Unit 41 · New Harbours
Mechanical
Workshop
The same workshop that has been servicing and repairing vehicles in Gibraltar since 1996. All major and minor repairs, full servicing to MOT standards, auto respray and body repair.
What the workshop does
Everything except the test itself
- All major and minor repairs — engine, brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust, electrics, clutch and gearbox
- Full servicing to MOT standards — so the test is a formality rather than a surprise
- Auto respray and body repair — panel damage, scrapes, kerbed and corroded bodywork
- Batteries — official VARTA agent, free installation during working hours
- Vehicle importing — goods, industrial, hybrid, electrical and personal vehicles
- Recovery to the workshop — if it won't drive, we'll bring it in ourselves
MOT in Gibraltar
The test is the law.
Failing it is expensive.
An MOT is a legal requirement in Gibraltar, and driving without a valid certificate carries a fine of up to £300 and three penalty points. Here is how often you need one.
Private cars
Over 4 years old
Tested every two years.
Commercial vehicles
Annually
Every year, regardless of age.
Public service vehicles
Over 12 years old
Every six months.
Two things worth knowing
The test is booked with the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Department at dvld.egov.gi/mot, and their own advice is to allow plenty of time — slots go. Second, only Gibraltar-registered vehicles can be tested here; foreign plates are not eligible.
Get it serviced before you book it
We do not issue MOT certificates — the Government does that. What we do is service the car to MOT standards beforehand, so the things that commonly fail a test are found and fixed while there is still time to fix them. Book the service first, the test second.
Why cars age badly here
Salt, heat and gradients
A car in Gibraltar has a harder life than the same car somewhere flat and dry.
- Salt air works on undercarriages, brake lines and exhaust systems year-round
- Heat destroys rubber — hoses, belts, bushes, wiper blades and seals go early
- The gradients punish brakes and clutches in a way motorway miles never do
It is worth having those specific things looked at rather than assuming a service interval written for a different climate still applies.
Parts
Nearly everything has to be imported
There is no local parts industry — components come from Spain, the UK or further afield, and that is where a repair usually gains or loses its time.
Altimore already imports vehicles of every type, so sourcing and bringing in parts is part of the normal week here rather than a favour.
Bookings
Ring the workshop
Unit 41, Harbour's Deck, New Harbours, Rosia Road.