Real cost of getting an MOT failure back on the road

New research has revealed that it costs an average of £326.85 to get a car that’s failed its MOT back on the road.

The survey for the Good Garage Scheme – www.goodgaragescheme.com – shows that UK motorists pay an average of £272 to correct faults that have been discovered on their cars during an MOT.

With the price of an MOT capped at £54.85, this means motorists whose cars fail the first time round are hit in the pocket for an extra £326.85

The research also reveals that drivers are clueless when it comes to making sure their cars are roadworthy.

Government figures show 30% of all MOT fails relate to lightbulbs, 10% relate to tyres and 8.5% are linked to the driver’s view of the road, including issues with mirrors, wipers and washers.

However, one in four drivers have no idea how to test their tyre pressure, nearly a third (29%) don’t even know how to pump their tyres up and 50% cannot change a wheel.

A quarter of motorists (26%) say they do not know how to check the oil in their car – or how to top it up.

Two in five (39%) risk serious engine problems by not knowing how to fill up the anti-freeze or coolant in their car.

Worryingly, 43% of drivers said they had owned a car that failed its MOT and more than two in five (46%) have struggled to scrape the cash together to get their motor back on the road.

Only 16% of Brits are planning to get their cars serviced before winter sets in properly – potentially setting up a host of problems for the coldest months of the year.

“If drivers kept a closer eye on their cars they can avoid a hefty pay out to pass a second MOT,” said Philip Dugmore of the Good Garage Scheme.

“Simple things like learning how to check the oil and top it up – checking your tyre pressure regularly and making sure all your lights are working can keep your car ticking over and far more likely to pass its MOT first time round.”