Guides · Updated 2026-10-15
ChatGPT prompts for garages and mechanics (UK)
These prompts cover the messages garages send every day: MOT reminders, estimates, asking permission for extra work, explaining a bill. Fill in the [brackets], paste into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini, and check the draft before sending. AI tools can get technical and legal details wrong, so check everything yourself. Rules below were checked on GOV.UK and legislation.gov.uk on 15 October 2026.
For general messages (review requests, payment reminders), see ChatGPT prompts for tradespeople.
MOTs and servicing
1. MOT reminder
Write a short MOT reminder text to [customer name] for their [make and model, reg ending ...]. Their MOT runs out on [date]; say they can book up to a month (minus a day) early and keep the same renewal date, and give my booking link or number [link]. Under 300 characters, British spelling.
GOV.UK says you can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date (GOV.UK). The maximum MOT fee for a car is £54.85, and no VAT is charged on the fee (GOV.UK: MOT fees).
2. Explain an MOT failure
Write a plain-English message to [customer name] explaining their [car]'s MOT result: [list each item with its category: dangerous, major or minor, and any advisories]. For each, say what it means in one line and my price to fix it ([£amount]). Calm, factual, no scare tactics, British spelling, under 200 words.
3. Service reminder
Write a short service reminder for [customer name]'s [car]: last serviced [date] at [mileage]. Suggest booking a [interim/full] service, give the price ([£amount]) and what's included in one line. Under 300 characters, British spelling.
Estimates and extra work
4. Repair estimate
Write a clear repair estimate for [customer name]'s [car, reg]: [list of parts with prices], labour ([hours] at [£ per hour]), VAT, total, how long the price is valid ([days]), and that we'll ask before doing anything not listed. British spelling, plain English.
5. Ask permission for extra work
While working on [car] we found [problem]. Write a short text to [customer name] explaining what we found, why it matters ([safety/risk of further damage]), the extra cost ([£amount]), and that we won't do it unless they reply YES. Offer to send a photo. Under 400 characters, British spelling.
Agreeing the price before you do extra work avoids disputes. If a contract doesn't fix the price, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 says the consumer must pay a reasonable price (section 51), and every service must be performed with reasonable care and skill (section 49).
6. Explain a bill that's higher than expected
A customer is unhappy that their bill of [£amount] is higher than the estimate of [£amount]. Write a polite reply explaining what changed ([extra work they approved on [date], parts price change]), with the approval message attached, and offering to talk it through. Not defensive, British spelling, under 150 words.
Customers and the business
7. Car ready for collection
Write a short text to [customer name] saying their [car] is ready to collect, the total ([£amount]), how to pay ([options]), our opening hours ([hours]), and any advice from the work (for example, [advisory to watch]). Under 300 characters, British spelling.
8. Reply to a complaint about a repeat fault
A customer says the fault we fixed on [date] ([fault]) has come back. Write a calm reply apologising for the trouble, asking them to bring the car in on [date options] so we can check it free of charge, and explaining what we'll do if it's related to our work. Don't admit fault before we've checked, British spelling, under 150 words.
9. Explain a diagnostic charge
A customer has questioned the [£amount] diagnostic charge for their [car]. Write a polite reply explaining that diagnosis takes [time] of a technician with [equipment], what we tested and found, and that the charge is [deducted from the repair if they go ahead / separate]. British spelling, under 120 words.
10. Google Business Profile post before winter
Write a Google Business Profile post for a garage in [town] offering winter checks: battery, tyres, lights, wipers, coolant. Give the price ([£amount]) and booking link [link]. Under 150 words, British spelling, no hype.
Before you send anything
- Check every rule and fee against the source, not the AI's version.
- Don't paste full customer details or registration numbers into an AI tool if you don't need to.
- Selling used cars? Read about VAT margin schemes on GOV.UK. Compare invoicing apps for garages and scheduling apps for garages.
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FAQ
What's the maximum MOT fee for a car?
£54.85, with no VAT on the fee (GOV.UK, checked 15 October 2026).
How early can you get an MOT?
Up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out, keeping the same renewal date.
Can a garage charge more than the estimate?
Agree any extra work and its price with the customer first. Where no price is fixed, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires a reasonable price.