatbelts – Seatbelt mounts
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.

And it’s not just a MOT and service that we do in Brighton

Repairs

RAC Approved Garages can offer expert repairs at a fair price. 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 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.

RAC Mobile Mechanic adding oil to a car

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

PJE Automotive Ltd

5.0/5

Here at PJE Automotive our quality of engineering expertise and customer service is “second to none”. To tell the truth, we are proud of the high standards that we achieve at PJE Automotive. In other words, we take pride in knowing our customers have confidence in our garage. When it comes to your prestige car, we know it needs some love and care and because of this, our quality never fails. We are members of the Bosch Car Service Network which is a national network of independent garages. Our objective is to provide you with a friendly and professional service for all your motoring needs at a fair and affordable price, using Bosch and Original Equipment quality parts. Our garages are fully equipped with modern, innovative diagnostic systems for quick and accurate trouble-shooting. We are audited by, and accredited to the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) to guarantee that we maintain the high standards set by Bosch. You can rely on us for fast, expert and affordable vehicle servicing and repair work. For everything your car needs.
Unit B8 - B11 Hollingbury Trading Estate, Crowhurst Road, Brighton, BN18AF

Bayley's vehicle locksmiths ltd

4.8/5

Bayleys Vehicle Locksmiths are an experienced, reliable and skilled local business based in Hove, East Sussex. We cover the whole of Sussex, Surrey and Kent and offer a 24 hour emergency response. VEHICLE LOCKSMITHS – VEHICLE REPAIR – MOT AND SERVICING WE OFFER COMPLETE KEY CUTTING AND CODING FOR MOST VEHICLES, INCLUDING HGVS & LGVS. HAVE YOU LOST YOUR HGV KEY OR NEED A SPARE ONE? WE COVER THE WHOLE OF SUSSEX, SURREY, AND KENT AND OFFER A 24-HOUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE. WE PROVIDE A FULL CODING SERVICE– ECU CODING – BSI UNITS AND CIM UNITS. ALL DONE AT OUR WORKSHOP OR WE CAN COME TO YOU. We offer complete Key cutting and coding for most vehicles, including HGVs & LGVs. Our team of experts can get your car fixed up in no time, so you can get back to your busy schedule. We also offer MOT and servicing services, so if your vehicle is due for its annual check-up, give us a call! Our expert technicians are only a phone call away when you need them!
Unit 1 D, Cambridge Grove, Hove, BN33ED

A J Robertson LTD

3.8/5

A J Robertson LTD
1-8 Albert Mews, Hove, BN32PP

Ron Young Motors Ltd

3.8/5

Established in 1981, Ron Young Motors Ltd is a long running independent garage located in Peacehaven. Comprised of a tight-knit group of 6 passionate mechanics, with 130 years’ worth of experience racked up, we are ready to tackle any issue you bring to us. We offer a flexible service, with warranties offered on labour and parts. In addition to this we can provide collection and delivery for your vehicle (up to 3 miles), or a courtesy car if that is necessary. If you have an issue with your vehicle, please don't hesitate to give us a call, we're always happy to help.
Units E4 And E5 Hoyle Rd, Peacehaven, BN108LW

Thwaites Mot & Service Centre Ltd

3.1/5

Thwaites Mot & Service Centre Ltd is a family-run independent garage, situated in a new purpose built workshop in Portslade. Now offering state of the art technology to service, fault-find and maintain your New Mini. Thwaites Mot & Service Centre have been servicing the Motor Industry for 15 over years, just outside Brighton City Centre, we are also members of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (Independent Garage Association), subscribing to their quality control programme & abiding by their codes of practice. We service, repair & carry out M.O.T Testing on motorcycles and motor vehicles, which can be arranged either by telephone appointment or can be booked online. Courtesy cars are available for local use when available, our retail range includes tyres, batteries, exhaust systems, brakes and a full range of parts for a wide range of vehicles, with parts deliveries made to our workshops several times a day.
Unit 1 William Street Trading Estate, William Street, Portslade, BN41 1PZ

Frequently Asked Questions on full service and MOT

A full service and MOT combine thorough checks and maintenance processes. The full service covers major mechanical and electrical components, including engine oil changes, filter replacements, and checks on brakes, steering, and tyres. The MOT focuses on safety and emissions, testing vehicle roadworthiness, brake efficiency, and exhaust emissions to make sure compliance with road safety standards.

Schedule a full service annually or as per your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines, based on mileage. An MOT is required annually for all vehicles over three years old. Combining them simplifies maintenance and makes sure your car is road legal.

Yes, you can book a full service and MOT together. This is often easier and can be cheaper than booking separately. Many service providers offer packages that combine both at a discounted rate.

The time it takes to complete both a full service and an MOT can vary depending on the vehicle and the service provider. You should expect it to take several hours, as the full service is thorough, and the MOT includes several mandatory checks. It’s best to plan for at least half a day.

Often, yes. Many garages offer a discount when you book these services together. This bundled approach not only saves money but also reduces the time and hassle involved in making separate appointments.

Signs that your vehicle might fail an MOT include visible smoke from the exhaust, warning lights on the dashboard, worn brakes, and bald tyres. Regular servicing can help find and fix these issues before your MOT. This increases the chances of it passing.

If your car fails, you’ll get a list of faults classified as 'minor', 'major', or 'dangerous'. Major and dangerous faults must be fixed to pass the retest. You can repair these issues at the same garage, which might offer a free retest, or take it to another garage.