Yet, a recent study reveals that one in five UK drivers are skipping MOTs due to financial constraints, hoping to avoid the costs of fixing issues with their cars. But skipping MOTs is not only a safety risk; it can also lead to more costly repairs down the line.
Here are five top tips to help you prepare for, pass, and save cash on your MOT.
Five top tips
1. Follow your car’s maintenance schedule
A big part of saving on MOTs lies in regular maintenance. Each car has a unique schedule. Check your driver’s manual to find out when various parts need attention.
For example, changing your air filters or spark plug on a petrol engine at recommended intervals could help to improve fuel efficiency, as this helps to ensure proper airflow and combustion, while checking brake pads can help identify when changes may be needed to avoid this becoming an issue on your MOT.
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Regular servicing can help you catch small issues before they turn into major (and expensive) problems, and risk incurring a huge repair bill all at once.
2. Prepare your own pre-MOT checklist, and ask yourself if you’d pass
Many MOT failures are due to simple, avoidable issues, like low tyre treads or broken bulbs. Save yourself the cost of a re-test by inspecting these yourself. Make sure all lights are working, the washer fluid is topped up, and your tyres meet the tread depth requirement of 1.6mm (though most experts recommend at least 3mm for safety).
Inspect tyres for any visible damage, such as bulges, deep cuts, or exposed cords, and ensure tyres on the same axle are in good working order and a suitable size for the vehicle.
Don’t forget to check mirrors, wipers, and even registration plates for any deterioration. These quick checks require no mechanical knowledge, just common sense. They can be done in minutes and could make that all-important difference between a pass and a fail.
Also, don’t ignore dashboard warning lights, or they’ll come back to haunt you during the MOT. If any lights appear on your dashboard when preparing your car for your MOT, take action immediately. For example, an ABS light might point to a brake issue that could cause a vehicle to fail its MOT if left unresolved. Addressing these issues early means fewer surprises when it’s time for your test.
3. Keep your brakes and battery in good shape
Brake issues are one of the most common causes of MOT failures. To keep your brakes in shape, drive smoothly and avoid sudden stops whenever safe and possible. This reduces wear on brake pads and could save you an unnecessary expense.
For your battery, try to drive the car regularly to keep it charged and healthy. A poorly charged battery is more likely to fail the MOT, but regular use keeps it in better condition and helps avoid unnecessary replacements.
4. Don’t ignore advisories from your last MOT
Each MOT gives a list of advisories – issues that aren’t urgent but could become problems down the line. Don’t let these advisories slip by. If you address them sooner rather than later, you’re less likely to face larger, pricier repairs next time. Small maintenance tweaks now could save you big in the long run.
5. Compare prices, and do your research before pulling the trigger
An easy way to save on MOTs is to compare prices across local testing centres. Apps like PayByPhone now allow you to view and compare pricing options from various MOT centres, helping you find the best deal without extra legwork. Plus, the MOT reminder and booking feature not only makes scheduling and payment easy, but also helps you plan ahead.
With potential lead times of up to a month or longer in some garages, booking early – well before your MOT expires – allows you to secure an appointment that fits your schedule and could help you find a more competitive price.
This extra time also gives you the chance to address any issues before your MOT deadline, keeping your vehicle road-safe.
Booking through these apps can be a quick way to save a few pounds and support local businesses. It’s worth a quick search, as prices can vary significantly between garages.
How EV drivers can keep their vehicle MOT-ready
As more drivers switch to hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), questions about EV maintenance and MOTs are growing. While EVs don’t have an engine or exhaust system, which can simplify the MOT, they do have one vital component: the battery.
The battery is often the most expensive part of an EV, but many don’t know that adopting certain habits can help extend its life and delay costly replacements.
Avoid letting the battery run down to zero or charging it to 100% daily. Both extremes cause chemical changes that can accelerate wear and tear. Also, try to avoid frequent fast charging if it is unnecessary, as it heats up the battery and could shorten its lifespan.
Environmental conditions matter too: extreme temperatures can degrade battery health, so try to park in shaded areas during summer and insulated spaces in winter if possible. And when driving, keep a steady pace rather than frequent, rapid acceleration, which drains the battery faster.
Stay road-ready without breaking the bank
Keeping up with your MOT doesn’t have to be overly costly. By following a few simple maintenance steps, checking your car regularly, and comparing prices with apps, you could avoid unnecessary expenses beyond the MOT fee itself, which can be a considerable amount for many, and keep your vehicle road-ready.
Jonny Combe is CEO of PayByPhone
