Expert Car Service, Simplified.

We cut through the jargon of 'Interim', 'Full', and 'Major' services. At Alpha MOT Centre, you get honest advice and the right service to keep your car running safely, efficiently, and reliably.

Transparent Car Servicing

Choose your service, see what's included, and get an instant price estimate. No hidden fees, just honest work.

Our Service Packages: Clear, Comprehensive, and Fairly Priced

We offer three distinct service tiers to meet the needs of every driver. All services use premium, manufacturer-equivalent parts to protect your vehicle's warranty and performance.

Interim Service

Ideal for high-mileage drivers, recommended every 6 months or 6,000 miles. Focuses on essentials to keep your car in peak condition.

Full Service

Our most popular annual service, recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles. A comprehensive inspection to maintain safety and reliability.

Major Service

Our most extensive package, recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles. Includes replacement of key long-life components.

What's Included? A Detailed, Transparent Checklist

Select a service and your engine size to see exactly what's included and what it will cost.

1. Select Your Engine Size:

2. Add Optional MOT:

Price From:

Detailed Checklist for

Disclaimer: All prices shown are estimates based on standard vehicle requirements. The final cost may vary depending on the specific model, the cost of manufacturer-equivalent parts, and any additional work that may be required. We will always provide a final, detailed quote for your approval before commencing any service.

Which Service Does My Car Need?

This section translates technical information into a simple, practical guide, helping you confidently select the right service.

A Simple Guide to Choosing Your Service

Not sure which package is right for you? Answer these simple questions to find the recommended service for your car.

When was your last service?

About 6 months / 6,000 miles ago? An Interim Service is the perfect top-up to maintain vehicle health, especially if you drive frequently.

About 12 months / 12,000 miles ago? It's time for a Full Service. This is the standard annual requirement for most vehicles.

About 24 months / 24,000 miles ago? Your vehicle is due for a Major Service to cover all checks plus longer-life items.

How many miles do you drive per year?

Over 12,000 miles: You are a high-mileage driver. We recommend a Full Service every 12,000 miles and an Interim Service every 6,000 miles in between.

Under 12,000 miles: An annual Full Service is typically sufficient to keep your car in excellent condition.

What kind of driving do you do?

Mostly short trips or city driving? This type of driving can be tough on your engine. Even if your mileage is low, an Interim Service between your annual Full Service can provide essential protection.

Why Colchester Drivers Trust Alpha MOT Centre

Choosing a garage is about more than just price; it's about trust. We are proud to be a cornerstone of the Colchester community, committed to providing honest, high-quality vehicle care. Our accreditations and promises are your guarantee of a job done right.

AA Approved Garage RAC Approved Garage The Motor Ombudsman Trading Standards Approved

Our Service Promise

AA & RAC Approved

Our workshop, processes, and quality of work are independently inspected and approved by the UK's leading motoring organisations. This is your assurance of our commitment to excellence.

Transparent Pricing

The price we quote is the price you pay. We will never carry out additional work without explaining the reason, showing you the issue, and getting your explicit approval first. No jargon, no surprises.

Quality Parts & Lubricants

We use only premium, manufacturer-equivalent parts and lubricants. This ensures your vehicle performs as it should and, crucially, protects your manufacturer's warranty.

Expert, Friendly Technicians

Our team consists of highly skilled professionals who are passionate about what they do. We are here to provide expert service and clear, helpful advice.

Maintained Resale Value

We will stamp your service book (or update your digital service record) after every service. A full and proper service history is proven to increase your vehicle's future resale value.

What Our Customers Say

"Excellent service, staff are brilliant and work was completed to a high standard. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Alpha MOT Centre to anyone...10/10."

- Travis, Colchester

(Verified Review via BookMyGarage)

"Professional, friendly and efficient. Thank you Alpha MOT centre for sorting my car."

- Katie Brimfield, Colchester

(Review via Google)

"They were able to fit in the service and MOT at short notice over the festive season and they were polite and stress-free."

- Doug, Colchester

(Verified Review via BookMyGarage)

Your Car Service Questions, Answered

This is a very common question. An MOT is an annual, legal requirement for vehicles over three years old to ensure they meet minimum road safety and environmental standards set by the DVSA. It's a snapshot inspection to check that your car is safe to be on the road.

A car service, on the other hand, is a proactive maintenance check recommended by the manufacturer. It involves replacing worn parts and fluids (like oil and filters) and making adjustments to keep your car running reliably and efficiently. A service helps prevent breakdowns, whereas an MOT simply confirms existing safety standards are met.

Pro Tip: To save you time and money, we offer discounted MOTs when booked with a Full or Major Service. Ask our team for details when you book!

The time required depends on the service level. As a general guide, an Interim Service takes around 90 minutes, while a Full Service typically takes up to 3 hours. A Major Service may take slightly longer. We will always give you an estimated completion time when you drop off your vehicle and will contact you promptly if any unexpected issues arise that require further attention.

Absolutely not. Thanks to the "Block Exemption Regulations (2010)," you have the right to have your car serviced at an independent garage without invalidating your manufacturer's warranty. The key condition is that the garage uses parts of Original Equipment (OE) quality and follows the manufacturer's service schedule. At Alpha MOT Centre, we guarantee to use only manufacturer-equivalent or better parts and the correct grade of oil, ensuring your warranty remains fully protected.

Yes, we do. Our pricing table on the /car-service-colchester page shows specific options for Hybrid vehicles. While electric (EV) and hybrid cars have fewer traditional engine parts, they still require regular servicing. Key checks include the braking system (which can wear differently due to regenerative braking), suspension, steering, tyres, and the high-voltage battery cooling systems. Our technicians are trained to handle the specific requirements of these modern vehicles safely and effectively.

Ready to Book Your Car Service in Colchester?

Get a clear, fair price and expert service from a team you can trust. Check our live pricing on our main service page and book your slot today. Our team is ready to help keep your vehicle safe and reliable.