Let’s be honest about something: When your car’s making that grinding noise at 7am on a Tuesday morning in Clapham, you’re not thinking about the romantic notion of finding a “trusted local garage.” You’re thinking “how quickly can someone fix this, how much will it cost, and can I avoid taking a day off work?”
That’s where mobile mechanics come in. They drive to you – whether that’s your driveway in Bromley, your office car park in Canary Wharf, or that awkward side street in Hackney where you’ve been parked for three days hoping the problem sorts itself out (it won’t).
But here’s the question everyone asks: What does a mobile mechanic actually cost in London?
The short answer? Anywhere from £40 to £200 per hour depending on what you need, where you are, and whether it’s 2pm on a Wednesday or 2am on Christmas Eve.
The longer answer – the one that’ll actually help you budget and avoid getting rinsed – that’s what we’re here for.
What This Guide Covers
We’re going to walk through exactly what mobile mechanics charge across London in 2026, broken down by:
- Service zones (because yes, Central London costs more than Croydon)
- Service types (oil change vs engine diagnostic = very different prices)
- Time of day (emergency weekend work costs significantly more)
- Vehicle type (your Fiat 500 is cheaper to fix than your Range Rover)
- Mobile vs garage (when each makes sense cost-wise)
You’ll get real numbers, not vague ranges. You’ll understand what influences pricing. And you’ll know exactly what questions to ask before booking anyone.
No sponsored recommendations, no affiliate links – just honest information to help you make the right call for your situation and budget.
London Mobile Mechanic Pricing: The Quick Reference
Before we dive deep, here’s the snapshot you actually came here for:
Standard Hourly Labour Rates (London 2026):
- Mobile mechanics: £40-£80/hour
- Garage mechanics: £60-£120/hour
- Premium/specialist mobile: £80-£150/hour
- Emergency out-of-hours: Add 50-100% to standard rate
Typical Call-Out Fees:
- Zones 1-2 (Central London): £60-£85
- Zones 3-4: £50-£75
- Zones 5-6: £45-£70
- Outer London/Greater London: £40-£65
Common Service Costs (Parts + Labour):
- Oil and filter change: £60-£120
- Brake pads replacement: £100-£200
- Battery replacement: £120-£280 (including battery)
- Diagnostic check: £45-£85
- Alternator replacement: £200-£450
- Starter motor replacement: £180-£400
Emergency Premiums:
- Evening (6pm-10pm): +30-50%
- Late night (10pm-6am): +75-100%
- Sunday: +20-40%
- Bank holidays: +50-75%
Now let’s break down why these numbers vary so much, and what you’ll actually pay based on your specific situation.
Cost Calculator
Understanding London Zone Pricing
If you’ve lived in London for more than five minutes, you already know the drill: everything costs more in the centre. Mobile mechanics are no exception.
Why Zone-Based Pricing Exists:
It’s not mechanics trying to fleece you (well, not just that). There are legitimate reasons costs vary by zone:
- Congestion Charge: Central London mechanics factor in the £15 daily charge
- Travel Time: Getting to Zone 1 during rush hour takes forever
- Parking: Finding somewhere legal to park a van and work isn’t trivial
- Operating Costs: Everything from insurance to permits costs more centrally
- Market Rates: Central London customers generally accept (or expect) higher prices
What This Means For You:
If you’re in Shoreditch (Zone 1-2), expect to pay 20-30% more than someone in Sutton (Zone 5-6) for the exact same oil change.
But here’s the trade-off: Central London has higher mechanic density, so you’ll likely get faster service and more choice. Outer London might cost less but could mean longer waiting times and fewer options for specialist work.
Real Example:
Basic brake pad replacement:
- Canary Wharf (Zone 2): £180-£200 total
- Wimbledon (Zone 3): £150-£170 total
- Croydon (Zone 5): £130-£150 total
- Bromley (Zone 6): £120-£145 total
Same service, same quality, different postcodes = £50-80 price difference.
Is it worth driving your car with dodgy brakes from Bromley to Canary Wharf to save £50? Absolutely not. But understanding these variations helps you know whether you’re getting a fair price for your location.
Service Type Costs: What You’ll Actually Pay
Let’s break down the most common mobile mechanic services and what they genuinely cost in London right now.
1. Oil and Filter Change
What It Involves: Draining old engine oil, replacing oil filter, refilling with correct grade of fresh oil, checking levels.
Time Required: 30-45 minutes
London Pricing (2026):
- Central London (Zones 1-2): £75-£120
- Inner London (Zones 3-4): £65-£100
- Outer London (Zones 5-6): £55-£85
What Influences Cost:
- Oil type: Standard mineral oil is cheapest, fully synthetic costs 40-50% more
- Oil quantity: Your 1.2L Fiesta takes 3.5 litres; a 3.0L BMW takes 6+ litres
- Filter quality: OEM vs aftermarket makes a £10-15 difference
- Accessibility: Some engines make oil changes awkward, adding time
Mobile vs Garage:
- Garage: £45-£90 (you provide car, lose half your Saturday)
- Mobile: £55-£120 (mechanic comes to you, done during lunch break)
- Time saved: 2-3 hours of your day
When Mobile Makes Sense: If your time is worth anything, mobile wins. Saving £20 by visiting a garage but losing 3 hours of your day means you’re “paying” yourself £6.67/hour. Unless that’s a good deal for you, pay the extra £20 and keep your Saturday.
TraderStreet Advantage: Traditional platforms charge mechanics 15-25% commission per booking. On a £90 oil change, that’s £13.50-£22.50 going to the platform instead of reducing your cost. TraderStreet’s zero-commission model means mechanics can charge you less while earning more themselves.
2. Brake Pad Replacement
What It Involves: Removing wheels, replacing brake pads (sometimes discs too), testing brake function, road test if possible.
Time Required: 1-2 hours (depending on if discs need replacing)
London Pricing (2026): Pads Only:
- Central London: £100-£180
- Inner London: £85-£150
- Outer London: £75-£130
Pads + Discs:
- Central London: £200-£350
- Inner London: £175-£300
- Outer London: £150-£260
What Influences Cost:
- Vehicle size: Small hatchback vs large SUV = significant parts cost difference
- Disc condition: Sometimes you can just replace pads; sometimes discs are scored and need replacing
- Brake type: Performance/ceramic brakes cost substantially more
- Front vs rear: Front brakes do more work, wear faster, cost more to replace
Red Flags to Watch:
- “While I’m here” upselling: Brake fluid doesn’t need changing every time you do pads
- Disc replacement when not needed: If discs aren’t scored or below minimum thickness, you can often just do pads
- Premium parts markup: Some mechanics mark up parts 100%+; ask to see invoices
Mobile vs Garage: Fairly comparable. Slight edge to mobile for convenience, but brake work requires proper workspace. If your driveway is a steep slope or gravel, garage might be safer.
Real Customer Example: “Got quoted £280 for front pads and discs by a garage in Hackney. Found a mobile mechanic through TraderStreet who did it for £210 in my work car park during office hours. Same quality parts, saved £70 and didn’t have to take time off work.” – James, E9
3. Battery Replacement
What It Involves: Testing current battery, removing old battery, installing new one, testing charging system.
Time Required: 15-30 minutes
London Pricing (2026): Labour Only: £30-£50 Battery + Labour:
- Standard battery: £120-£200 total
- AGM battery (start-stop vehicles): £150-£280 total
- Premium/high-performance: £180-£320 total
What Influences Cost:
- Battery type: Start-stop technology requires expensive AGM batteries
- Battery size: Small city car vs large diesel = different battery specs
- Coding requirement: Modern cars need battery electronically coded to ECU (adds £20-40)
- Accessibility: Some batteries are buried under covers or in boots
When DIY Makes Sense: If you’re handy and your battery is easily accessible, buy a battery from Halfords (£80-£150) and fit it yourself. YouTube will walk you through it.
When it doesn’t: If your car has start-stop technology or requires battery coding, pay the professional. Getting it wrong can cause electrical issues that cost way more to fix.
Mobile vs Garage: Massive win for mobile. Garages charge similar prices but you have to get your dead car to them (recovery service: £50-£100). Mobile mechanic comes to you, problem solved in 20 minutes.
4. Diagnostic Check / Fault Code Reading
What It Involves: Plugging diagnostic tool into your car’s OBD port, reading fault codes, interpreting results, advising on solutions.
Time Required: 20-45 minutes
London Pricing (2026):
- Central London: £50-£85
- Inner London: £45-£75
- Outer London: £40-£65
What You Get:
- Fault codes read and explained
- Likely cause identified
- Repair cost estimate
- Codes cleared (if safe to do so)
What You Don’t Get:
- Guaranteed diagnosis: Sometimes codes point to symptoms, not root causes
- Free follow-up: If issue returns, second diagnostic usually costs again
- Parts replacement: Diagnostic tells you what’s wrong; fixing it costs extra
Mobile vs Garage: Identical service, mobile is often cheaper. Garages use diagnostics as a “foot in the door” service, hoping you’ll book repairs with them.
The Halfords Alternative: Halfords offers free fault code reading. But you’re getting a code, not interpretation. A mechanic explains whether that code means “£50 sensor” or “£800 major repair.”
Pro Tip: Get the diagnostic, get the fault codes in writing, then get a second opinion on repair costs if the first quote seems high. Good mechanics won’t object to this.
5. Alternator Replacement
What It Involves: Removing auxiliary belt, removing old alternator, fitting new one, testing charging system.
Time Required: 1.5-3 hours (varies enormously by vehicle)
London Pricing (2026):
- Central London: £300-£500
- Inner London: £260-£450
- Outer London: £220-£400
What Influences Cost:
- Accessibility: Some alternators are front-and-centre, some require removing half the engine bay
- Parts cost: Alternators range from £80 (budget aftermarket) to £300+ (OEM for premium vehicles)
- Testing time: Proper installation includes load testing the charging system
Mobile vs Garage: Generally similar costs. Some mechanics prefer garage environment for alternator work (need to lift car, proper lighting, etc).
How to Know You Need One:
- Battery warning light stays on
- Dimming headlights
- Burning smell
- Difficulty starting (but battery tests fine)
- Electrical accessories failing
Don’t Get Scammed: If they’re replacing your alternator, they should test your battery health too. A knackered alternator often damages the battery, and a failed battery can kill an alternator. Both might need replacing, but verify independently rather than just accepting “both need doing.”
6. Starter Motor Replacement
What It Involves: Removing old starter motor (often requires lifting car), fitting new one, testing starting system.
Time Required: 1-2.5 hours
London Pricing (2026):
- Central London: £250-£450
- Inner London: £220-£400
- Outer London: £190-£350
What Influences Cost:
- Location of starter motor: Top of engine = easy; underneath gearbox = nightmare
- Parts cost: £80-£200 for the part itself
- Whether clutch removal is needed: Some vehicles require partial gearbox work
Mobile vs Garage: Depends on accessibility. If starter motor is underneath and requires lifting the car properly, garage might be better equipped.
How to Know It’s Actually the Starter:
- Engine doesn’t crank at all (but lights/electrics work)
- Single click when turning key
- Grinding noise when starting
- Intermittent starting issues
Not the Starter If:
- Engine cranks but doesn’t fire (more likely fuel or spark issue)
- Complete electrical dead (probably battery)
- Multiple clicks (probably battery)
Don’t pay for starter replacement until it’s been properly diagnosed. “Probably the starter” isn’t good enough.
Emergency Mobile Mechanic Services: What to Expect
Your car has died at 11pm on the A406. Your battery’s flat on Sunday morning before a wedding. Your clutch has gone on the way to Heathrow for a flight.
Emergency mobile mechanics exist for these moments. But they cost.
Emergency Pricing (London 2026):
Time-Based Premiums:
- Evening (6pm-10pm): +30-50% on standard rates
- Late night (10pm-6am): +75-100%
- Sunday: +20-40%
- Bank holidays: +50-75%
Standard Call-Out Becomes:
- Central London weekday daytime: £60
- Central London Sunday evening: £90-£120
- Central London 2am: £105-£150
- Christmas Day anytime: £150-£200+ (good luck finding anyone)
What “Emergency” Actually Means:
Not all mechanics define emergency the same way. Clarify:
- Roadside assistance: Will they come to you broken down on a road?
- Same-day service: Can they fit you in today (but at your location)?
- True 24/7: Will they actually answer at 3am?
- Diagnostic only vs repair: Some will diagnose but not repair at night
Services Emergency Mobile Mechanics Can/Can’t Do:
Can Usually Handle:
- Battery jump-start or replacement
- Flat tyre change
- Fuel delivery (if you’ve run out)
- Simple diagnostics
- Emergency temporary fixes
Probably Can’t Handle (Roadside):
- Major engine work
- Gearbox repairs
- Suspension replacements
- Anything requiring specialist tools or lifting equipment
Cost Reality Check:
You’ve paid £150 for an emergency midnight call-out to discover your battery needs replacing (£120 for battery + fitting). Total: £270.
That same job done during daytime hours: £140-£180 total.
Emergency premium: £90-130.
Is it worth it? Depends entirely on your situation:
- Broken down on motorway in rain: Yes, absolutely worth £130
- Car won’t start Sunday morning, no urgent needs: Maybe wait until Monday
- Broken down blocking your driveway Saturday night: Annoying but probably not £130 annoying
The Recovery Alternative:
Your breakdown cover (AA, RAC, etc) will recover you for free. They won’t fix your car, but they’ll get it to your driveway or a garage.
If it’s midnight and you just need to get home safely, recovery might be smarter than paying emergency rates for a diagnosis you could get cheaper tomorrow.
Finding Emergency Mobile Mechanics:
During actual emergencies, you’re not in a position to compare quotes carefully. This is where having a pre-vetted mechanic matters.
Before you need emergency service:
- Find 2-3 mobile mechanics in your area who offer emergency work
- Save their numbers in your phone
- Check their after-hours rates so you know what to expect
- Verify they actually answer – some “24/7” mechanics don’t
TraderStreet makes this easier: Search for mechanics in your area before you need one, check their services and availability, save contacts for when you need them.
Mobile Mechanic vs London Garage: The Real Cost Comparison
Let’s actually run the numbers rather than just saying “mobile mechanics save money.”
Scenario: Front Brake Pads Replacement, South London
Garage (Clapham):
- Labour: £80
- Parts: £60
- Total: £140
- Your time: Half day off work
- Travel: £8 parking + petrol
- Real cost to you: £148 + half day’s wages
- Inconvenience: High (no car for 4-6 hours minimum)
Mobile Mechanic (Coming to Your Clapham Flat):
- Labour: £70
- Parts: £60
- Call-out: £55
- Total: £185
- Your time: 90 minutes (to be present)
- Travel: £0
- Real cost to you: £185
- Inconvenience: Low (done at your location)
The Reality:
Mobile looks £37 more expensive. But you’ve saved 3+ hours of your time, no travel costs, no sitting in waiting rooms, work done at your convenience.
If those 3 hours are worth more than £12/hour to you (£37 ÷ 3 hours), mobile wins financially and convenience-wise.
When Garages Win:
- Complex work requiring specialist equipment: Gearbox rebuilds, clutch replacements, major engine work
- Warranty work: Some warranties require garage environment
- Courtesy car needed: If you need a car while yours is being fixed
- Weather: Try getting brake work done in your driveway during February rain
- Multiple repair jobs: More efficient to do 5 things in a garage than 5 mobile call-outs
When Mobile Wins:
- Routine maintenance: Oil changes, battery replacements, brake pads, filters
- Your car won’t start: Getting a dead car to a garage costs extra
- Time-sensitive: Can’t spare half a day at a garage
- Simple diagnostics: Fault code reading, testing components
- You work from home: Mechanic works while you do
The Honest Middle Ground:
Use mobile mechanics for straightforward jobs that save you time. Use garages for complex work requiring proper facilities.
Don’t be religious about it – some mobile mechanics have full garage setups and can handle complex work. Some garages offer collection and delivery that rivals mobile convenience.
Evaluate case-by-case based on:
- What needs doing
- Your schedule
- Where you are
- What quotes you’re getting
London Area Breakdown: Where You’ll Pay What
Let’s get specific about what different parts of London actually cost.
Central London (Zones 1-2)
Typical Areas: City of London, Westminster, Camden, Tower Hamlets, Southwark central areas
Cost Level: Highest (20-30% above outer London)
Why It Costs More:
- Congestion charge (£15/day)
- Parking difficulties
- Higher mechanic operating costs
- Premium market expectations
Typical Services:
- Oil change: £75-£120
- Brake pads: £100-£180
- Battery: £140-£220
- Diagnostic: £50-£85
Mechanic Availability: High – lots of mobile mechanics operate centrally despite costs, because there’s plenty of work.
Best For: Office workers who can have service done in work car parks. Residents with secure parking where mechanic can work safely.
Reality Check: If you live in Zone 1, you probably already know everything costs more. Mobile mechanics aren’t special in this regard.
Inner London (Zones 3-4)
Typical Areas: Hackney, Islington (outer), Lambeth (outer), Wandsworth, Greenwich, Lewisham, Newham (outer)
Cost Level: Middle (10-20% above outer London)
Why Pricing Varies:
- Still relatively close-in (easier mechanic access)
- Mixed residential/commercial (decent parking availability)
- Strong competition between mechanics
Typical Services:
- Oil change: £65-£100
- Brake pads: £85-£150
- Battery: £130-£200
- Diagnostic: £45-£75
Mechanic Availability: Very high – sweet spot of accessibility and demand.
Best For: Most common scenario – residential areas with street parking or driveways where mechanics can work.
Reality Check: This is probably where most Londoners reading this actually are. Expect fair middle-ground pricing, good mechanic choice, reasonable availability.
Outer London (Zones 5-6)
Typical Areas: Bromley, Croydon, Sutton, Kingston, Enfield, Barnet outer areas, Havering
Cost Level: Lowest (baseline London pricing)
Why It Costs Less:
- No congestion charge
- Easier travel for mechanics
- More residential with driveways
- Lower general cost base
Typical Services:
- Oil change: £55-£85
- Brake pads: £75-£130
- Battery: £120-£180
- Diagnostic: £40-£65
Mechanic Availability: Good in some areas, patchy in others. Research your specific area.
Best For: Suburban homes with driveways or garages. Easy access, plenty of space for mechanic to work.
Reality Check: You’re already saving on rent/mortgages living this far out. Mobile mechanics are genuinely cheaper here too. Win-win.
Greater London / Essex & Kent Borders
Typical Areas: Romford outer areas, Bexley, Chislehurst, Orpington, Dartford borders
Cost Level: Slightly below standard outer London
Why It Varies:
- Technically not always “London” (no Transport for London zones)
- Local independent mechanics more common
- Less “London premium” expectation
Typical Services:
- Oil change: £50-£80
- Brake pads: £70-£120
- Battery: £110-£170
- Diagnostic: £35-£60
Mechanic Availability: Mixed – some areas well-served, others require mobile mechanics to travel from proper London (adding to costs).
Best For: If you can find a local mobile mechanic based in your actual area (not coming from central London), you’ll get good prices.
Reality Check: You might find yourself choosing between:
- Local independent garage (cheap, but not mobile)
- London-based mobile mechanic (convenient, but adds travel fees)
- Local mobile mechanic (ideal, but need to find one)
What Affects Mobile Mechanic Pricing (Beyond Zone)
1. Time of Day/Week
We covered emergency rates, but even standard timing matters:
- Weekday 9am-5pm: Standard rate
- Weekday 6pm-8pm: Often +10-20% (post-work demand)
- Saturday: Standard to +15%
- Sunday: +20-40%
2. Vehicle Make & Model
Mechanics categorise vehicles roughly:
- Budget end (Fiat, Dacia, older Fords): Base pricing
- Standard (VW, Toyota, Honda, Mazda): +0-10%
- Premium (BMW, Audi, Mercedes): +15-30%
- Specialist (Porsche, Tesla, Range Rover): +30-60%
- Exotic (Ferrari, Lamborghini): Get quotes, because it’ll be massive
Why? Parts costs, specialist knowledge, more expensive tools, higher stakes if something goes wrong.
3. Parts Supply
- Mechanic provides parts: Convenient, but expect 20-40% markup
- You source parts: Saves money, but you’re liable if parts are wrong
- Mechanic orders, you pay invoice: Best middle ground
4. Urgency
- Book ahead: Best rates
- Same-day: +10-20% often
- Emergency: +30-100%
5. Job Complexity
Even within same service type:
- Simple oil change (straightforward access): Lower end of price range
- Complex oil change (undertray removal, awkward filter): Higher end
6. Relationship/Repeat Custom
First-time customers often pay standard rates. Regular customers of good mechanics often get:
- Discounted call-out fees
- Priority booking
- Better parts pricing
- Honest advice (not upselling)
This is where platforms charging commission actually hurt you. If your mechanic loses 15-25% to a platform every time, they can’t afford to give you loyalty discounts.
TraderStreet’s zero-commission model means mechanics keep everything you pay them. Makes repeat-customer relationships more financially viable for them.
Red Flags: When You’re Being Overcharged
Red Flag #1: Diagnostic Costs More Than Repair
If diagnostic is £80 but the actual fix is £60, something’s off. Either they’re overcharging for diagnostic or underestimating repair cost (planning to hit you with extras).
Red Flag #2: “While I’m Here” Syndrome
“Your brake fluid looks a bit dark, should probably change that too” when you came for brake pads.
Yes, brake fluid degrades over time. No, it doesn’t need changing every time you touch the brakes. Challenge this.
Red Flag #3: Only Premium Parts Available
“I can only get genuine BMW parts for your 2015 3 Series…”
Unless it’s warranty work or a safety-critical component, aftermarket parts from reputable brands (Bosch, Valeo, etc) are fine and cost half as much.
Red Flag #4: Vague Estimates That Become Concrete Bills
“Should be around £200-250” becomes “£340 – turns out it needed extra work.”
Extra work should require extra approval. If they can’t give you a firm quote upfront, get it in writing that they’ll contact you before exceeding original estimate.
Red Flag #5: Pressure to Pay Cash
“Cash only, no receipts” = red flags everywhere.
- No consumer protection
- No warranty documentation
- Possibly no insurance
- Definitely dodging tax
Reputable mechanics accept bank transfers and provide receipts. If they’re charging VAT, they need to show VAT registration.
Red Flag #6: Refusing to Show Old Parts
“I’ve already disposed of your old brake pads.”
Before the job: “Can I see the old parts when you’re done?” Good mechanic: “Sure, no problem.” Dodgy mechanic: Suddenly uncomfortable.
If they’re replacing something, you should be able to see what was wrong with the original.
How to Get The Best Price Without Sacrificing Quality
1. Get Multiple Quotes (But Not Too Many)
Three quotes is the sweet spot. More than that and you’re wasting everyone’s time including your own.
Be specific about:
- Exact service needed
- Your vehicle details
- When you need it done
- Your location (postcode)
2. Be Clear About Parts Supply
“I’ll source parts and you fit them” vs “You source parts and include in quote” vs “You order parts, show me invoice, I pay separately.”
Each approach has trade-offs. Pick based on your situation:
- Know what you’re doing + time to research: Source your own parts
- Want simplicity: Let mechanic source and include
- Want transparency: Mechanic orders, shows invoice
3. Book Ahead When Possible
Last-minute bookings cost more. Emergency bookings cost way more.
Plan services around MOT schedules, regular intervals, seasonal checks. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for best rates.
4. Bundle Services Intelligently
Getting oil change + brake pads + battery check in one visit = one call-out fee.
Getting them across three separate visits = three call-out fees.
But don’t let mechanics upsell you things you don’t need just to “bundle” them.
5. Use TraderStreet’s Zero-Commission Platform
Traditional platforms take 15-25% commission from mechanics. That commission comes from somewhere – usually your pocket.
TraderStreet takes zero commission. Mechanics can charge you less while earning the same (or you pay standard rates and they earn more, meaning better service quality).
Either way, eliminating platform commission creates better outcomes for both parties.
6. Build a Relationship
Find a good mobile mechanic. Use them consistently. You’ll get:
- Better pricing over time
- Priority scheduling
- Honest advice (they’re not trying to maximise this one transaction)
- Someone who knows your car’s history
This is old-fashioned, but it works. Good mechanics value loyal customers.
7. Check Reviews, But Intelligently
Five-star reviews are great. But look for:
- Specific details: “Replaced alternator in 90 minutes, explained everything clearly” vs “Great service!!!”
- Recent reviews: 50 reviews from 2019 don’t tell you about 2026 service quality
- How they handle problems: Everyone makes mistakes – good mechanics make them right
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mobile mechanics charge more than garages?
Usually yes for simple jobs (£20-40 premium), but you save time and travel costs. For emergency work, mobile can be significantly cheaper than recovery fees + garage work.
Can mobile mechanics do complex repairs?
Depends on the mechanic and the job. Many mobile mechanics have extensive tooling and can handle major work. Some prefer garage environment for complex jobs. Ask specific mechanics about specific jobs.
Do I need to be present the whole time?
Depends on the job and mechanic. Some work requires you present (testing, explaining, approving extra work). Some jobs they can do independently once they’ve started. Clarify this when booking.
What if I’m not happy with the work?
Good mechanics guarantee their work (typically 30-90 days labour warranty, parts warranty per manufacturer). Get this in writing before work starts. If serious problems arise, Trading Standards and consumer protection apply same as with garages.
Can mobile mechanics service my car for warranty purposes?
As long as they use correct parts and follow service schedules, yes. Your warranty isn’t automatically invalid if serviced outside a dealer network (that’s illegal under consumer law). Keep all receipts and service documentation.
Do mobile mechanics have insurance?
Professional ones do. Ask to see:
- Public liability insurance
- Tools/equipment insurance
- Professional indemnity
If they dodge this question, walk away.
Can they work in apartment car parks?
Depends on your building rules. Some apartment blocks explicitly ban mechanical work in car parks. Check your lease/building rules first. Many mechanics prefer not to work in public car parks anyway (security, access issues).
What about MOT tests?
Mobile mechanics can’t do MOT tests (requires certified test centre with specific equipment). But they can pre-MOT check your car and fix any issues that would fail, then you take it to test centre.
Are parts genuine or aftermarket?
Ask. Good mechanics will explain options:
- Genuine OEM: Most expensive, exact match, best for warranty work
- OEM quality aftermarket: Branded quality (Bosch, Valeo, Mann), often made by same manufacturer as OEM
- Budget aftermarket: Cheapest, variable quality
For most repairs on most cars, OEM quality aftermarket is perfect.
Do I tip mobile mechanics?
Not expected in UK. If they’ve done exceptional work or gone above and beyond, a positive review helps them more than a fiver. Or just use them again and refer friends.
Final Thoughts: Making Mobile Mechanics Work For You in London
Mobile mechanics in London cost what they cost because London costs what it costs. You’re not being ripped off paying £80 for an oil change in Shoreditch – you’re paying London rates for London convenience.
But you also don’t need to overpay. Understanding what services genuinely cost in your specific area gives you the information to get fair pricing without being taken advantage of.
The approach that works:
- Know your zone’s typical pricing (now you do, thanks to this guide)
- Get 2-3 quotes for any significant work (compare like-for-like)
- Build a relationship with a good mechanic (better long-term value)
- Use platforms that don’t extract commission (TraderStreet’s zero-commission model benefits you directly)
- Plan ahead when possible (emergency rates hurt)
Mobile mechanics aren’t miracle workers who’ll fix your car for half price. But they’re also not premium services that should cost dramatically more than garages.
They’re professionals providing convenient service at fair prices. In a city like London where time matters and convenience has value, they make sense for the right jobs.
Now you know exactly what those jobs cost. Use this information to make informed decisions, get fair prices, and keep your car running without wasting half your Saturday in a garage waiting room in Catford.
Ready to find a mobile mechanic in your area? Search TraderStreet for mechanics near you – zero commission, direct contact, transparent pricing.
Related Guides:
- Finding a Mobile Mechanic in London: Complete Zone-by-Zone Guide
- Mobile Mechanic vs London Garage: Complete Cost & Convenience Comparison
- Emergency Breakdown Services London: What to Do When Your Car Dies
All prices reflect upcoming projected London market rates as of Q1 2026