What to do after failing an MOT check

Failing an MOT is an unfortunate fact of life and will happen to us all at some point. For those with older cars it is likely to occur every year that something gives cause for the car to fail its MOT. We all leave our cars at the garage during that annual ritual and keep our fingers crossed that the phone call comes with good news and only the nominal MOT test fee, but all too often the vehicle fails on something or another. The key to keeping stress free in this situation is accepting the news, taking the blow and assessing the most cost effective way to get your car safely back on the road.

- Vital repairs only or recommended too?

One factor to consider when hearing what your MOT has failed on is whether you are going to get only the necessary repairs done, or take the mechanics advice and get recommended repairs made too. Sometimes issues such as tyre treads and windscreen wipers are at the bare minimum legal condition. The garage will let you drive away without having these issues rectified but bear in mind that this is putting off the problem until the next MOT, and the items are unlikely to last another year until then anyway. If your car has failed on a number of things and it is turning out to be a costly MOT, these recommended items could be put off until your next pay day however be vigilant and don't ignore the mechanics advice - they want you to be safe on the road.

- Discuss what you are paying for

Mechanics usually provide mid range products which need replacing during an MOT. If for example you have been told you need new tyres or bulbs, ask whether the price would be reduced if you opted for the cheapest the garage provides. This is not always recommended as premium tyres will save you in efficiency costs in the long run, but if you are strapped for cash at the time it may help you to reduce the MOT repair cost and get your car back on the road.

- Shop around

If you think the MOT repairs are extortionate or you question the fact that your car has failed, you can take the vehicle to another garage to another garage for a second opinion. They will often do a re-test for free and only charge for the test if you decide to get the repairs done there. This is why it is a good idea to book your cars MOT a few weeks before it expires, otherwise you will not legally be able to take your car on to the road to drive to another garage, and you'll limit your options.

- Do your own sourcing for second hand parts

After being told during one fateful MOT that my car needed a new engine stump I was horrified at the cost of over £300 and wondered just how I was going to stump up for that stump! However after calling around a few dealers, scrap yards and garages I managed to locate a second hand engine stump for less than £100. After collecting the item myself and delivering it to the garage to fit it in my car I had made a massive saving. Don't forget this option when a mechanic tells you which car parts you need you may be able to locate them far more cheaply if you use second hand.