MOT Reminder Best Practices
When and how to send MOT reminders that bring customers back — timing, channels, booking links and what top independents do differently.
Last updated 6 July 2026 · 6 min read
Part of our guide to Customer Retention
MOT reminders are your highest-ROI marketing
Every customer who MOTd with you last year is a warm lead. They already trust you with their car. A timely reminder costs pence and can return a full MOT fee plus advisories. Garages that send no reminders lose 30–50% of last year's MOT customers to competitors who do. Read why customers don't return for the full picture.
Recommended timing
- 4 weeks before expiry: first reminder with booking link
- 2 weeks before: follow-up for non-responders
- 1 week before: urgency message ('your MOT expires on [date]')
- Optional: early MOT prompt at 5 weeks for organised customers
Include a booking link every time
A reminder that says 'call us to book' converts poorly. One with a direct booking link lets the customer act immediately — often at 9pm from their sofa. Pair MOT reminders with a service upsell where appropriate. Templates are in follow-up message templates.
SMS vs email for MOT reminders
SMS open rates exceed 95% for most garages. Email works as a secondary channel or for customers without a mobile number on file. Keep SMS under 160 characters where possible. Mention the registration, expiry date and booking link. Service reminder strategies apply the same principles to non-MOT work.
Track what reminders return
Log bookings that came from reminders versus walk-ins and Google. Use the customer retention calculator to quantify year-on-year MOT return rates. AskMike Customer Reminders sends timed MOT reminders with booking links built in. Full strategy is in the customer retention guide.
Frequently asked questions
- How far in advance should I send an MOT reminder?
- Four weeks before expiry is the sweet spot. It gives customers time to book without feeling rushed. A second reminder at two weeks catches those who forgot to act on the first.
- Can I remind customers about the early MOT rule?
- Yes. Remind customers they can MOT up to one month before expiry without losing the anniversary date. Some drivers book early if you prompt them at the right time.
Related guides
Customer Retention
A practical guide to keeping garage customers coming back — reminders, follow-ups, loyalty and the systems that stop one-off visitors drifting to competitors.
Service Reminder Strategies
How to remind garage customers when their service is due — timing, channels, intervals and messages that convert without annoying people.
Follow-Up Message Templates
Ready-to-use SMS and email templates for garage follow-ups — thank-you messages, review requests, MOT reminders and service prompts.
Why Customers Don't Return
The real reasons garage customers go elsewhere — and which ones you can fix with reminders, follow-up and a better handover experience.
Increasing Repeat Business
Proven tactics to turn one-off garage customers into regulars — reminders, bundling, handover quality and making the next booking effortless.
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