- Published 20/01/2025
Big MOT Failure? What Should You Do Next?
Facing a big MOT failure is something no car owner wants to experience. It’s that moment when the mechanic hands over the dreaded fail sheet, and your heart sinks as you read the list of faults. Some MOT failures are minor and easy to fix, but others can signify that your car’s time on the road has ended. If you're faced with a significant MOT failure, it’s essential to weigh your options carefully. Here’s what you need to know and how to decide whether repairing or scrapping your car is the best course of action.
Understanding a Big MOT Failure
An MOT failure means your car doesn’t meet the minimum safety and environmental standards required by law. Minor shortcomings, such as a blown light bulb or worn-out wiper blades, are inexpensive to fix and can quickly get your car roadworthy again. However, a "big" MOT failure is when major or dangerous faults are flagged—like corrosion, engine damage, or extensive mechanical wear and tear.
These failures often come with a hefty repair bill, which can leave you questioning whether it’s worth the cost of getting your car back on the road. In many cases, the repair costs can exceed the car's value, leaving you in a financial dilemma.
What Are Your Options?
When your car fails its MOT, you have two options: repair or scrap it. Each option comes with its own set of considerations.
Option 1: Repair Your Car
If the cost of repairs is manageable and the car has been reliable up until now, it may make sense to fix it. For example, repairing minor issues like replacing brake pads and tyres or fixing minor leaks can be relatively inexpensive compared to buying a new vehicle. However, if the failure highlights multiple or recurring issues, repairing it could be a short-term fix, with further breakdowns likely down the road.
Option 2: Scrap Your Car
Scrapping your car becomes the most practical choice when repair costs are too high. If your vehicle has severe corrosion, major engine failure, or an array of problems that will only worsen, it’s time to consider cutting your losses. Scrapping your car allows you to put that money towards a new, more reliable vehicle instead of throwing good money after bad.
Why Scrapping a Car After an MOT Failure Makes Sense
If you’ve decided that repairing your car isn’t worth the expense, scrapping it with a trusted service like Motorwise offers several advantages:
1. Save Money and Time
Significant MOT failures often mean a long list of expensive repairs. Scrapping your car saves you from the financial burden and stress of endless maintenance. Plus, arranging to scrap your car with Motorwise is simple and hassle-free.
2. Free Up Space
A failed MOT often means your car is parked indefinitely while you figure out your next steps. Scrapping the car allows you to clear space in your driveway or garage for a new vehicle.
3. Eco-Friendly Disposal
Scrapping your car doesn’t mean it goes straight to a landfill. Professional car recyclers, like Motorwise, ensure that your vehicle is dismantled responsibly, with reusable parts salvaged and harmful materials disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
4. Immediate Payment
When you scrap your car, you get an instant cash injection. This money can be put towards a new vehicle, giving you peace of mind and a fresh start.
How Motorwise Makes Scrapping Easy
If you’ve decided that scrapping your car is the best option after a big MOT failure, Motorwise makes the process straightforward and stress-free:
Get a Quote Online
Visit the Motorwise website and enter your car’s registration details for an instant quote. Our price is based on the current scrap car market, ensuring you receive a fair deal.Arrange Collection
Motorwise offers a nationwide collection service, so no matter where you are, we’ll arrange to collect your car at a time that suits you. Whether it’s at your home, workplace, or the garage where your vehicle failed its MOT, we’ll come to you.Secure Payment
Once your car has been inspected and collected, Motorwise ensures prompt payment via bank transfer. No delays, no hassle.Eco-Friendly Disposal
Motorwise works with licensed Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) to ensure your car is recycled responsibly. Everything that can be reused or repurposed is salvaged, and harmful materials are safely disposed of.When Should You Scrap Your Car?
Here are some key signs that scrapping your car might be the best choice after an MOT failure:
High Repair Costs:
If the repair costs exceed the value of your car, scrapping is the most cost-effective option.Recurring Issues:
Persistent mechanical problems often indicate that the car’s lifespan is nearing its end.Safety Concerns:
A vehicle that fails its MOT due to safety-critical issues like faulty brakes or extensive rust is a risk on the road.Environmental Impact:
Older cars with high emissions might fail to meet modern environmental standards, making them less eco-friendly and expensive.Don’t Let a Big MOT Failure Hold You Back
A big MOT failure doesn’t have to be a headache. If repairs are out of the question, scrapping your car with Motorwise is a quick, easy, and environmentally friendly solution. Not only will you save money and time, but you’ll also be contributing to a greener planet by recycling your vehicle responsibly.
So, why wait? Contact Motorwise today for a free quote, and let us help you turn your big MOT failure into a stress-free solution.
