A real-time comparison site for car servicing and MoTs has been launched, offering dealers the chance to promote their deals and drive incremental aftersales revenue.

Called TootCompare, the site works like a combination of Gocompare.com and Lastminute.com. It allows dealers to promote their service and MoT prices and launch special offers in real-time. 

It also offers dealers the opportunity to post offers when their workshop bays are quiet and fill the void when there are last minute cancellations.  Dealers pay TootCompare when the customer has paid for the work.

Chief executive of the new venture is Douglas Rotberg, former managing director of Tesco Cars and founder of web-based used car remarketing service Auto-Online.

He said: “Around 10 million people use price comparison websites each year and they are very much a way of life for UK consumers. They're quick, convenient and save us a lot of time shopping around.

“However, up until now, it has been a different story for car servicing and MoTs.

"Traditionally, motorists have had to call round to compare prices and increasing numbers, have been attracted by the low-cost deals offered by the fast-fit service centres. Now motorists can use TootCompare to search and compare the best MOT and servicing prices locally, from franchised dealers, independents and garages. 

“Franchised dealers need help to win the trust of motorists who still believe they are too expensive.  TootCompare enables like-for-like comparisons for the same services from a host of different providers.  This gives dealers a golden opportunity to increase their aftersales revenue and drive footfall into the showroom. And with a ‘no work, no fee’ pricing structure, dealers have nothing to lose.”

The new site enables motorists to compare the prices from more than 10,000 franchised and independent dealers and garages in minutes. TootCompare is independent and is not affiliated with any garage.

One advocate is Martin Augier, principal of Brighton Suzuki. He said: “Many consumers still have the misconception that it is cheaper to get their car serviced by an independent garage or high street servicing and repair chain. 

"We have been heavily promoting our very competitive servicing and MOT offers to our existing and potential new customers.  Like many other franchised dealers, we have a big job on our hands to convince consumers to come to us, despite our great offers. 

“I believe franchised dealers will benefit greatly from TootCompare as it will enable us to compete on a level playing field with the likes of Halfords.  Consumers need to see how cost-effective franchised dealers are for aftersales and this website will do just that.”

Tootcompare.com customers enter their car registration and their postcode, then the site provides a breakdown of the car service providers in the area. Users browse the list by price, by quality or by location. Once they’ve chosen the right dealer or garage for their needs, they can book through the site. Payment is only made once the work has been completed.