The MOT station 40 www.aftermarketonline.net FEBRUARY 2025 Steering motorists clear of ‘DIY fixes’ James Lett, senior UK technical editor at tech information platform Autodata, says garages can play a key educational role to help prevent a surge in MOT failures The rise in MOT failures is ringing warning bells for UK drivers. Recent data from the RAC Foundation revealed that over 9.9 million vehicles failed their MOT in 2023, with many stemming from neglected repairs. As the cost of car ownership goes up, it’s no wonder cost-conscious drivers are increasingly opting for DIY fixes. However, what can initially appear as a minor repair can lead to bigger issues down the line if repairs are not done in the right way. Garages should see this as an opportunity to educate customers and encourage them to come into garages to get repairs done properly, steering them away from DIY temptation. On the other hand, modern repair solutions are supporting garages to resolve issues before they escalate, benefiting everyone in this equation. While the main reason for these DIY repairs increasing is to save costs, there are certain tasks that need to be fixed by experts. Many drivers are unaware of how complex modern vehicles have grown. This leads to them underestimating the risks associated with undertaking repairs themselves — resulting in more and more vehicles failing their annual roadworthiness check-up. For instance, critical systems like braking, suspension, and emissions controls can no longer be repaired with basic car knowledge. Suspension issues are among the most common reasons for MOT failures, alongside lighting and tyre problems. These systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated and require expert knowledge to diagnose and repair correctly. Clearly, drivers need to be educated on how critical professional maintenance is. Garages can play a role in this, and highlight the risks associated with DIY repairs. Explaining the dangers of incorrect part installation or inadequate repair work can help encourage customers to seek professional advice. Drivers should be informed about the value of regular check-ups and professional maintenance, where mechanics can identify early signs of wear and tear before they turn into major — and costly — issues. Mechanics should also consider providing free safety inspections or MOT pre-checks, especially for critical systems such as suspension wear, brake issues, and electrical faults before they escalate. With the right tools and information at their disposal, garages can confidently handle these complex systems, maintaining safety standards and keeping pace with dealership-level service capabilities. This will ensure that drivers are less likely to experience MOT failures and help garages retain customers who might otherwise be tempted by quick, low-cost fixes that ultimately compromise vehicle safety. Another way garages can battle these rising trends is by turning to advanced repair solutions for predictive maintenance to spot potential issues early. Using techniques like advanced diagnostic tools, they are already playing a pivotal role in helping mechanics identify concerns long before they become MOT failures. These tools can read a vehicle’s onboard data, flag early warning signs, and provide a comprehensive report on any underlying mechanical issues. Garages should showcase the effectiveness of these tools to implement best practice for maintenance, increasing road safety for the drivers. By encouraging drivers to invest in regular diagnostics, even outside of the MOT cycle, it could help reduce last-minute repairs and ensure vehicles remain roadworthy. This approach doesn’t just cut down on MOT failures — it also extends the lifespan of key vehicle components and keeps repair costs manageable. Gone are the days when vehicle repairs were primarily reactive, fixing something after it had already failed, especially with MOT failures on the rise. It’s time to take a proactive approach by using data to forecast potential failures. Predictive maintenance allows garages to address issues before they become significant problems. Drivers need to learn why professional maintenance is critical Many drivers underestimate risks of attempting their own repairs
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