A third of motorists are putting off getting their vehicle serviced because of cost, Motor Trader has reported[i]. Financial constraints during coronavirus are cited as the reason 32% of drivers said they had delayed car servicing, even though the majority would usually have an annual service as standard.
The survey of 10,000 motorists, undertaken by garage comparison website BookMyGarage, found that 29% said they’d put off servicing because they’ve been doing fewer miles in their car during lockdown. Fewer than 4 in 10 (38%) said they felt comfortable undertaking maintenance work on their car themselves. With nearly half of drivers concerned about the safety of their vehicle, demand on garages is likely to rise in coming months.
The end of the MOT exemption will mean that even drivers who have chosen not to service their car will need to book into a garage fairly soon. Demand for MOTs is expected to rise by 50% this autumn, and the DVSA has revealed the postcodes where demand is likely to be highest.
As more drivers head back to garages for overdue servicing and MOTs, it’s not just engines and exhausts getting attention—garages themselves are under scrutiny. With vehicles coming and going more frequently, the functionality of the garage door becomes a key part of the equation. A jammed roller or failing opener can be more than just an inconvenience; it can slow down operations and even pose a safety risk, especially in high-traffic areas.
That’s where a solid partner like Top One Garage Doorsmakes all the difference. Whether it’s replacing a tired old door that’s seen one too many winters or repairing worn-out springs and misaligned tracks, they ensure that garage access runs as smoothly as a freshly serviced engine. And let’s be honest—if you’re trusting a technician with your vehicle’s safety, shouldn’t the entrance to their workspace be just as reliable?
Investing in proper garage door maintenance is more than a cosmetic upgrade—it’s a move toward efficiency and security. With post-lockdown demand surging and MOT slots filling fast, now’s the time to make sure your garage is as ready as your car. After all, if the goal is roadworthiness, it starts at the garage threshold.
Birmingham to be one of the busiest areas for MOTs
Birmingham topped the list of postcode areas likely to see highest demand for MOTs in October and November, according to data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Also in the top 5 were Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester, and Peterborough[ii].
“Now exemptions have ended, millions of motorists will be making sure their vehicle is safe by getting a MOT done,” said Chris Price, head of MOT policy at DVSA.
“Garages across the country will see demand start to peak during September, with almost double the number of MOTs due in October and November.”
The DVSA have reported that an additional 86,753 tests will be required this year, an increase of just over 59%[iii].
Are you providing vehicle servicing or MOT services? Have you seen a rise in demand? Let us know below.
Article references:
[i] https://www.motortrader.com/motor-trader-news/automotive-news/third-motorists-put-off-servicing-financial-restraints-09-09-2020
[ii] https://autotechnician.co.uk/dvsa-reveals-top-20-postcodes-for-mot-demand-this-autumn/
[iii] https://www.motoringresearch.com/car-news/postcodes-where-demand-mot-tests-highest/