FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers on MOTs, servicing, repairs, diagnostics, classic cars and track prep from RH Automotive, an independent garage and DVSA-approved MOT test centre in High Wycombe. Can't find what you need? Call 01494 471017.
MOT questions
A Class 4 MOT at RH Automotive costs £45 and a Class 7 MOT costs £55. RH Automotive is a DVSA-approved MOT test centre on West Wycombe Road in High Wycombe, testing cars, 4x4s and vans up to 3,500kg.
See MOT test prices for the full price list and free retest policy.
Class 4 covers cars, 4x4s and small vans up to 3,000kg design gross weight. Class 7 covers larger vans between 3,000kg and 3,500kg, such as a Transit or Sprinter. RH Automotive is approved for both, so you don't need to work out which one your vehicle needs before booking.
An MOT at RH Automotive takes around 45 to 60 minutes. You are welcome to wait, or drop the car off in the morning and collect it later the same day. If it fails on something small, we can often fix it and retest the same day.
You get a refusal certificate listing each fault as dangerous, major or minor. We explain what each one means, quote for the repairs, and only go ahead if you say so. Once fixed, the retest within 10 working days is free at RH Automotive.
No. Retests within 10 working days are free at RH Automotive. If we do the repairs, the retest usually covers the failed items only. If the car is away for more than 10 working days it needs a full MOT again at the normal fee.
The expiry date is printed on your current MOT certificate, and you can check it free on GOV.UK with your registration number. You can test up to a month, minus a day, before it expires and keep the same renewal date.
Servicing questions
Most manufacturers recommend a service every 12 months or 10,000 to 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, but the exact interval depends on your make and model. RH Automotive works to your manufacturer's schedule, so servicing here does not affect a vehicle still under warranty.
An interim service is engine oil, filter and a 30-point check for £120. A full service adds all filters and a 50-point check for £195. A major service adds spark plugs and fluids on top for £295.
See full pricing for what each one covers in detail.
No. Under UK and EU Block Exemption rules, an independent garage can service a vehicle still under manufacturer warranty, provided the work follows the manufacturer's schedule and uses parts to the correct specification. RH Automotive does both as standard.
An MOT is a legal check that your car meets the minimum safety and emissions standard on the day. A service is maintenance: oil, filters and a wider inspection to catch problems before they cause a failure. RH Automotive can do both in one visit.
Yes. RH Automotive services light commercials up to 3,500kg to the same fixed-price schedule as cars, and we're approved for Class 7 MOTs covering vans in that weight range.
Yes. RH Automotive services, MOTs and repairs all makes and models of car and light commercial, using full diagnostic equipment rather than manufacturer-specific tools alone.
Repairs & diagnostics questions
Yes. RH Automotive has full engine diagnostic equipment on site, and a technician who interprets what it finds rather than just reading a code. We quote for any repair before we start.
See engine diagnostics.
Yes, RH Automotive supplies and fits tyres for all makes and models. We don't publish tyre prices because the cost depends on the size and brand, so send us your registration or tyre size and we'll quote before you book.
See tyres.
It's a laser check and adjustment of camber, caster and toe against your manufacturer's settings. It's worth checking after hitting a kerb or pothole, after suspension work, or if your tyres are wearing unevenly. RH Automotive quotes before any work starts.
It's usually gradual refrigerant loss rather than a fault, since most systems lose a small percentage of gas every year. RH Automotive checks and re-gases air conditioning for all makes and models, and quotes before starting.
See air conditioning.
Classic car & track prep questions
Most vehicles first registered more than 40 years ago are exempt from the MOT, but the car still has to be roadworthy every time it's driven. RH Automotive tests exempt classics voluntarily if you'd like the peace of mind.
See classic car MOT.
A vehicle first registered more than 40 years ago is classed as a Vehicle of Historic Interest and is exempt from MOT testing, provided it hasn't been substantially changed in the previous 30 years. You self-declare this to DVLA using the V112 form when you tax the vehicle.
Yes. RH Automotive tests exempt classics voluntarily at the same Class 4 price as any other car, giving an independent check of the brakes, steering and structure, which many owners and insurers value even without a legal requirement.
Yes. RH Automotive prepares road and race cars for track days and club racing, from a pre-event once-over to a full geometry and safety check. We quote before any work starts.
A pre-event inspection, brake fluid change and uprated pads where needed, fluid and cooling checks, full 4 wheel laser alignment set for track use, tyres and pressures set for the day, and wheel torque and fastener checks. Every car and event is different, so we quote first.
Booking & payment questions
Please book ahead for MOTs, services and most repairs, so RH Automotive can give you a definite slot and have the right person and parts ready. Book online or call 01494 471017.
RH Automotive is at Old BRS Workshop, West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 4EL. See the contact page for a map and directions, and call 01494 471017 to ask about parking when you book.
You pay when you collect your vehicle or when the work is finished. Ask about accepted payment methods when you book, or call 01494 471017.
Book online
Tell us what you need and we’ll call you back to confirm a slot. It takes about a minute. Prefer to talk? Call 01494 471017.
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