Mobile Engine Repairs Reading — Diagnosis to Fix at Your Door

Engine problems range from minor sensor faults to major mechanical failures. We carry out a diagnostic-first approach — understanding the root cause before recommending any repair — so you never pay for parts that do not fix the underlying problem.

Common Engine Repairs We Carry Out

Head Gasket Replacement

A failed head gasket allows combustion gases to enter the cooling system or coolant to enter the combustion chamber. Symptoms include white exhaust smoke, rapid coolant loss, engine overheating and rough running.

We carry out a combustion gas test using chemical block test fluid to confirm head gasket failure before beginning any repair. Head gasket replacement includes:

Cylinder head removal and inspection
Skimming or replacement of the head if warped
New head gasket, head bolts (torque-to-yield bolts are not reusable)
Coolant flush and refill
Timing belt replaced at same time if due (accessing the head often requires belt removal)

Price: from £650 depending on vehicle and cylinder head condition.

Valve Cover Gasket (Rocker Cover Gasket)

An oil leak from the top of the engine, particularly where oil burns on the exhaust and creates a burning smell, is usually a failed valve cover gasket. An inexpensive repair: from £65.

Inlet Manifold Gasket

Inlet manifold gasket failure causes an air leak, lean running condition and rough idle. Often generates P0171 (system lean) fault codes. From £95.

Thermostat Replacement

A thermostat stuck open causes the engine to run cold (overcooling), reducing fuel economy and heater output. Stuck closed causes overheating. From £75.

Coolant Temperature Sensor and Pipes

Coolant sensor failure affects fuelling and fan control. Cracked or degraded coolant hoses cause leaks that lead to overheating. Both are accessible at the roadside on most vehicles.

EGR Valve

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve controls exhaust gas recirculation for emissions purposes. A clogged or stuck EGR causes rough idle, black smoke, poor performance and stored fault codes. Cleaning or replacement from £95.

Oxygen Sensors (Lambda)

Upstream and downstream oxygen sensors control fuel mixture and monitor catalytic converter efficiency. Faulty sensors cause poor fuel economy, failed emissions tests and P0420 (cat efficiency) codes. Sensor replacement from £75.

Engine Diagnostic — Starting Point for All Repairs

We begin every engine repair visit with a diagnostic scan and visual inspection. This takes 30–45 minutes and costs from £45. The fee is credited against any repair carried out during the same visit.

Book Engine Repairs

Call 07305 523333 with a description of the symptoms. We will give an initial guide price over the phone, attend for diagnosis and provide a fixed repair quote before any work starts. We cover Reading and all Berkshire towns within 20 miles.

Areas we cover

Frequently asked questions

What engine repairs can be done at the roadside? +

We can carry out a wide range of engine repairs without a ramp: head gasket replacement, timing belt and chain work, valve cover gasket, inlet manifold gasket, thermostat housing, coolant pipe replacement, sensor replacement, and most auxiliary component work. Engine removal and rebuild requires a static workshop.

How do I know if I have a blown head gasket? +

Signs include white smoke from the exhaust (burning coolant), coolant loss with no visible leak, oil that looks creamy or milky (coolant mixing with oil), overheating, or rough running. We test for combustion gases in the coolant using a block test — a definitive test that confirms or rules out head gasket failure.

Is it worth repairing an older car's engine? +

It depends on the vehicle's value and the repair cost. We will give you an honest assessment — if the engine repair cost approaches the vehicle's value, we will tell you. Often repairs that seem expensive at first quote are worthwhile: a head gasket repair at £600 on a car worth £3,000 is sensible.