Servicing, MOTs and Repairs
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Book an MOTEnsure your vehicle stays roadworthy with a timely MOT. Book your MOT test with us to keep your car in top condition and comply with legal requirements. -
Book a serviceKeep your car running smoothly with regular servicing. Book a service with us for thorough maintenance and peace of mind that your vehicle is in expert hands. -
Book a repairExperiencing issues with your car? Schedule a repair appointment with our skilled technicians to fix any problems and get your vehicle back in perfect working order.
FAQs
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What is included in a full vehicle service?
A full service covers an oil and filter change, brake and tire check, fluid top-ups, and a detailed inspection of key components such as the engine, battery, and suspension. We also check belts, hoses, and the exhaust system to catch any potential issues early. It’s designed to keep your vehicle safe, reliable, and in top condition. For a full breakdown of what’s included, feel free to get in touch.
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How often should I service my car?
Your vehicle’s recommended servicing-interval details can be found in its handbook. Servicing intervals vary between different models and how many miles you do. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend a service once per year (or every 12,000 miles).
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How long does an MOT test take?
An MOT takes approximately 45-60 minutes. When you book your MOT with Thame Cars you can choose to drop it off and leave it with us (we'll give you a ring when it's ready), sit and wait in our comfortable customer area (there's Wi-Fi and plenty of hot drinks!) or if you live within a 15 mile radius of us you can choose to have us collect the car and drop it back later.Â
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What happens if my car fails the MOT test?
If your car fails its MOT, you’ll be issued with a VT30 Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate. The certificate will explain the reason (or reasons) why your car failed its test. A VT30 means your car isn’t safe to drive on the roads and you’ll need to get it fixed before you drive it again. You'll need to keep hold of VT30 form, as you’ll need it when you book a retest, or if you choose to appeal the decision.
Rest assured that our team will do their utmost to help you through this, giving you the best advice possible to help you get back on the road swiftly.
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What's included in an interim car service?
We inspect around 50 important vehicular facets. This takes into account the exterior (including underside), interior and engine. We make engine oil and oil filter replacements (if applicable) – and final checks, including a road test.​
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How long does a car service take?
It depends on whether it’s an interim or full service. A full service can take up to three hours. If you're unsure about what type of service your car needs or have any other questions, please get in touch.
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How often does my car need an MOT?
Once a vehicle has reached the third anniversary of its registration, an MOT is required by law on an annual basis. There are exceptions but not many. Get in touch if you'd like to discuss MOTs with one of our experienced team of advisors.
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Can I drive without an MOT?
It’s illegal to drive a vehicle if its MOT has expired. If caught, you could be prosecuted.
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How much does an MOT cost?
The cost of an MOT is set by the Government. Currently the maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle. You do not pay VAT on an MOT.
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What things are checked during an MOT?
An MOT takes about an hour and checks a wide range of items to confirm that your vehicle meets the environmental and road safety standards required by law. This includes things such as:
- Wheels, tyres and suspension
- Steering
- Brakes and brake warning lights
- Fuel system
- Exhaust emissions
- Lights, battery and electrical wiring
- Number plates
- Seatbelts
- Speedometer
- Visibility (wipers, windscreen, mirrors)
