Service, Repairs & MOT

MOT and car service in Ipswich

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 Ipswich?

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 Ipswich.

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 Ipswich

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

KW Autos

5.0/5

Welcome to KW Autos - whatever you need to help keep your car or light commercial vehicle on the road, we can help. We can carry out all kinds of services and repairs, including maintaining manufacturer warranty on your new car and arranging MOTs on older ones. From cambelts to clutches, brakes to steering, tyres, electrics and diagnosis, welding and suspension work, to full engine rebuilds and head gaskets, we have the skills needed to get you the best value. No job is too big or too small for us.
Units 1-6, 79 Undercliffe Road West, Felixstowe, IP11 2AD

88 Motors and MOT Repairs

5.0/5

For all your vehicle needs in Colchester, Essex from servicing, maintenance & repair to tyres , brakes, clutches and MOT from skilled mechanics in our garage workshop. We're here to help.
Unit 15 Davey Close, Colchester, CO12XL

Richardsons Colchester

4.8/5

Established in 1966 we are one of the South East's leading vehicle repair centres. We have a team of highly trained ATA staff and we are a BSI approved repair centre so you can ensure your vehicle is repaired correctly. We carry our vehicle servicing and repairs at very competitive prices but still follow the exact schedule recommended by the manufacturer and your warranty is NOT compromised regardless of the age of the vehicle. We also fit parking sensors, tyres, batteries, in fact we can undertake almost any of your car needs. We have alos recently been certified as a Which Trusted Trader which the company has been audited on our ability to provide customers with a honest service quality and cost standard. See for yourself by visiting www.grahamrichardsons.co.uk
Grange Way, Colchester, CO28HG

Alpha MOT Centre

4.5/5

Welcome to Alpha MOT Centre – your premier destination for MOT testing, servicing, tyre replacements, brake repairs, battery services, and diagnostics in Colchester. Our expert team is dedicated to providing top-quality automotive maintenance and repair services to keep your vehicle in peak condition. From routine MOT checks to comprehensive servicing and repairs, we use advanced diagnostic tools and high-quality parts to ensure your vehicle performs at its best. Trust Alpha MOT Centre for reliable, professional service that keeps you safe on the road.
Unit K, Chandlers Row, Colchester, CO12HG

TEC41 Ltd (Ipswich)

4.1/5

At TEC41 we offer a wide range of services for cars, 4x4s and vans at competitive prices, with an accommodating and professional service. We service and repair all makes and models, in addition to tyre fitting, and if you’re looking for an MOT test centre, we proudly MOT vehicle classes 4, 5 & 7, including cars, motor caravans, play buses & heavy goods vehicles. We pride ourselves on being a flexible, honest and accommodating; With convenient, fully insured locations, TEC 41 provides customers with the security that their vehicle is safe until they return to collect it. We’re conveniently situated near the railway station, just a few minutes’ walk away from Ipswich town centre and the Waterfront. You can choose to drop your car off in the morning and pick it up when you are ready, the perfect excuse for a day trip.
8 Great Whip St, Ipswich, IP28EY

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.