British drivers are still putting safety before saving money, according to car selling comparison website Motorway.co.uk . It requested MOT test data from the DVSA for April and May after the Government granted a six month MOT extension from 30 March 2020. According to DVSA figures, 1,407,611 drivers took their vehicles in for an MOT during May, almost double (89%) the number of tests … [Read more...]
Safety checks remain vital despite MoT extension
Following the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s decision to issue a six-month exemption period for MOTs that expire after 30 March, insurethebox is helping its customers make sure their vehicles remain safe during this time. While the government has allowed garages to remain open, social distancing advises against such appointments. As a result, insurethebox is reminding drivers that it is … [Read more...]
Fuel prices collapse but there’s a warning as well
Amid exceptional circumstances, UK petrol prices fell by their largest margin in 12 years in March, triggered by a complete collapse in the world oil price, says the latest RAC Fuel Watch report. While the price of a barrel of crude oil began the month above $50, by the end of March it had plummeted by 66% to under $18, its lowest level in 18 years. This was due to a combination of plunging … [Read more...]
MoT tests extended six months
The temporary MoT exemption is positive as it will allow vital services to continue and aftersales workshops to prioritise essential repair works on critical vehicles, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association. On Sunday 22 March, NFDA wrote to the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP asking for a three-month MoT moratorium. Today, the Government has communicated that vehicle … [Read more...]
“Fake” apprenticeships warning
The Independent Garage Association is calling for greater control of the apprenticeship levy to help reduce the shortage of skilled technicians, following statistics that suggest half of levy-funded apprenticeships are ‘fake’. The analysis by education think tank Education and Skills suggests that the majority of the levy is being put towards existing adult workers, instead of promoting the … [Read more...]
Service shocks shake drivers
Half of UK drivers (47%) worry about having to pay for unexpected car repairs when they get their vehicles serviced. The survey of 2,000 drivers for RAC MOT Assist found that it is those drivers in London, the West Midlands and Northern Ireland who get most agitated, with a majority of respondents in these areas saying they get concerned about hidden problems coming to light. But perhaps more … [Read more...]
Wales “failing” cars highlighted
Some of the most dangerous cars on the roads are in Wales, as Green Flag has uncovered the pass and fail rates under the new MOT tests. The new tests were brought in a year ago in May 2018 and the research by the breakdown assistance company has established where the most dangerous vehicles are in the UK. The failure rates may reflect the lower incomes and spending power across the … [Read more...]
Survey shows satisfaction with servicing
Brits are becoming happier with their garages and service centres. That’s the conclusion of a trade body which annually asks motorists about their experiences.The survey of 1,000 car owners by The Motor Ombudsman, the automotive dispute resolution provider, has revealed that consumers have an increasingly favourable perception of the vehicle service and repair sector when compared to the same … [Read more...]
Tougher MoT test begins tomorrow.
A newer and tougher MoT test begins tomorrow. More vehicles than ever are expected to fail and the worst will be prevented from leaving the test station until they pass. Diesel powered models will face more stringent emissions tests. GoCompare Car Insurance is warning drivers they could invalidate their insurance if they fail to hold an up-to-date MOT certificate for their vehicle. The … [Read more...]
85% of Welsh drivers don’t trust mechanics
If you have you ever walked into the garage feeling you are about to get overcharged for car parts that you don’t need, you are not alone. With nearly 28 million cars going to the garage for MOT tests each year, new research by Confused.com reveals drivers in Wales distrust the experts responsible for fixing their cars. In fact, car mechanics have been ranked one of Britain’s least trusted … [Read more...]