There are two particularly busy periods for garages across the UK. From early March into April and late August into September, MOT bookings skyrocket. In fact, MOT bookings surge by 23% in March and nearly 20% in September compared to other months of the year!
As a result, if your MOT is due in March or September, it’s important to ensure you book your slot in plenty of time in order to beat the rush.
March and September are when new registration plates are released, which sees a much higher number of cars being registered – leading to a significant spike in demand for garage services at this time of year.
So, if your MOT is due, it’s time for a service or you need some repairs, don’t leave it until the last minute or you risk missing out. Book an appointment today to ensure you get a convenient slot and that your car will be there when you need it.
1. Book your MOT early, without losing out
With over 600 garages nationwide, booking an MOT is easy and convenient with Halfords.
But did you know that you can book your MOT up to a month (minus a day) before your current certificate is due to expire? That expiry date will still remain the same, so your new MOT certificate will effectively be valid for 13 months!*
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BOOK EARLY AND GET A 13-MONTH MOT!* |
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MOT due |
Book your MOT early |
2026 expiry date |
|
15th March 2025 15th September 2025 |
15th February 2025 15th August 2025 |
15th March 2026 15th September 2026 |
|
22nd March 2025 22nd September 2025 |
22nd February 2025 22nd August 2025 |
22nd March 2026 22nd September 2026 |
|
30th March 2025 30th September 2025 |
30th February 2025 30th August 2025 |
30th March 2026 30th September 2026 |
*providing your vehicle passes first time.
2. Choose the right servicing option for you
Regular services keep your car running at its best and reduce the risk of it breaking down when you most need it.
We offer a range of servicing options to meet your needs, including for hybrid cars. Here are the three main ones:
|
Name |
Recommended interval |
What it involves |
|
Interim service |
Every 6 months or if you exceed 2,000 miles per month |
A 50-point inspection that’s designed for high mileage car users in between annual services. |
|
Full Service |
Every 12 months or every 12,000 miles |
A 77-point inspection and among the most comprehensive annual services available. It exceeds recommendations made by most manufacturers in terms of checks, refills and replacements to help ensure trouble-free motoring. |
|
Major Service |
Every 24 months or every 24,000 miles |
A 77-point inspection, as well as the replacement of all the parts that manufacturers recommend you replace every two years, such as brake fluid (worth up to £39.99) and your cabin filter (worth up to £60). |
If you’re not sure what service to go for, then our article on the topic should help you decide.
3. Save by booking your MOT and service together
Booking an MOT and service together won’t just save you time, it’ll also save you money – up to £29.99 when you join the Halfords Motoring Club for free! As the cost of living continues to rise, that’s a saving too good to turn down. And you won’t have to try and make two different appointments on two different days at two different times (or try to remember when they’re all taking place).
We offer three MOT and service combi packages and you can find the full details at the links below:
As with our individual MOT and service, appointments can be booked online at a time and location that’s convenient.
4. Prepare for your MOT
While the requirements for an MOT can be quite strict, nearly half of all MOT failures could be avoided through simple maintenance. So there are some simple steps you can take to make sure you’re prepared.
First off, have a look at our handy article and watch the video below for advice on the areas of your car that’ll be checked during an MOT.
Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the test, why not book our Free 5-Point Car Check? In this, one of our trained technicians will check your vehicle’s brake and headlights, wiper blades, battery, and windscreen – all parts that are checked during an MOT.
Or, if you’re worried specifically about your tyres, book our Free Tyre Check for that added peace of mind. We also offer a Free Brake Check, Free Steering Check and a Free Exhaust Check, which are all areas that your MOT will cover.
5. Give our mobile service a try
With garages expected to be so busy over the next several months, you might be wondering where else you could go to get replacement tyres or have products fitted.
Well, the good news is that our Halfords Mobile Experts service is here to help. Our mobile technicians can carry out many of the same repair and replacement services as our autocentres and best of all, they’ll come to you at home or at work!
So if you need new tyres or a replacement car battery, then check out Halfords Mobile Experts. You can find a full list of our mobile services online, and appointments can be booked at a time and on a date that suits you.
6. Use your Halfords Motoring Club benefits
If there’s one top tip we can give you when your MOT is due, it’s to make good use of your Motoring Club Premium membership! Plenty of your member perks can be put to good use before your test:
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Your MOT is included! All you have to do is choose a time and date to suit you
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Book a 10-Point Car Check beforehand to make sure you’re on track for a pass (and know you’ve got another one to use later in the year)
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A free fitting in-store for a pair of bulbs, wiper blades, or a battery if it’s time for a replacement before your test
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Free Next Day Delivery for any parts or accessories you might need
Still not part of the club? Our Premium membership gives you access to ALL our membership perks, including exclusive member pricing on all motoring products and services online and across our stores, garages and Halfords Mobile Experts, as well as a variety of other benefits that will help you to keep moving for less.
Or, join for free and still get money off your test, a free car health check and a welcome voucher that can be spent on any Halfords product or service. Join over 3 MILLION motorists and sign up today.
Beat the rush when it comes to your MOT, service or repairs! Head over to Halfords.com to find your local garage or Halfords Mobile Expert and make a booking today.
In between your MOT or service period, you can also take advantage of our range of free car checks. Check out our blog on the types of car checks and motoring services we offer.
