MOT repair calculator ‘could save British drivers £1.8bn’

UK motorists could save an estimated £1.8bn thanks to the first ever MOT test repair cost calculator for drivers ahead of the new MOT changes, which come into effect on 20 May.

To help motorists estimate MOT repair test costs, WhoCanFixMyCar.com has created the first online calculator where drivers enter in their postcode and find out how much it costs to repair defects in their local area.

The new MOT test changes include how car defects are classified, in three categories; dangerous, major and minor – with dangerous and major defects resulting in an immediate MOT test fail. These defects render the car illegal to drive in the UK and will need to be repaired and retested before the driver can drive it on the road again.

Drivers can find the calculator at: www.whocanfixmycar.com/car-service-cost-calculator

Diesel cars will be targeted more under the new rules, with a focus on pollution and emissions. Instead of visually checking the diesel particulate filter, mechanics will need to remove and examine it to determine whether it passes, and diesel cars that do not have one or have tampered with it will incur an automatic fail. A car exhaust that emits ‘visible smoke of any colour’ will also be issued with a major fault and will fail the test.

MOT testers will focus more on steering systems, lights and brake pads, with a steering box leak, worn brake pads and blown out bulbs all resulting in a test fail.

The new MOT laws will put more pressure on motorists to have any unsafe defects repaired either instantly if the vehicle has failed the test or quickly if advisories or minors have been given.

WhoCanFixMyCar.com is an online car garage and repair marketplace connecting 11,000 garage and repair centres with drivers around the UK. The site has 1m users and recently processed more than 170,000 quotes through the site in one month.

Al Preston, co-founder of WhoCanFixMyCar.com, said, “I’m sure many drivers are nervous about the new MOT legislation coming into effect, however the stricter guidelines will ensure the safety of all motorists in the UK, which can only be a good thing. My advice would be to have your car checked over by a professional before the MOT, so you’re not surprised by any defects that can leave you carless for a while.

“We’re hoping the MOT test cost calculator will serve as a really helpful tool for drivers, so they can plan for how much various repairs will cost in their area, and more importantly, they have the knowledge on what it should cost.”