Why Getting a Car MOT at your Local Garage is Best

What is an MOT?

Cars over 3 years old must possess a valid MOT (Ministry of Transport) test certificate in the UK. This certificate must be renewed every year and you can only get one by having a qualified and authorised MOT tester, test your car. An MOT test checks that your car is safe to drive on the road.

The checks that must be carried out cover all parts of your car to check that it is structurally sound, it functions safely and will protect occupants in a crash. Just a few of the checks that the MOT tester will test are that the brakes work, the seat belts and airbags work, all lights work, the windscreen is in good condition and the windscreen wipers work, and the tyres are legal.

Where can you get an MOT?

Garages with qualified MOT testers can provide this service. There are garages that specialise in MOT tests and class themselves as an MOT test centre, however, you can also get an MOT at small local repair garages and car dealership garages.

Benefits of Using your Local Car Repair Garage

With all this choice, why would you use your local repair garage?

Although an MOT tester is highly skilled job, it is a specialist skill and if a repair is required, they may not be able to fix it. MOT test centres may be able to to carry out a few repairs such as replacing tyres or brakes but they may not have the capabilities or equipment for more complex repairs.

Your car dealership will state that you should use them as they know your type of car better than anyone and that they will only use authorised parts for your make and model of car. This is true, but often their mechanics only deal with new cars so aren’t as skilled when it comes to fixing problems.

A good local repair garage with excellent reviews has many benefits.

• Your MOT test, service and any repairs can get done in the one place so your car will return with a new MOT certificate and performing at its best.
• Local mechanics deal with all makes of cars of all ages so gain lots of experience at repairing all sorts of issues.
• You can check reviews to read about what they are good at.
• If you use your local garage all the time, they will get to know you and your car, and will be keen to deliver a great service.
• To compete against car dealerships and other garages, they must continually deliver a great service to remain open and competitive.
• Support the local economy by choosing a local independent garage.
• Some independent garages choose to specialise in a specific make of car or similar makes eg Audi and Volkswagen. This can be a worthwhile choice especially if you have a performance car that may need specialist skills.

The most important thing is that you ensure you are driving a car with a valid MOT certificate. Book your MOT test in plenty of time. This can be done at any time within a month of it expiring.

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