Drivers across the UK have been warned they could face repair costs averaging £617 if they skip an MOT test or ignore necessary repairs. The warning comes amid data highlighting how many motorists are hit by unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs when maintenance is neglected. (Original source: GB News – Millions face huge £617 repair bill without MOT test)
What the article reveals
- The RAC reports that unexpected repair costs now average around £617 per year for many motorists.
- Approximately six in ten drivers reportedly experience unplanned repair expenses in a given year.
- The most common costly repairs stem from wear and tear items: tyres, brakes, lighting, and battery issues.
- Many of these faults could be prevented or caught earlier via regular servicing and prompt attention to MOT advisories.
Why this matters for MOT garages and MOT testers
- Prevention over cure – Helping customers stay on top of MOT fixes is part of your value to them — fewer breakdowns and less emergency work.
- Trust building – Garages that highlight the risks of ignoring faults build deeper customer trust and loyalty.
- Better workload management – Fewer surprise breakdowns means fewer emergency slots and more stable scheduling.
- Parts and labour opportunity – When neglected faults are discovered, the repair work often falls to you — but ideally you’d spot them before they escalate.
What garages and testers can do now
- Provide clear explanation of advisories to customers and why they matter, not merely pass/fail judgments.
- Offer pre-MOT checks or health checks to spot issues early, especially for wear items.
- Use newsletters, social media or your website to warn drivers about the high costs of neglecting MOT faults.
- Train front-office staff to emphasise to customers that MOT isn’t just a legal formalism — it’s a tool to avoid big repair bills.
Key takeaway
Skipping or delaying MOT checks and ignoring even minor faults can lead to significant repair bills — often far exceeding expectations. As an MOT tester, garage or supplier, your role isn’t just inspecting: it’s educating, preventing, and guiding customers to maintain safe and affordable motoring.
Original source: GB News – Millions face huge £617 repair bill without MOT test
