Diagnostics
Really pleased with the service from Elite Mechanics. They diagnosed the problem quickly, explained everything clearly and had my car back on the road sooner than expected. Friendly, honest and professional throughout.
Sarah MitchellKent's Most Trusted Mechanic
Servicing, repairs, diagnostics and recovery for cars, vans and 4x4s across Medway and Kent. Fixed price agreed before we touch anything.
5 Star Rated7+ Years ExperienceCars, Vans & 4x4sFixed Prices Up Front
7+ YearsOn the tools in Kent
1,000+ VehiclesRepaired and serviced
5 Star RatedOn every platform
Collect & DeliverIf you cannot get to us
RecoveryAnywhere in Kent
Car, Van & 4x4 Services Across Kent
From an oil and filter change to lifting an engine out, every job is done in house on our own ramps in Kent. Nothing is sent away, and the person who quotes your job is the one who does it.
Car & Van Servicing
Interim, full and major servicing with quality oil and filters, plus a written report on anything we spot.
See moreBrakes, Clutches & Gearboxes
Pads, discs, calipers, clutch kits, dual mass flywheels and gearbox work for cars and vans.
See moreDiagnostics & Fault Finding
Warning lights, electrical faults, DPF and EGR problems. Tested before anything is replaced.
See moreEngine Repairs & Replacements
Cambelts, timing chains, turbos, head gaskets and full engine replacements, all in house.
See moreMOT Repairs & Pre MOT Checks
Failed, or worried about failing. We fix the failures, explain the advisories and get you through.
See moreVehicle Recovery
Breakdowns, accident damage, non runners and vehicle transport, anywhere in Kent.
See moreCar & Van Servicing In Medway & Kent
Servicing that looks at the whole car. A service should be more than oil, a filter and a stamp in the book. Ours follows the schedule your vehicle needs, then finishes with an inspection of the parts that wear out between visits, so nothing turns into a bigger bill later.
We use quality oil to the correct specification for your engine and fit OE or equivalent filters. Every vehicle goes up on the ramp so the brakes, suspension, exhaust and underside are all checked while it is in the air.
- Cars, vans and 4x4s, all makes
- Correct spec oil
- Service book stamped
- Written report of findings
- Warranty friendly servicing
- Collection and delivery
Oil and filter change during a full service
Which Service Is Yours Due?
Tell us the mileage and when it was last done and we will point you at the right one.
Every 6 months or 6,000 miles. The one that keeps a high mileage car or a working van healthy between full services. Fresh oil and filter, plus a check over everything that wears.
- Engine oil and oil filter replaced
- Full brake inspection, pads and discs measured
- Tyre condition, pressures and tread depth
- All fluid levels topped up
- Lights, wipers and screen wash checked
- Visual check of belts, hoses and leaks
- Battery and charging check
- Written report of anything found
Every 12 months or 12,000 miles. The annual service most cars and vans need. Everything in the interim service plus the filters that get missed when a service is done on the cheap.
- Everything in the interim service
- Air filter replaced
- Pollen or cabin filter replaced
- Fuel filter checked or replaced where fitted
- Spark plugs inspected on petrol engines
- Suspension and steering inspected on the ramp
- Exhaust and underside inspection
- Road test before the car goes back to you
Every 24 months or 24,000 miles. The one that resets the clock on a car you plan to keep. Everything in the full service plus the items that quietly degrade over a couple of years.
- Everything in the full service
- Spark plugs replaced on petrol engines
- Brake fluid condition tested and changed where needed
- Coolant strength tested
- Cambelt condition and interval checked
- Air conditioning performance checked
- Full underside and suspension report
- Honest advice on what needs doing next and what can wait
Brakes, Clutches & Gearbox Repairs
Every repair happens on our own ramps in Kent, nothing gets sent away. Braking and clutch jobs are where people get overcharged the most, usually because a whole system gets replaced when only part of it was worn. We take the wheel off, measure the discs and show you what is actually going on before quoting.
The same applies underneath. Suspension knocks all sound alike from the driver's seat, but up on the ramp it takes minutes to find which joint has the play in it.
- Brakes, discs and pads
- Clutches and flywheels
- Gearbox repairs
- Suspension and bearings
- Cambelts and water pumps
- Cooling system repairs
- Electrical faults and wiring
- DPF and EGR problems
Wheels off, discs measured, nothing guessed
Diagnostics & Fault Finding In Kent
What is that light on your dash? Anyone can read a code and order the part it names. That is how people end up paying for three sensors with the same light still on. We read the codes, watch live data with the engine running, then test the component before replacing anything. Tap a light for what it means and how urgent it is.
Get it checked
Engine management light
What it meansThe engine's control unit has logged a fault and put a code in memory. It can be something small like a sensor or a loose connection, or something that will quietly wreck fuel economy and eventually the catalytic converter. A flashing engine light is different again, that usually means a misfire, and driving on it can damage the cat within minutes.
What we doWe plug in, read the live data as well as the stored codes, then test the actual component before we condemn it. You get told what the code is, what it means and what it costs to put right.
Stop as soon as it's safe
Oil pressure light
What it meansThis is the one that ends engines. It means oil is not being pumped around at the pressure the engine needs, so bearings and camshafts are running dry. It is not a low oil level warning, it is a pressure warning, and every minute of running does damage.
What we doStop, switch off and call us. We will recover the vehicle in, put a gauge on it to read the real pressure, and check the pump, filter and pickup before anything is started again.
Stop as soon as it's safe
Coolant temperature light
What it meansThe engine is running hotter than it should. Usually a coolant leak, a failed thermostat, a water pump on its way out or a cooling fan that has stopped working. Carry on driving and you risk a warped head or a blown head gasket, which turns a small bill into a big one.
What we doWe pressure test the system to find the leak, check the pump, thermostat, fans and radiator, and tell you honestly whether the head gasket has already gone.
Get it checked today
Battery charging light
What it meansThe battery is not being charged while the engine runs. Most of the time it is the alternator or the belt driving it. The car will keep running until whatever is left in the battery is gone, then it will stop, usually somewhere inconvenient.
What we doWe test the battery, the alternator output and the charging circuit, so you replace what is actually faulty rather than fitting a battery and having the same problem a week later.
Stop as soon as it's safe
Brake system light
What it meansEither the handbrake is still on, brake fluid is low, or there is a fault in the braking system. Low fluid normally means worn pads or a leak somewhere in the system, and a leak is not something to drive on.
What we doWe check fluid level and condition, inspect pads, discs, hoses and cylinders for leaks, and road test the car before it goes back to you.
Book it in
ABS light
What it meansNormal braking still works, but the anti lock system has switched itself off. In an emergency stop the wheels can lock. It is usually a wheel speed sensor, damaged wiring near the wheel arch, or the ABS module itself. It is also an MOT failure.
What we doWe read the ABS codes, check the sensors and wiring at each corner, and fix the actual fault rather than clearing the light and hoping.
Deal with it early
DPF light
What it meansThe diesel particulate filter is loading up with soot and has not been able to regenerate, usually because the car does mostly short, cold journeys. Caught early it is a straightforward job. Ignored, the filter blocks solid and you are looking at a much bigger bill.
What we doWe check for the underlying cause first, then carry out a forced regeneration or clean, and give you honest advice about whether the car suits the way you drive.
Book it in
Glow plug light
What it meansOn a diesel, a flashing glow plug light usually means a fault has been logged rather than a preheat problem. It often shows up alongside hard starting when cold, white smoke on start up or a rough first minute of running.
What we doWe test each glow plug and the control relay, check the wiring, and replace only the ones that have actually failed.
Engine management lightsDPF and EGR faultsElectrical fault findingABS and traction faultsMisfires and poor runningNon starts and charging
Engine Repairs Most Kent Garages Send Away
Engines out, heads off, timing chains, turbos and full replacements. This is the work a lot of independents will not take on, and it is exactly what we are set up for.
Every engine job starts by finding out why the failure happened. Fit a new part to the same underlying problem and you end up paying twice.
- Timing chains and cambelts
- Turbochargers
- Head gaskets
- Oil leaks and pumps
- Engine replacements
- Misfires and poor running
Engine out, ready for the rebuild
MOT Repairs In Medway & Kent
Failed your MOT? Send us the sheet. An MOT sheet is written for testers, not drivers. Send a photo of yours and we will tell you what each line means, which items are safety critical and what it costs to put right. Advisories that can safely wait get left alone rather than added to the bill.
If your test is coming up rather than already failed, book a pre MOT check. Most failures are cheap items that cost a fraction to sort beforehand.
- Lights, bulbs and reflectors
- Tyres and tread depth
- Brakes and brake fluid
- Suspension and steering
- Wipers and screen chips
- Warning lights
Worn items caught before the test
Not Sure What Is Wrong With It?
Describe the noise, the light or the problem and we will tell you what it is likely to be, what it will cost and when we can take it. No obligation.
Recovery Anywhere In Kent
Broken down, been in a knock, will not start, or a project that has not moved in two years. Cars, vans and 4x4s, collected anywhere in Kent and brought straight back to the workshop.
One Call Covers The Recovery And The Repair
Most recovery firms get you off the roadside and that is where their job ends. You then have to find a garage, arrange a second collection and explain the whole story again to someone new.
We do both. Your vehicle gets collected, comes back to our workshop and gets diagnosed and repaired by the same people who picked it up. One phone call, one company, one invoice you can actually follow.
- Cars, vans and 4x4s
- Anywhere in Kent
- No key, no brakes, seized
- Straight back to our ramps
- Fully insured throughout
- Collection and delivery too
Recovered in, repaired, back on the road
Broken down
Roadside, driveways and car parks. Tell us where you are and what it is doing and we will bring the right kit.
After an accident
Damaged and non drivable vehicles loaded carefully and moved to your address, a bodyshop or our unit.
Non runners
Seized, no key, no brakes or sat for years. Projects and barn finds included.
Transport
Collections from dealers, auctions and private sellers, and deliveries to buyers across the county.
An Independent Kent Garage, Not A Chain
Precision work, premium care. Nick and the team handle everything from a routine service to an engine out repair, on their own ramps, with the diagnostic kit to find faults other garages have given up on.
You get told what is wrong in plain English, shown the worn parts and given the choice. If something can safely wait until next time, we say so. If a car is not worth the repair, we say that too.
Our workshop, Kent
How It Works
From the first message to picking the car back up, you always know where you stand.
Step 1
Tell us what it's doing
Call, WhatsApp or fill in the form. Describe the noise, the light or the problem. Photos and videos help, send them over.
Step 2
Get an honest price
We tell you what it is likely to be, what it will cost and how long it will take. If it needs looking at first, we say that instead of guessing.
Step 3
We do the work
Your vehicle comes in, gets diagnosed and gets fixed. Anything extra we find gets a phone call, never a surprise on the invoice.
Step 4
Back on the road
You get the car back with everything explained, the old parts if you want them, and honest advice on what to keep an eye on next.
Trusted By Drivers Across Medway & Kent
Drivers from Gillingham to Sittingbourne, on everything from an MOT to an electrical fault two other garages could not find.
General repairs
Nick and the team were brilliant from start to finish. They kept me updated, completed the work quickly and charged exactly what they quoted. I wouldn't take my car anywhere else now.
James CarterMOT and service
Took my car to Elite Mechanics for its MOT and service. Everything was handled professionally and there were no unexpected costs. A reliable local garage that I'm happy to recommend.
Rebecca HallVan repairs
My van developed a problem right before a busy week of work. The team fitted me in at short notice and got it sorted incredibly quickly. Excellent service and a massive help.
Daniel WrightFault finding
Nick was honest, knowledgeable and really helpful. Another garage had quoted me for work I didn't need, but Elite Mechanics found the actual issue and fixed it for much less.
Chloe BennettServicing
I've used Elite Mechanics several times now and the service is always excellent. They're friendly, reliable and never carry out extra work without discussing it with you first.
Paul EdwardsEngine repairs
Fantastic experience with Nick and the team. They explained the fault in simple terms, gave me a clear price and completed the repair on time. The car has been running perfectly ever since.
Lauren HughesServicing
As someone who doesn't know much about cars, finding a garage I can trust is important. Everyone at Elite Mechanics made me feel comfortable and kept me informed throughout. Really great service.
Emma RichardsonBrakes
Booked my car in for new brakes and couldn't fault the experience. The work was completed quickly, the price was fair and the difference in the car is incredible. Highly recommended.
Tom HarrisFamily cars
Elite Mechanics look after all our family's cars and are always brilliant. Whether it's a service, MOT or unexpected repair, they're helpful, efficient and completely trustworthy.
Karen FosterElectrical faults
Nick and his team managed to diagnose an electrical issue that two other garages couldn't find. They kept me updated throughout and finally got everything working properly again. First class service.
Ryan CooperWarning light
Had a warning light appear unexpectedly and Elite Mechanics fitted me in the same day. They found the issue, explained my options and had everything sorted without any hassle. Very impressed.
Sophie TurnerGeneral repairs
Great garage with genuinely friendly people. The booking process was easy, the work was completed when promised and my car was left clean and tidy. I'll definitely be returning.
Michael GreenVan repairs
I use my van every day for work, so I needed it repaired quickly. Nick and the team went above and beyond to get me back on the road. Professional service and very fair pricing.
Lee ThompsonVehicle inspection
Recently bought a used car and asked Elite Mechanics to give it a full inspection. They were extremely thorough and gave me honest advice about what needed attention now and what could wait.
Megan RobertsBreakdown
My car broke down unexpectedly and I was worried it would cost a fortune. The team found the problem quickly and offered a sensible, affordable solution. I'm really grateful for their help.
Andrew CollinsServicing
Another excellent service from Elite Mechanics. The staff are always welcoming, communication is spot on and the quality of work is consistently high. A garage you can genuinely rely on.
Hannah WalkerFault finding
Nick was incredibly helpful and took the time to show me exactly what was wrong with my car. There was no pressure and no confusing jargon, just straightforward, honest advice.
Mark JohnsonClutch replacement
Brought my car in for a clutch replacement and the whole process was straightforward. I received regular updates, the job was finished on schedule and the car now drives perfectly.
Olivia DaviesGeneral repairs
I was recommended Elite Mechanics by a friend and now I understand why. Nick and the team are knowledgeable, approachable and genuinely care about doing a good job. I'll happily recommend them to others.
Ben WilsonBased In ME9,
Covering Kent Wide
Gillingham, Chatham, Rochester, Strood, Rainham and Sittingbourne are on our doorstep, and we work across Maidstone, Gravesend, Sheppey and the rest of the county. Recovery covers Kent.
No Job Too Big Or Small
An oil change or an engine replacement, same care either way. Covering Gillingham, Chatham, Rochester, Strood, Rainham, Sittingbourne and the rest of Kent.
Your Questions, Answered
No. Quotes are free and there is no obligation. Tell us the vehicle and what it is doing and you will get a realistic price before anything is booked in.
Yes. Cars, vans and 4x4s, all makes and models. A lot of our work is for tradespeople who need their van back on the road quickly, so we will always try to fit urgent van work in.
We are in ME9, between Rainham and Sittingbourne, and we cover Kent wide. Gillingham, Chatham, Rochester, Strood, Rainham, Sittingbourne, Maidstone and Gravesend are all regular ground for us.
Yes, collection and delivery is available if you cannot get to us. Tell us where you are when you enquire and we will sort it.
Yes, anywhere in Kent. Breakdowns, non runners, accident damage and projects. If it is something we can fix, it comes straight back to the workshop and we carry on from there, so one call covers both.
Everything is quoted before any work starts. There are no hidden costs added at collection, and nothing extra gets carried out without a phone call first.
No. As long as the service follows the manufacturer's schedule with the correct parts and oil, and the record is kept, your warranty stays intact. You do not have to use a main dealer.
Yes. Send a photo of the failure sheet and we will go through it line by line in plain English, tell you what is safety critical and price the work before we start.
Tell Us What It's Doing
The more you can tell us about the vehicle and the symptoms, the more accurate the price we can give you.