Proposals in this week's Chancellor's Budget to consider a four year wait until a vehicle's first MoT test have been criticised by the chief of Warranty Direct.
Currently vehicles require an MoT test at three years since registration, but George Osborne said the Government will consider changing this to four years.
Warranty Direct warned that moving away from the traditional three-year MoT test to a fourth birthday safety check will mean essential maintenance is postponed, while motoring costs could actually increase.
The first MoT failure rate is also set to rocket from the typical 20%, with more components likely to be identified as requiring attention, it said..
David Gerrans, Warranty Direct managing director, said: “Three years of age is generally a landmark age for a car. In most cases, it stops being covered by the manufacturer’s warranty and things start going wrong and wearing out.
“Whilst adding another year before an MoT is due is a nod to manufacturer build quality, it could be viewed as detrimental to road safety, as the average driver will need to replace tyres and brakes before the four year mark.
“Extending the deadline for the first MoT of new cars from three to four years, will only encourage motorists to postpone necessary maintenance work for anything up to an extra year, potentially putting the driver and other motorists at risk.”
An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
Laura - 16/08/2015 16:46
I think the motor trade are up in arms because they are going to lose some revenue - its not all about safety to them. The trade would like it tightened to two years so they can screw motorists for extra money - typical!! There are so many dubious mot test stations out there that fleece the public and use their test centres as a license to print money! Quoting figures on first mot test failures is one thing - but what are the failures as a % of the total number of three year old cars tested that year? Additionally - how many of the failures were as a result of serious safety critical items? How many were simple fails over number plate or side light bulbs and the like? Enough said - personally I think all mot tests should be carried out by governement officals employed by the DVSA on a "not for profit basis" that will rid us of the dubious garages ripping people off for work not required.