We know this time of uncertainty is having a massive impact on everyone’s lives, and we want to tell you that we are doing all we can to help our customers.
We are continually monitoring the guidelines and advice provided by the Government and Public Health England and are committed to making the right decisions for our customers and team.
Over the last few months, there has been a lot of discussion around MOT services, when they’re needed and how people should go about them. Here, we seek to answer any questions you may have about keeping your car roadworthy during these challenging times.
The Current Advice on MOTs
When the UK coronavirus lockdown was announced in March, the government announced that any vehicles with MOTs soon to expire would be granted a six-month extension. For example, if your MOT was due to expire on 28th March, it would now remain valid until 28th September.
That arrangement was in place up until 31st July, meaning if your MOT was due on this date, you would not need a test until the end of January 2021.
However, MOTs have since returned to normal. Therefore, if your MOT is usually due in August, September or beyond, you need to have a test.
What to Do If I Need an MOT Test
Throughout this year, we have continued to offer MOTs and services to those that need them. If your car or light commercial vehicle (classes 4 & 7) requires an MOT, we are equipped to carry this out for you.
Our workshop remains open for MOT testing 24/7, with new measures in place to prevent contamination. More on this is explained below.
What to Do if My MOT Has Been Extended
If your regular MOT date fell between March and July and has since been extended, you should be able to tax your vehicle like normal. Your insurance will also still be valid if you choose to wait until the extended expiry date.
However, even with the MOT extension in place, you must still keep your vehicle in a roadworthy condition. Vehicles found to be unroadworthy still risk fines, bans and penalty points.
Remember to take special care that your lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, demisters, wipers and washers are all working. Tyres must be correctly inflated, free from cuts and defects and have enough tread. Fluid levels must also be safe and not leaking.
If you are concerned about the roadworthiness of your vehicle, our garage remains open for services and repairs. You could also book your car in for an early MOT, for further peace of mind.
What We Are Doing to Keep You Safe
As with many businesses, we have made some changes to the way we operate to help provide confidence to customers and also our workers. We hope that you understand the need for these new processes and will work with us during these challenging times.
All of our current protocols will be explained when booking. However, please note some key points:
We are currently discouraging the use of our loan cars, unless absolutely critical.
Waiting appointments are limited to maintain social distancing guidelines.
Markers and screens have been installed in our reception area to help protect our customers and staff.
Please be assured that stringent measures are also in place workshop side.
Questions? Get in Touch
If you are at all worried, please do not hesitate to call us. We can talk you through some basic checks or even come out to you and conduct a no contact safety check on your vehicle.
We are also offering our customers free recovery, including home starts, within a ten-mile radius of our garage.
Hopefully, this has answered some questions you may have. If you’d like to speak to us, please call 01288 255305 or e-mail info@colwillsgarage.co.uk.
Thank you, as always, for your continued custom. Please again be reassured that we are doing our best to keep you and your vehicle safe.