An MOT is essential, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Over the years, I’ve learned practical ways to keep expenses down while ensuring my car remains roadworthy. Below, I’ll share ten strategies that have saved me money while keeping my vehicle in top shape.
Table of Contents
1. Choose an Independent Garage Over a Dealership
Dealerships charge higher labour rates and often include unnecessary extras. Independent garages, especially those accredited by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), offer the same level of service at a lower price. When I compared prices in my area, I found that independent garages charged 30-50% less than dealerships.
| Service Provider | Average MOT Cost |
|---|---|
| Dealership | £54.85 (max fee) |
| Independent Garage | £35 – £45 |
2. Book Your MOT in Advance
Booking early gives you time to shop around. Many garages offer discounts for early bookings or off-peak slots. I once paid £29.99 instead of £54.85 just by booking two weeks in advance.
3. Check for Free or Discounted MOT Offers
Some garages offer a free MOT with a full service or discounted rates through loyalty programs. I once found a garage offering an MOT for £19.99 when booked with an oil change, which saved me nearly £35.
4. Fix Common Failures Before the Test
Many MOT failures are minor and easy to fix. Before I take my car in, I check the following:
| Component | Common Issue | DIY Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Lights | Blown bulbs | Replace (£5-10) |
| Wipers | Worn rubber | Replace (£8-15) |
| Tyres | Low tread depth | Replace if <1.6mm |
| Fluids | Low washer fluid | Refill (£2-5) |
By addressing these myself, I avoid unnecessary retest fees and repairs.
5. Use an MOT-Only Test Centre
Garages that do repairs may have an incentive to fail your car to make money on fixes. MOT-only centres don’t do repairs, making them more impartial. While their fees are standard, I find peace of mind knowing they have no financial motive to fail my car.
6. Keep Your Car Well-Maintained Year-Round
Regular maintenance prevents costly surprises. Simple habits, like keeping tyres inflated, checking fluid levels, and replacing air filters, reduce the likelihood of expensive failures. When I started servicing my car annually, my MOT pass rate improved significantly.
7. Time Your MOT Wisely
If your car fails its MOT before the expiry date, you can still drive it if it remains roadworthy. I always schedule mine a month before expiry to allow time for repairs without rushing into costly fixes.
8. Consider a Combined Service and MOT
Many garages offer package deals. Last year, I paid £99 for an MOT and interim service, which saved me about £30 compared to separate bookings.
| Service Type | MOT Alone | MOT + Service Package |
|---|---|---|
| MOT Only | £54.85 | N/A |
| MOT + Interim | £54.85 + £69 | £99 |
| MOT + Full | £54.85 + £150 | £149 |
9. Shop Around for Retest Fees
Some garages offer free retests if repairs are done there. Others charge retest fees if you take your car elsewhere. Understanding these policies can save you money.
10. Use Cashback and Discount Schemes
Some breakdown cover providers offer MOT discounts. Websites like Groupon and Halfords Autocentres also run seasonal promotions. I once used a Halfords voucher to get an MOT for £29 instead of £54.85.
By using these strategies, I’ve consistently saved money while ensuring my car remains safe and legal on the road. Simple planning and maintenance can make a big difference in your annual MOT costs.