10:02 am, April 3, 2013
DEALERSHIP staff are being urged to help customers get their vehicles through annual MOT tests – by dispensing advice and helping them check the cars’ roadworthiness.
In the new scheme spearheaded by the SMMT, car owners are encouraged to carry out quick checks of their vehicles before test day – with an online checklist designed to point out most potential failures.
The ‘Minute Or Two’ scheme is aimed reducing the number of first-time MOT failures across the country – the SMMT suggesting that around 1.5 million failures each year ‘could be avoided’ if motorists spot failures early.
Consisting of 10 check points that are relatively easy for owners to look for, the list includes anything from headlight and indicator bulbs to tyre tread depth, with even the condition of the car’s windscreen wipers worth a check.
Some checks however, such as engine oil level, can prove confusing for some drivers however – and in those situations, the SMMT says that dealerships will be on hand to help.
‘Every’ car manufacturer in the UK is said to be participating in the campaign, meaning that a total of 5,545 main dealers in the country will soon be handing out advice to customers – technicians ‘ready and able to assist customers’ who might be unsure about doing the checks themselves.
‘The message that we are keen to get across to motorists is that an MOT fail could very easily be avoided if a simple visual check is carried out beforehand,’ said Mike Baunton, SMMT interim chief executive.
‘Technicians at manufacturer main dealerships across the UK are ready and willing to help vehicle owners carry out the visual inspection before the test, and to rectify any issues before conducting a manufacturer-guaranteed MOT.
‘With the introduction of a number of new additions to the annual MOT test just last month, it is even more important for vehicle owners to understand the advantage that a few simple checks could make to the outcome of their test.’
Sue Robinson, national franchised dealer association director, added: ‘The “Minute Or Two” checks are easy and simple to perform and will save motorists time and aggravation when taking their vehicle for its annual MOT test.
‘If consumers have any concerns about the state of their vehicle in the run-up to its MOT, they can call a manufacturer main dealer, whose fully trained technicians will be able to provide advice on carrying out the checks for all makes and models.’
