UK Government could scrap annual MOTs to ease cost of living crisis
Officials are considering the switch to two-year MOTs which could save motorists £55 a year - but it risks leaving unsafe cars legally on the road
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The UK Government has outlined plans to scrap annual MOT tests by making them compulsory every two years, in a bid to ease the cost of living for motorists. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his government is seeking "innovative" ways to ease the pressure on household finance, with the ruling of MOT tests potentially being part of the plan. The proposed change to make MOTs a two-year requirement could save motorists £55 a year, although for many drivers, this will only go a small way to offset the recent rise in fuel prices.
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In fact, while for some, saving £55 a year could be the lifeline they need to stay mobilised and on the road, cinch recommends sticking to an annual schedule with MOT tests, in order to keep your car as safe as possible. Delaying an MOT test by a year not only increases the chances of an unforeseen (and potentially dangerous) issue not being spotted, but it could also lead to higher repair bills when the problem is eventually spotted at a more advanced stage.
Also, MOT tests have long been annual for good reason; they reduce the chances of unsafe cars being on the road. Plus, having an MOT entry every year in your car's history can boost its value - people are often prepared to pay more for a car they believe to be well looked after. Honestly, we couldn't recommend sticking to the annual MOT schedule more, even if the UK Government does change the rules. Although we do also understand the financial strain many motorists are under.
With that in mind, below we've listed some key maintenance tips to help keep your motor keep in tip-top shape year-round. Click this link for the full article.
Maintenance tips
Not only will these help your car run smoother, but they could also prevent some expensive and niggling problems further down the line.
Tyres - Tyres are one of your car’s most important things to keep an eye on. What you need to check is your tyre pressures as well as the tread and condition of each tyre. If you have any concerns, take your car to a garage to get them checked out.
Lights - It's crucial to check your indicators, brake and fog lights are all in working order. If any of them seem to be fading, you must change them straight away.
Engine oil - Ensuring your oil level is topped up will help you avoid a large number of major engine problems. To do this, locate the dipstick and take it out and wipe it clean with a cloth. You’ll see two marks – one for the minimum and maximum oil levels. Replace the dipstick and take it out again. You’ll see the current oil level, which should be between the two marks.
Coolant level - Antifreeze prevents the build-up of corrosion within the cooling system and stops the water in the coolant system from freezing. So it's important to think about this when the cold weather returns.
Windscreen - Check your windscreen regularly for any chips or stone damage. Not only can this affect your vision when you're behind the wheel, but if they are left they could turn into bigger cracks.
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