RAC Launches Two Year Car Servicing Plan From £20pcm

With research showing motorists are cutting back on car maintenance to save money, the RAC has launched a new payment plan which affordably enables drivers to spread the cost of their services and MOTs. It’s also getting harder for many drivers to get independent garages to service and repair petrol and diesel cars, as demand is so high. Owners keeping cars longer rather than buy a battery powered car means more repairs as stuff inevitably wears out.

But the pressure on households as food prices double on some items, plus energy, mobile, broadband, streaming service hikes etc means the cash left over to service the car every year is limited. Data for the RAC Report on Motoring shows one-in-10 of all drivers (9%) have been cutting back by servicing their vehicles less frequently and 14% have put off getting repairs done – a figure that rises to 37% of drivers aged 17 to 24.

The RAC Service and MOT Plan lets drivers spread the cost of routine servicing and MOTs over two years so they don’t have to pay big bills all in one go – with no risk of prices increasing. While MOTs are a legal requirement servicing is not. As services usually involving higher upfront costs of £150 to £250, many drivers have been putting off getting them done to save money.

What does an RAC Service and MOT Plan include?

Over the two-year plan, customers will receive:

• 1x full service – change oil and replace air and oil filters as part of a comprehensive 40-point check to make sure the car is running smoothly
• 1x interim service – another oil change and replace air and oil filters as part of a 25-point check to keep the car healthy
• 2x MOTs (currently charged at a maximum of £54.85 each) – legally required once a year for cars over three years old

Plans can be taken out by owners of petrol and diesel cars and vans that are less than 20 years old, under 3.5 tonnes and have engines which are 3.0 litres or smaller. Currently, hybrid and electric vehicles are not covered.

Costs are determined by engine size with vehicles up to 2000cc paying £20 per month; 2001-2400cc – £22, and 2401-3000 – £25 a month. RAC members receive a 10% discount.

Drivers can manage their plans and book their services and MOTs online with a choice of more than 550 garages consisting of: RAC Approved Garages, WhoCanFixMyCar trusted garages and the RAC’s new Mobile Mechanics.

Plans cannot be transferred if the vehicle is sold but they can be cancelled at any time and another one purchased for the new vehicle by calling 0800 048 7488. The RAC website carries full details of RAC Service and MOT plans.