Service, Repairs & MOT

MOT and car service in Exeter

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 Exeter?

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 Exeter.

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 Exeter

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

F&M Autocare

5.0/5

F&M Autocare is newly established business with over 50 years of experience in the motor trade. Dave, Paul & Dan can guarantee your car is in the right hands and will be back on the road in no time. We offer a free courtesy car or collection and delivery from home or your place of work. Covering all aspects of automotive repairs including servicing, timing belt replacement, clutches, brake inspection and Aircon Servicing. We also undertake all bodywork repairs from small dents to accident damage. Using only OE quality parts with all our work guaranteed you can relax and let us deal with the stress of fixing your vehicle.
Unit 1 South View Industrial Estate, Willand, Cullompton, EX152QW

Hardacres Garage.

4.9/5

Hardacres Garage is a family owned and operated business in the heart of Mid Devon serving the local community of Tiverton and the surrounding area. We pride ourselves in being open and honest. Our work is carried out by qualified mechanics who specialise in BMW, Land Rover and Isuzu's. All types of work is carried out including fabrication and welding, servicing and repairs of all makes of Cars Vans and 4x4s.
29-31 Leat Street, Tiverton, EX165LG

Downs Motors

4.9/5

Downs Motors is an independent family run Garage in Ottery St Mary, Devon. In a nutshell, this is what we can do for you: MOT/ Repairs Work Fault testing and diagnostics using our high-tech testing equipment. We can service all makes and models of car, in line with manufacturer recommendations or even basic oil services. Exhausts, tyres and brakes. Cam belt, Aux Belt and Water Pump replacement. And much more..
Mill Street, Ottery Saint Mary, EX111AB

Foxhayes Garage

4.1/5

Established in 1981 based in Exeter, Foxhayes garage is a family owned and run business and between our team of highly trained technicians/mechanics have over 100 years of combined experience working on motor vehicles of all makes and models. We have all of the latest diagnostic equipment and up to date modern vehicle ramps, so we are well equipped to pinpoint diagnose and then repair any issues your vehicle may have. We also offer specialty carbon cleaning which can have several benefits for your vehicle including improved exhaust emissions, improved engine efficiency, significantly improved compression, prolonged engine life and increased performance, improved mpg, cut emissions and more. All labour and parts we provide will also be covered by a 12-month warranty to give you peace of mind. We look forward to hearing from you and for more information on the full range of services we provide please visit our website: WWW.FOXHAYESCARSALES.CO.UK
127 Exwick Rd, Exeter, EX4 2BH

MillTop Motors

3.7/5

Are you looking for a team of trustworthy, fully qualified, and experienced mechanics? Then Milltop Motors are the ones you can trust most. With over 10 years’ experience in the local area, we have built on our reputation of being a friendly, affordable, and trusted team of professionals. From vehicle performance upgrades to bespoke fabrication, we are certainly not limited to what we can do for you. So, if your vehicle is long overdue some well-deserved upgrades and servicing, be sure to give us a call. www.milltopmotors.com
Unit 1 Bond House Lane, Whitestone, EX42HF

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.