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Diagnostic Check in Exeter

Instantly compare diagnostic deals from garages near you & book online

4.6* on Trustpilot

*Based on Trustpilot: our average rating
4.6 out of 5 from 5485 reviews.

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Diagnostic Check

Instantly compare diagnostic deals from garages near you & book online

4.6* on Trustpilot

*Based on Trustpilot: out average rating
4.6 out of 5 from 5485 reviews.

happy man using his phone

14,111,816 happy drivers can’t be wrong.

“I’m always on the go, so booking my MOT on my phone was really useful.
I compared garages, picked the best one for me and even saved money, all whilst waiting for my morning coffee!”

4.6/5 based on over 5485 Trustpilot reviews*
* Based on Trustpilot: our average rating 4.6/5 from 5,485 reviews.
Autocare Services (Exeter) Logo
Autocare Services (Exeter)
Unit 5 & 6, Hennock Road North, Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8NJ
487 Reviews
NHS, & forces discount available12,000 mile/12 month warrantyRMI and RAC approved Garage

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Diagnostic Check FROM £144

Autocare Services is one of Exeter’s leading and largest independent car repair garages on Marsh Barton offering a full range of services for all makes and models of vehicles. -Servicing for all makes and models (up to a standard not down to a price) -Mot testing class 4 and 7 -Hybrid and EV servic...

TOWN & COUNTRY GARAGE SERVICES Logo
TOWN & COUNTRY GARAGE SERVICES
UNIT 6, BEARE TRADING ESTATE, BEARE, BROADCLYST, EXETER, EX5 3JX
135 Reviews
Over 27 years experienceFriendly independent family run garageApproved DVSA MOT test station

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Diagnostic Check FROM £45

With over 30 years experience, We are a friendly independent family run garage situated in the outskirt of Exeter. With fully equipped modern workshops and Approved DVSA MOT test station we can service, repair & MOT all makes/models of car, motorcycles, vans and light commercials up to 7 .5t Includi...

Bristol Street Motors Hyundai Exeter Logo
Bristol Street Motors Hyundai Exeter
Unit 15, Trusham Rd, Exeter, EX2 8QQ
102 Reviews

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Diagnostic Check FROM £150

Please note: Collection and Delivery not available on Saturdays At your local Bristol Street Motors dealership, we only use the latest technology and employ the very best highly trained technicians. This ensures we have the skills and equipment to diagnose any problem quickly, making your service or...

Car Store Service Centre Exeter Logo
Car Store Service Centre Exeter
Silverton Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8DG
89 Reviews

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Diagnostic Check FROM £90

At CarStore you can expect simple, straight forward service, repair and tyre prices, with an online booking tool and a price guarantee. We offer same day services and repairs with online payment to make things really pronto. Our expert technician will carry out a thorough video vehicle health check ...

Bristol Street Motors Renault/Dacia Exeter Logo
Bristol Street Motors Renault/Dacia Exeter
14a Marsh Barton Rd, Exeter, EX2 8NT
84 Reviews

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Diagnostic Check FROM £99

Please note: Collection and Delivery not available on Saturdays At your local Bristol Street Motors dealership, we only use the latest technology and employ the very best highly trained technicians. This ensures we have the skills and equipment to diagnose any problem quickly, making your service or...

Snows Toyota & Lexus Exeter Logo
Snows Toyota & Lexus Exeter
4 Matford Way, Matford,, Marsh Barton,, Exeter, EX2 8FN
53 Reviews
Free video vehicle health check report

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Diagnostic Check FROM £99

Maximise the lifespan and value of your car with regular car servicing at Snows Motor Group. Our expert technicians are trained to service any make and model of car using the latest techniques and diagnostic equipment and are committed to providing a friendly, straightforward and honest service.

What does a car diagnostic check do?

A diagnostic check is carried out on your vehicle by a mechanic, who will plug your vehicle into a specialised code reader. It can detect problems with your vehicle which may be difficult to spot manually.

The main components which are tested in a diagnostic check are the car’s:

  • electronic control units (ECUs) - these control various element of the car and its performance including engine running
  • emissions and exhaust sensors
  • braking system
  • electrical components such as central door locking
  • transmission if electronically controlled
  • ignition coils
  • throttle setting
  • fuel injectors
  • air flow and coolant

 

Why is a car diagnostic check important?

A diagnostic check is very important as it can detect a potential problem with your car, even before a breakdown. The computerised equipment scans your vehicle’s system to check for any faults, no matter how minor or major. A diagnostic test is a quick, easy and accurate way to discover any faults and will give you the chance to get them fixed before they turn into bigger and more expensive issues. When your car has a fault, this may show as a warning light on the dashboard. If the light goes out the system will store the fault code so the garage will find this when they do the diagnostic check.

What are the possible signs that your car needs a diagnostic check?

There are many different signs which will indicate that your vehicle needs a diagnostic check. Essentially, if you suspect that there is an issue with your car but don’t know what, you will probably want to book a diagnostic check to find out what the problem is. Here are some of the key signs:

  • Engine warning light - if the engine warning light appears on your dashboard, it’s important to take your vehicle to a garage as soon as possible as there is a wide variety of problems which the light may be flagging up.
  • Strange noises – any strange noises coming from your car need to be checked out before they turn into more serious problem. Some of these sounds may include; whining from the bonnet, abnormally loud exhaust, uneven engine noise, brake squealing or gear crunching.
  • Smoke - if you see smoke or steam coming from under the bonnet, your vehicle may be overheating.
  • Vibrating - if you notice any vibrating or pulling under your brake, the issue may be due to work brake discs or pads. However, it could also indicate a problem with your suspension or steering.

 

How long do car diagnostics take?

You can expect a diagnostic check on your car to take approximately 90 minutes. You may want to allow for more time though as the mechanic who will be carrying out the check might not be available to start right away.

How much does a car diagnostic check cost?

The price of a car diagnostic test can vary, depending on the garage that you visit. Each garage has a fixed price for diagnostic checks, ranging from £30 - £100.

Enter your vehicle registration number and post code into BookMyGarage (at the top of this page) and you can instantly compare diagnostic check pricing from all of the garages in Exeter. As well as price, you can see the garages’ reviews, distance from your post code, extra services offered and availability. You don’t even have to register to get access to all of this information. When you have selected a suitable garage, you can choose a date, any optional extras (such as collection and delivery, loan car etc.) and book online.

How to be a better driver

Whether you’re driving in Exeter or further afield, think about road user etiquette. Showing respect for other road users makes driving more pleasant for you and safer for everyone. For example, if you have to make a last minute change of lane, make your request to change clear to the driver who will need to let you in - and signal your thanks if they do. Be ready to abandon the change of lane if they won’t play ball - your safety (and that of other drivers and pedestrians) is more important than getting to your destination in the shortest time possible. When the position is reversed and a driver asks your permission to change lanes, allow them to as long as it is safe. If you get frustrated, avoid using your horn - it won’t improve matters and might make them considerably worse.

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Diagnostic Check