This is due to March also seeing new car releases and a large volume of new cars on the market, meaning that three years later in the same month, the first MOT is due. For car owners, this can be an incredibly stressful time.
Daniel Meeghan, UK Country Manager of car diagnostic scanner Carly, says “When MOT time comes around, it can be a great source of anxiety for car owners as they have no idea if their car will pass or not and how much the whole process will end up costing them. However, there are many steps you can take to reduce this anxiety and feel more prepared and in control ahead of your MOT this March.”
Daniel shares his top tips below:
Regular Maintenance:
“The first step in minimizing MOT expenses comes well before the test is due – keep up with regular maintenance. Making sure your car is in good condition all year round will help to prevent any catastrophic, expensive failures happening further down the line.”
“A great way to do this is to invest in an OBD scanner like Carly. The scanner is simply plugged into a port of the car under the steering wheel and connects to an app on your phone to perform a scan of your car within minutes. This will highlight any underlying problems not visible externally that you can stay on top of before they turn into bigger issues.”
Check Your Previous MOT Advisory:
“On previous MOT tests you have had, there may be notes under the advisory section. This is usually anything that didn’t quite stop your car from passing last time but might have been close to. If you haven’t done anything about these issues since your last MOT, it is likely that they may come up as an issue on your next MOT. I would always advise that these advisory recommendations are taken into account and resolved ahead of the following MOT.”
Research MOT Test Criteria:
“Familiarise yourself with the MOT test criteria to understand what inspectors will check for. Many elements, such as lights, brakes, and tyres, can be easily inspected at home by eye. Address any potential issues ahead of the official test – this could simply be topping up fluid levels.”
Knowledge is Power – Go Informed:
“If you find car costs a great source of anxiety, don’t bury your head in the sand about your car’s health before the MOT test. It is better to go into the garage with a clearer picture of the car’s health so that you are better prepared. Understanding your car’s health allows you to plan, all issues can be prioritized once you understand their significance, meaning not all issues need to be fixed immediately.”
“If you do have an OBD scanner or even a friend who’s a mechanic, ask them to give the car a once over. The benefits of this are twofold – you will feel more sure of your car’s health and be able to discuss or contest any issues the MOT test brings to light more openly, plus you will be able to plan ahead if you do know there is an issue that will require budget to address.”
Opt for MOT Test Packages:
“Some garages offer MOT test packages that include pre-MOT inspections. These packages can be cost-effective, as they allow you to address minor issues before the official test, reducing the chances of failure.”
