Fleets urged to plan ahead to avoid autumn rush for MoTs

Fleets are being urged to consider forward booking for MoTs to avoid a higher risk of vehicle off-road time during an autumn surge in demand, according to Prestige Fleet Servicing.

Almost 10 million UK vehicles will require an MoT during September, October and November 2022 as a result of the COVID-19 testing suspensions implemented by the government (DVSA).

Garages will see a forecasted 3.27 million vehicles for MoTs in September, compared with 2.64 million in the same month four years ago in 2018.

With many businesses forced to hang onto ageing vehicles for longer than intended due to current new vehicle shortages, fleets are already under rising pressure to be more vigilant about vehicle maintenance and repair.

Unexpected mechanical failures, especially from older models, can put a serious dent in profits when it comes to business downtime if vehicles are required to be off the road for a significant period of time.

Penny Stoolman, managing director, Prestige Fleet Servicing, said: "Being unable to service a vehicle when it is off road for repair or is waiting for an MoT due to long waiting times is undoubtedly going to cost your business money.

"However, forward booking MoT and servicing work can reap rewards when it comes to reducing VOR time, especially during periods of uncertainty.   

“Pre-scheduled downtime will lower your risk of VOR."

There is some concern in the fleet industry that it is heading for a "perfect SMR storm" in the next few months due to increased labour rates, long lead times for new vehicles and pressure on autumn MoT slots risks escalating service, maintenance and repair (SMR) costs.