26 August 2025

More than 5,000 Kent drivers a year risk catastrophic brake failure by not keeping on top of regular maintenance – and those are only the ones the AA knows about. 

Thousands more in Kent are calling for help after their vehicles started making strange noises, dripped oil, their engines ran rough or manifested other typical symptoms of mechanical failure that would have been headed off by regular servicing.

Brakes

On brakes, taking a proactive approach to maintenance could be the difference between a service bill of £138 and one costing more than three times that. If an advisory notice of worn brake pads is ignored and the brakes wear out completely, it can result in damage to the brake discs. That would likely turn a simple preventative repair into a more complex and time-consuming repair costing on average £440**.

Noise

Similarly, ignoring noises coming from the suspension going over speed humps could turn the changing of a relatively inexpensive suspension bush into full replacement of the suspension arms, costing more than £670**.

Oil

Ignoring tell-tale signs of oil loss is another ‘wish I had got a service’ favourite, not only ruining tarmac driveways but potentially leading to a blown engine (and where do you start on repair costs with that one). AA patrols in Kent were called out 1,164 times in the past year to try to stop oil leaks becoming disasters.

Mobile Mechanics 

Far too often drivers’ busy lives get in the way, and so work, family, leisure time all come above servicing the car. So rather than waiting until mechanical failures occur, AA Mobile Mechanics can carry out servicing, oil changes and brake repairs outside the owners’ homes or offices.

Drivers, not just AA members, can pick a 2hr slot between 8am-8pm, 6 days a week at a location that works best for them.

The top preventable breakdowns in Kent (excluding tyres) are:

• Brakes
• Noise
• Oil
• Rough running

Drivers can save hundreds, and sometimes thousands of pounds, by pre-empting breakdown problems through regular servicing and acting on advisory items noted during an annual MOT test.

Bringing Car Servicing to You;

Busy households are used to services such as supermarket home delivery to make their lives easier and now the AA is bringing its 120 years of motoring expertise to do the same for essential vehicle maintenance. AA Mobile Mechanics are highly trained technicians who are giving Kent residents access to professional car repairs and servicing at a location and time that suits them. These experts go to drivers’ homes and workplaces to remove the need for inconvenient, time-consuming garage visits.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “We know drivers in Kent have busy schedules and that sometimes a car service means taking the day off work. Often it is difficult to get a loan car, bus or a lift to the garage, so having a Mobile Mechanic come to your home or workplace can save time, hassle and money.  

“They can cover routine servicing to unexpected brake repairs and diagnostics. Our breakdown data for Kent and surrounding areas shows that too many people are breaking down, and experiencing bigger repair bills, due to lack of servicing.” 

A Comprehensive Range of Services

Expanding its reach across Kent and surrounding areas, AA Mobile Mechanics now cover a wide array of towns and rural areas, ensuring that more motorists than ever can benefit from their on-the-go services. The expanded offerings include:

• Routine servicing: Oil changes, brake checks, filter replacements, and more, all performed on-site at a time and place that suits you.
• Diagnostics: State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to identify issues quickly and accurately, saving time and money.
• Repairs: From flat batteries and faulty alternators to worn-out brake pads and exhausts, AA’s technicians handle a wide range of mechanical fixes.
• Battery replacement: Expert assessment and installation of new batteries when needed.
• Vehicle inspections: Before buying a used car, customers can get peace of mind by having an expert inspection done.

Joe Morbin, Mobile Mechanic Performance Leader, said: “During my time as a roadside patrol, I’d regularly attend preventable breakdowns such as worn-out brakes or failed suspension arms, often at the most inconvenient times for customers.

“In my Mobile Mechanic role, I use my experience as a patrol to explain to customers how prevention is always better than cure. Ignoring MOT advisories or service reminders leads to added cost and inconvenience later. Five thousand drivers a year calling the AA with brake problems in Kent is worrying and can prove to be costly.

Putting Customer Convenience First

Motorists can book appointments online or via a dedicated hotline, choosing a slot that fits their day.

*AA Breakdown data related to perceived lack of maintenance – Kent and Southeast 31/07/2024 – 01/08/2025  

**Repair estimates provided by AA Autocentre: Based on a 2020 Nissan Qashqai 1.3 DIG-T  

The AA’s transparent pricing model ensures customers know exactly what to expect - no hidden fees, just honest work.

Preventable causes of breakdown per year – Kent and Southeast area. 

Source: AA Breakdown

The AA Mobile Mechanics service is now available across England.

There has been good demand from customers for both vehicle servicing and inspections.  Vehicle inspections are useful for those buying used cars to give peace of mind. Inspections for AA Members from £99.

Mobile mechanics can offer Interim, Full and Major servicing, plus inspection, and if extra parts are needed the Mobile Mechanic has access to national parts suppliers.

The service is not included as part of AA breakdown cover membership.

Mobile mechanic near me | Car service at home