Like for like comparison
Instant Prices
No Upfront Payment
Book around the clock
Transparent reviews & ratings
How to book online
ENTER
your vehicle reg & post code.
COMPARE
instant prices for your MOT, service or repairs
BOOK
your preferred date & time in 1 step.
NO PAYMENT
taken - only when the work is complete*
*some mobile technicians will contact you prior to your appointment to take payment in advance.
Physical Garage
Park Gate Business Centre, Chandlers Way, Southampton, SO31 1FQ
About Us
Station Garage in Park Gate is a family-run service and MOT test centre with a reputation for honesty and reliability. We’ve been in business for over 20 years and our team have over 100 years of experience working on vehicles between them.
Hourly labour rate£90
4.9 (1258 reviews)
Reviews Summary
AI Generated
Customers consistently praise this garage for its friendly, knowledgeable staff, honest approach, and excellent communication throughout the process, with many noting they have been loyal customers for years or even decades. The straightforward online booking system, competitive pricing, and prompt turnaround are frequently highlighted as particular strengths. A very small number of reviewers mentioned that proactive updates when delays occurred could be improved, and a couple noted that parking at the site can be tricky, though neither point appears to have diminished the overwhelmingly positive experience.
Physical Garage
Unit H, Mereworth Industrial Estate, Shamblehurst Lane North, Hedge End, Southampton, SO32 2BY
About Us
I always had a love for anything with a engine from a very young age, I served my apprenticeship in a main dealership gaining the best diagnostic techniques available. I knew the time was right to start my own garage with my main focus of being honest about repairs and giving an explanation of the work needed. I'm very proud of every job I do and every car is worked on as if it is owned by myself. This is also reflected in saving my customers thousands of pounds from other garage quotes as there are so many repair options on today's modern cars. Our low overheads and excellent workmanship along with continued customer care makes so many peop
Hourly labour rate£90
4.99 (133 reviews)
Reviews Summary
AI Generated
Customers consistently praise this garage for its honest, trustworthy service and excellent communication, with many highlighting the friendly, professional approach and fair pricing that compares favourably to main dealerships. The personal touch of a family-run business stands out, including helpful explanations of advisories, punctual collection and delivery services, and staff who genuinely prioritise customer needs. Reviewers repeatedly describe the work as thorough and reliable, with cars often running better after servicing, and many note they've become loyal repeat customers who recommend the garage to friends and family.
Physical Garage
Unit 1 Quarry Business Park, Lower Lane, Bishops Waltham, SO32 1AS
About Us
A. R. Autos is a local independent vehicle workshop based in Bishops Waltham, Southampton. With a combined 30 years experience in franchised dealerships and reaching various professional level’s ranging from dealer expert technician to workshop controller we witnessed first hand the advantages and the pitfalls of a main dealership. Using that experience we decided to open a vehicle workshop specialising in Alfa Romeo, Abarth and Fiat vehicles that exceeds dealer standards. Our target is to provide the customer with a top level dealership service using the same equipment and procedures but with sensible and affordable prices.
Hourly labour rate£80
4.94 (274 reviews)
Reviews Summary
AI Generated
Customers consistently praise this garage for its friendly, knowledgeable staff, clear communication, and fair pricing, with many returning year after year and travelling considerable distances to use their services. The collection and return service receives particular appreciation, and reviewers frequently highlight the transparency around costs and work carried out. One reviewer noted that front-of-house communication could benefit from a more flexible approach when customers raise additional concerns at drop-off, though this was an isolated comment in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive set of reviews.
Physical Garage
Unit 1a Kemps Quay Industrial Park, Quayside Road, Bitterne, Southampton, SO18 1BZ
About Us
Looking for a trusted garage with a proven track record? Kinleys Garage is your go-to destination for expert vehicle repairs in Southampton. Established in 1985, we’ve built a strong reputation for providing outstanding service and exceptional workmanship from our convenient location on Quayside Road. Our team of highly skilled mechanics is ready to handle everything from auto electrics and MOT testing to full servicing and repairs. We specialise in fixing all types of car issues, including clutches, cam belts, engines, brakes, exhausts, air conditioning, wheel alignment, and tyres. With the latest diagnostic technology and main dealer-tr
Hourly labour rate£77.5
4.92 (338 reviews)
Reviews Summary
AI Generated
Customers consistently praise this garage for its friendly, approachable staff, transparent pricing, and clear communication throughout every job, with many long-standing customers highlighting the trust they have built over years of reliable service. The ability to accommodate last-minute bookings and the honest, no-pressure approach to explaining work and costs are repeatedly singled out as standout qualities. One reviewer mentioned that online booking confirmation and phone responsiveness could benefit from a little improvement, though this was raised by only a single customer and did not detract from their overall satisfaction.
Physical Garage
8 Shirley Park Road, Southampton, SO16 4FP
About Us
** Prices are subject to vehicle make/model** We are a family run business offering great service and expertise. Established in 1976, we now specialise in the repair of VAG and Skoda vehicles. We also have full workshop facilities, servicing, repairs, parts and MOTs.
Hourly labour rate£85
4.92 (138 reviews)
Reviews Summary
AI Generated
Customers consistently praise the garage for its friendly, helpful staff who provide excellent communication throughout the service process, with many highlighting transparent pricing and honest advice that avoids unnecessary work. The efficient service, quick turnaround times, and willingness to go the extra mile—such as fitting in last-minute MOTs—earn strong loyalty from repeat customers. One reviewer mentioned that their service took longer than the half-day slot suggested, though this was raised as a minor query rather than a significant concern.
About Us
Hammerton Garage in Hedge End is a family run garage and has been operating since 1978 at it's site in Marls Road Hedge End. Hammerton Garage offers a comprehensive range of garage services including MOT testing from £35, routine servicing, electrical repairs, diagnostics, tyres, brakes, clutches, air conditioning, exhausts. We offer free MOT retests and offer free impartial advice where necessary. Serving Southampton, Hedge End, Botley, Bishops Waltham, Swanmore, Curdridge, Buridge, Wickham, Sedgensworth, Curbridge, Borley Green, Bursledon, Durley, Horton heath, Fair Oak, Waltham Chase and all surrounding areas.
Hourly labour rate£85
4.91 (447 reviews)
Reviews Summary
AI Generated
Customers consistently praise Hammerton Garage for its friendly, knowledgeable staff, clear communication throughout the process, and fair, transparent pricing with no hidden extras. The garage has built a loyal following over many years, with a large number of reviewers highlighting its honesty and trustworthiness as key reasons they return and recommend it to family and friends. The only minor suggestion, raised by a single reviewer, was that waiting customers might benefit from the addition of a drinks facility, which would be a small but welcome touch.
About Us
B C L, is a long standing local Business, we pride ourselves on delivering a reliable and efficient service, from the moment you turn up, to the moment you collect your car. We specialise in servicing vehicles for local people and businesses at our site in Southampton and have built a reputation for delivering quality service and customer care. Technology is great, but we are a people business too, and our reputation stands on our personal service.
Hourly labour rate£60
4.89 (433 reviews)
Reviews Summary
AI Generated
Customers consistently praise BCL for its friendly, professional staff and clear communication throughout the booking and service process, with many highlighting the honest, trustworthy approach as a key reason they return year after year. The straightforward online booking system and prompt turnaround times are frequently mentioned as particular strengths. No notable weaknesses were raised across the recent reviews, reflecting a garage that clearly inspires strong loyalty among its customers.
About Us
Europa car company is a traditional garage with all the new expertise. We have been established for 25 years from a family run business to now a friendship run business with a massive wealth of expertise and experience. We have a very large customer base and always happy to welcome new customers. We always have offers available to both new and old customers so please call us for all your vehicle needs from servicing to mots. No job is to little or to large and we look forward to welcoming you. For more help or information please do not hesitate to contact us
Hourly labour rate£70
4.89 (207 reviews)
Reviews Summary
AI Generated
Customers consistently praise this garage for its clear communication, efficiency, and honest, friendly approach, with many having returned loyally over several years. The team is frequently commended for keeping customers informed throughout the process, explaining advisories and costs clearly, and tackling even complex repairs with professionalism. No meaningful weaknesses emerge from recent reviews, reflecting a garage that inspires genuine confidence and repeat custom.
Physical Garage
34 High Street, West End, Southampton, SO30 3DR
About Us
New Chapel Garage is a traditional servicing garage and MOT testing station based in the heart of Southampton's West End. As the village’s local go-to garage for over 30 years, you can trust our team to deliver an honest, reputable service every time
Hourly labour rate£89.5
4.88 (346 reviews)
Reviews Summary
AI Generated
Customers consistently praise this garage for its friendly, helpful staff, clear communication throughout the day, and fair, transparent pricing, with many having returned loyally for years. The online booking process is widely appreciated for being straightforward, and the team's habit of keeping customers informed before carrying out any additional work is a recurring highlight. A small number of reviewers noted minor areas for improvement, such as clearer explanations of invoice recommendations and more reliable syncing of online bookings with the front desk, while one isolated incident involving post-service checks suggests the team may benefit from a final quality control step before returning vehicles.
About Us
Welcome to Badminstons Hythe. We can assist you with all your vehicle needs including servicing and MOT as well as general car repairs. We offer class 1,2,4,5 and 7 MOT's . We are open 5 days a week at Badminstons, Hythe and can take your online bookings, repairs and quote enquiries 24/7. We're a local garage with expertise in fixing vehicles of all make and models.
Hourly labour rate£80
4.86 (364 reviews)
Reviews Summary
AI Generated
Customers consistently praise this garage for its friendly, knowledgeable staff, transparent pricing, and excellent communication throughout the service process. The team's willingness to go the extra mile, such as accommodating last-minute bookings and sourcing same-day parts, is highlighted repeatedly as a standout quality. One reviewer occasionally noted having to chase for a collection update, suggesting the garage may benefit from proactively notifying customers when their vehicle is ready, though this was raised by only a single reviewer among an otherwise overwhelmingly positive set of responses.
A cambelt, also known as a timing belt, regulates the combustion process by synchronising your crankshaft and camshaft which, in turn, open and close the cylinder valves. A cambelt problem can be disastrous for your engine. Your car can’t work properly without this toothed belt - your engine parts will smash together more than 100 times a minute, causing irreversible damage.
That’s why you need to look after it properly and book a timing belt replacement when your car needs it.
When Do I Need to Book a Cambelt Change?
You probably need a cambelt replacement if you notice any of the following warning signs:
- A slapping or grinding noise
- Your engine cuts out and won't turn over when you turn the key
- Your car won't start, accompanied by a clunking noise from the engine
- Rattling or high-pitched sound while your engine is idling
- Your car leaks oil
- A glazed, glossy cambelt underside or cracked or fraying cambelt
However, your cambelt may not give any warning signs before failing. If it snaps, you will not be able to drive your car and you should not attempt to do so. Driving without a cambelt can cause serious engine problems, leading to a more expensive repair or irreversible damage.
How Much Does a Cambelt Change Cost?
The average UK cambelt change cost is £350. However, the make and model of vehicle you own does affect this price. For example, a Mercedes or Jaguar cambelt change costs more than Ford, VW or Vauxhall. In fact, it can cost as much as £1,200.
What Causes Cambelt Problems?
There are several reasons why a cambelt can fail but the main cause is old age. Every timing belt has a distinct lifespan and it is likely to snap when it reaches this mileage.
However, a cambelt can also fail due to:
- Misalignment. A misaligned cambelt is one of the main causes of failure and is usually caused by uneven or excessive wear.
- Under-tensioned belt. This causes uneven wear and excessive noise while driving.
- Damaged belt. A worn or damaged belt can significantly reduce the lifespan of your timing belt.
- Debris. Dirt can rub on the belt, reducing its effectiveness, and oil can attack the belt materials.
While these problems can be caused naturally, an ineffective cambelt change can also lead to extra problems and expense. That’s why you should always choose a reputable garage near you for your replacement.
Enter Your Reg and Postcode to Book a Cambelt Change Near You
A cambelt change can be expensive, but only if you choose the wrong garage. When you need a timing belt replacement, compare and save with BookMyGarage. Just enter your reg number and postcode to see prices from garages in Southampton and choose the best deal. Then, select a time and date to suit you to confirm the booking.
You can filter by reviews, distance, availability or price to keep you in control of your booking. What’s more, you always deal with the garage directly, there is no sign-up, unnecessary repairs or hidden extras and you never pay a penny until after your timing belt change is complete. Compare cambelt change costs on BookMyGarage and save up to 70%.
Enter Your Reg and Postcode to Compare Garages Near You and Save Up to 70% on Your Timing Belt Replacement
Timing Belt Replacement Intervals
A timing belt usually lasts between 40,000 and 100,000 miles or 4-6 years. Each manufacturer recommends a different interval for a replacement, so you should check your vehicle handbook or manufacturer forums to find out yours.
During a car service, a mechanic will also advise you on your timing belt replacement intervals. If it is coming to the end of its lifespan, they will suggest a cambelt change as soon as possible.
How Long Does a Timing Belt Change Take?
A cambelt change takes between 3-6 hours. It is buried deep within the engine and so isn’t very accessible for the mechanic. This means that much of your timing belt cost is made up of labour costs.
Timing Chain Replacement
Some vehicles use a timing chain to regulate the combustion process rather than a cambelt. This looks like a metal bicycle chain and requires lubricant to work. It is much more durable than a timing belt, lasting more than 200,000 miles if looked after well. However, you should book regular oil and filter changes and a timing chain service after 125,000 miles to keep it in good condition.
If your oil pressure falls too low, you may need to book a timing chain replacement. Common warning signs of this are:
- A misfiring engine while driving
- Metal shavings in your engine oil
- Engine rattling while idle
Consult your vehicle handbook to find out whether your vehicle uses a timing chain or timing belt. Failing that, you can check your engine bay for a plastic cover on the right- or left-hand side of your engine. If you see this plastic cover, your car uses a timing belt. If not, it uses a timing chain.
To book a timing chain replacement near you, enter your reg number and postcode into our booking tool and compare garages in your area.
Driving in Southampton
Southampton has been a settlement since Roman and Saxon times, and Roman ruins still remain in a suburb called Bitterne Manor. Some remnants of the medieval wall still exist throughout the city, most notably the Bargate in the centre. Southampton has grown rapidly in the past 30 years, becoming one of the twenty largest cities in England. The two universities (Solent University and University of Southampton) give it a large student population in term time and the city boasts a variety of things to do and see.