ATS Euromaster: book MOT and garage work to avoid downtime

ATS Euromaster is warning that vehicle and supply shortages plus a surge in demand for MOTs and servicing could force vehicles off the road if motorists and fleets do not plan their vehicle maintenance.

As with the other sources, 2020 data collected by ATS Euromaster shows a significant rise in MOT activity from May onwards but peaking in mid-September through to mid-November as drivers rushed to get MOTs completed following the covid MOT extension.

In 2021, demand in May was already “substantially higher” than 2020, and on current trend is likely to peak higher than 2020 as the previous year’s MOT work cycles through the 12-month system, but with the addition of new cars entering the MOT requirement after three years of ownership.

So far these points are broadly similar to the analyses of BookMyGarage.com and Continental. However, ATS Euromaster adds in the mid-pandemic-vehicle-usage dimension. In short, the additional demand for MOTs is coinciding with increased levels of servicing requirements from van fleets which have been operational throughout the pandemic, along with fleet vehicles coming back into full time service as the economy cranks back up to speed.

To cope with the expected surge in maintenance work, ATS Euromaster is adding new lanes to 17-key locations as well as upgrading test lanes in eight of their centres to make them more efficient. Additionally, the centres will have more trained technicians, sufficient stock and will be open longer.

Mark Holland, Head of Operations commented: “With more than five million additional tests expected to take place by the end of the year, it is vital to get MOTs and other repairs booked in, otherwise drivers risk a hefty fine as well as risk driver safety and insurance invalidation.”

According to the company, ATS Euromaster has already seen an increase in drivers arriving at its centres with lapsed MOT certificates, with drivers facing fines up to £1,000 and invalidating insurance policies as a result.