As workshops prepare for one of the busiest periods in the service calendar, MEYLE is encouraging workshops and garages to use MOT season as an opportunity to highlight the importance of automatic transmission maintenance with customers.
MOT Season: A Gateway to Additional Service Opportunities
According to data from global market research company, GiPA and the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation’s (IAAF) industry intelligence report*, MOT testing volumes in the UK is expected to increase. The report revealed by August, the estimated test volume will be 2.48 million, which is 2.5 percent higher than August 2025.
While the MOT itself does not specifically assess transmission oil condition, the annual test often prompts vehicle owners to address wider maintenance requirements. According to MEYLE, this makes it an ideal time for workshops to raise awareness of automatic transmission servicing – a growing but still underutilised area for workshops.
Automatic Transmissions: Widespread but Often Overlooked
Automatic transmissions are becoming increasingly common across the UK vehicle parc, yet regular transmission oil changes are still frequently overlooked. Despite the long-standing “lifetime fill” misconception, transmission oil degrades over time as a result of heat, friction and contamination from wear particles. Left unchanged, this can lead to reduced lubrication performance, harsher gear changes, increased wear and, in some cases, costly transmission damage.
Untapped Revenue Potential for Workshops
MEYLE’s recent survey of independent workshops, conducted with market research institute Innofact, underlined the scale of the opportunity. While 73 percent of UK workshops recognise the need for automatic transmission maintenance, only 40 percent say they carry out the service regularly. The findings point to a significant gap between awareness and execution, suggesting many workshops are still missing out on a valuable source of revenue.
The survey also highlighted the barriers holding workshops back, with respondents citing a lack of technical information, insufficient training and difficulties sourcing parts as key reasons why automatic transmission servicing is not carried out more consistently.
Patrick Stüdemann, Head of Technical Training at MEYLE, said:
“Automatic transmission servicing remains a key untapped opportunity for independent workshops. MOT season brings customers in and creates the ideal moment to discuss preventative maintenance. By raising awareness of transmission oil changes, technicians can help motorists avoid costly repairs while strengthening their service offering.”
Improving Efficiency with MEYLE Service Kits
To support workshops in delivering these services, MEYLE offers a growing range of automatic transmission oil change kits, designed to simplify the repair process and make servicing more efficient. The kits contain the key components required for the oil change in one practical solution, helping technicians save time, reduce sourcing complexity and carry out the work to a high standard.
Training and Technical Support for Workshops
MEYLE is also investing in training and technical support to help workshops build confidence in this area. Through dedicated training initiatives and practical guidance, the company is working to remove some of the barriers identified in its research and help garages turn automatic transmission servicing into a routine part of their maintenance offer.
