Frequently asked questions

Yes — R.C Vehicle Solutions is a mobile mechanic. We work on your car at your home, workplace or anywhere it's safe and legal to do so. Suitability depends on the vehicle, access and working conditions.

Safe, firm, level off-road working space with enough room around the vehicle, your permission to carry out the work there, the keys, and your locking wheel nut key if the job needs the wheels off. If mains power is needed we'll agree that with you beforehand.

Most jobs are fine in light rain. If conditions make it unsafe we'll contact you to rearrange.

Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the surrounding areas — normally up to about 45 minutes from our base. Further afield? Get in touch and we'll consider it.

Yes, by arrangement. We can collect your car, have the work done and return it. Any charge is included in your quote — just choose "Collect & return" when you send your request.

For journeys over about 30 minutes from our base, any additional travel charge is confirmed in your quote before you commit. The booking form checks your postcode for you.

Bigger jobs such as clutches and major engine work need workshop facilities, so they're by enquiry. Send us the details and we'll advise.

Pick a service and a time, and send your request. Your appointment isn't confirmed straight away — we check the job, your vehicle and the price first, then email you to confirm.

Most cars and light vans, including hybrids and EVs. Ryan's background includes BMW Senior Technician training and specialist Audi, BMW and Aston Martin work.

No. UK Block Exemption rules let you use an independent technician without affecting your warranty, provided manufacturer-spec parts and schedules are used.

Never. If we find anything beyond the job you booked, we'll contact you with details and a price, and only go ahead with your approval.

Use the 'Manage booking' link in your emails, or sign in to your account. You can change or cancel online up to 24 hours before your appointment — after that, please contact us directly.

No. You can book as a guest — we'll email you a link to manage your booking. An account (sign in with Google, Facebook, Microsoft or email) just keeps all your bookings in one place.

We don't carry out MOT tests ourselves, but by arrangement we can collect your car, take it to an independent MOT test centre and bring it back.

Online requests need at least 48 hours' notice. For anything sooner, call us — we'll help if we can, subject to availability and parts.

Usually 60–90 minutes depending on the vehicle. You don't need to stay with the car while we work.

Every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first — ideal if you cover a lot of miles.

No. We use manufacturer-specification oils and parts and record the service, so your manufacturer warranty is protected.

A full service includes more filters (air, fuel/plugs where due) and a much deeper inspection. It's recommended once a year or every 12,000 miles.

Yes. Under UK 'Block Exemption' rules an independent technician can service your car without affecting the warranty, as long as manufacturer-spec parts and schedules are followed — which we always do.

Typically every 2 years or 24,000 miles, but it varies by manufacturer. Give us your registration and we'll check your exact schedule.

No — the test itself is done by an independent DVSA-approved MOT test centre. We take care of collecting the car, getting it there and bringing it back.

Up to a month (minus a day) before your current MOT runs out — and you'll keep the same renewal date. Tell us your current expiry when you book and we'll work it out.

We'll call you, explain exactly what failed and quote for the repair. Nothing is done without your agreement.

The MOT test fee is capped by the government (£54.85 for a car). We'll quote the total, including collection and delivery, before you commit.

If it's flashing, stop as soon as safely possible — that usually means a misfire that can damage the catalytic converter. A steady light is less urgent but should be checked soon.

Diagnostics are charged separately for the time spent finding the fault. If you then go ahead with the repair, any credit is agreed with you individually.

Yes — Ryan has Level 4 high-voltage battery repair training, so hybrid and EV diagnostics are covered safely.

Not always. It could be the alternator or something draining power while the car is parked. We test all three before recommending anything.

It depends on the vehicle and parts. Send your registration and we'll quote before booking anything.

Typically 90–120 minutes per axle, depending on the vehicle.

A straightforward replacement is usually 30–60 minutes. Some vehicles need the new battery coding to the car, which we can do.

It depends on the vehicle, the job and the working space. Many smaller repairs are fine on site; anything needing workshop facilities we'll discuss with you.

Often, yes — particularly after steering or front suspension work. We'll advise you as part of the quote.

Clutch jobs need workshop facilities, so they're handled by enquiry. Get in touch and we'll talk you through the options.

Usually every 4–10 years or 40,000–100,000 miles depending on the engine. Send us your registration and we'll check.

Every 2 years is a good rule of thumb to keep it working efficiently.