Save Money

How to Save Money on Your MOT

The average failed MOT costs £150–300 in repairs. Most of those failures could have been spotted — and many fixed — with a 20-minute check before the test.

Pre-MOT Checklist

Go through this checklist the weekend before your MOT. Budget 20 minutes and a helper for the lights check.

Lights (30% of failures)

  • ☐All headlights working (main beam and dipped)
  • ☐Brake lights — get someone to press the pedal while you check
  • ☐Indicators — front, rear, and side repeaters
  • ☐Number plate light — often forgotten
  • ☐Fog lights (if fitted) — front and rear
  • ☐Hazard lights
  • ☐Reverse light

🔧 DIY fix: Most bulbs cost £2–5 and take 5 minutes to replace. YouTube has a guide for every car model.

Saves £20–80

Tyres (15% of failures)

  • ☐Tread depth above 1.6mm — use the 20p coin test
  • ☐No bulges, cuts, or cracks in sidewalls
  • ☐Even wear across the tread (uneven = alignment issue)
  • ☐Correct tyre size on all four corners
  • ☐Spare tyre is NOT tested but worth checking

🔧 DIY fix: Can't DIY tyre replacement, but you CAN check before paying for the test. Budget tyres from £40–60 each fitted.

Saves £60–200 per tyre (avoiding the 'garage markup')

Windscreen & Wipers (8% of failures)

  • ☐No chips or cracks larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area
  • ☐No chips larger than 40mm anywhere in the swept area
  • ☐Wipers clear the screen without smearing
  • ☐Washer fluid topped up and jets working

🔧 DIY fix: Wiper blades: £10–20 from Halfords, clip on in 2 minutes. Washer fluid: £2 for 5 litres.

Saves £15–40

Horn & Mirrors

  • ☐Horn works (press it!)
  • ☐Both wing mirrors present and adjustable
  • ☐Rear-view mirror secure

🔧 DIY fix: Horn failure is rare but easy to test. Mirror glass replacement: £10–20 online.

Saves £20–50

Under the Bonnet

  • ☐Engine oil at correct level
  • ☐Brake fluid at correct level
  • ☐Coolant at correct level
  • ☐No visible leaks under the car
  • ☐Battery secure (not loose or corroded)

🔧 DIY fix: Top-up fluids: £5–15 total. A visible leak is a potential fail — better to know before the test.

Saves £50–200

Inside the Car

  • ☐All seatbelts click in and release properly
  • ☐No seatbelt fraying or damage
  • ☐Dashboard warning lights — engine management light ON = fail
  • ☐Handbrake holds on a slope
  • ☐All doors open and close properly

🔧 DIY fix: Engine management light may need a diagnostic (£20–50) but better to know the issue before the test.

Saves £50–300

Total potential savings: £200–600+

20 minutes of checking could save you hundreds in garage bills

When to Book Your MOT

Book 1 month early

You can MOT your car up to 1 month (minus a day) before it expires. The new certificate starts from the old expiry date — you lose nothing.

Go midweek

Tuesday to Thursday is quieter and often cheaper. Some garages offer midweek discounts of £5–10.

Avoid September & March

New plate months mean garages are packed with services. Book outside these peaks.

Compare prices online

BookMyGarage, WhoCanFixMyCar, and ClickMechanic let you compare MOT prices locally. Prices vary by £15–25 for the same test.

Combine with a service

Many garages offer MOT + service bundles at a discount. If your service is due within 3 months, combine them.

Use the free retest window

If you fail, you have 10 working days for a free partial retest at the same garage. Don't panic-book elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I reduce my MOT costs?

Do a pre-MOT check yourself: test all lights, check tyre tread (1.6mm minimum), top up washer fluid, check wipers, and ensure the horn works. These simple checks prevent the most common failures and save £50–200 in retest and repair fees.

When is the cheapest time to book an MOT?

Midweek (Tuesday to Thursday) is typically cheapest as garages are less busy. Avoid September–October (plate change rush) and January (New Year backlog). You can book up to 1 month before your MOT expires without losing time on your certificate.

Can I get a free MOT retest?

Yes — if your car fails on minor items and is retested at the same testing station within 10 working days, most garages offer a free partial retest. If you leave the car overnight for repairs, the full retest is usually free too.

Is it worth doing repairs myself before the MOT?

For simple fixes, absolutely. Replacing a blown bulb costs £2–5 DIY vs £20–40 at a garage. Wiper blades cost £10–20 to replace yourself. Topping up washer fluid is free. These three items account for ~35% of MOT failures.