The MOT is an annual inspection which ensures that your car conforms to standards for environmental and safety on the roads. Every MOT test comes with an inventory of tests that are standard and tests that are conducted on each vehicle.
We’ve listed below the major components that are tested during the MOT test.
We’ve also provided a few easy checks that anyone can do prior to an MOT. The majority of defects discovered at the time of an MOT could be prevented through basic maintenance. Spending some time to check things like wiper blades, lighting and tyres prior the test can save you time, money and an unavoidable failure.
If you discover the issue, we’ll have all the replacement and spare parts you require. In some instances we’ll even be able to repair items like lights or wipers while you sit and wait.
The rear, front brake, fog and reflectors for the rear of your registration plate and reflectors need to:
Make sure you are properly positioned
Secure
Do not be obscured
Be in good condition
Display the proper color (a blueish tinge in front headlights is fine so long as the dominant color is white)
Be not adversely affected through the use of any other light source
It is possible to illuminate the room with just one operation of the switch.
Two lights should emit lights of the same color size and shape, and the headlight’s focus (both primary beams and dip beams) must be lower than the horizontal level, so as to not enthral other drivers.
Horn
The horn’s tone must be an uninterrupted, uniform sound and must be sufficient in volume to be heard by a motorist.
Battery
The battery needs to be secure and should not show any indications of leakage electrolytes.
Electrical wiring
Wiring must be secured and should not become damaged that it is susceptible to short circuit or break off.
Towbars
Each electrical socket should be in good shape and be able to control the trailer parking lights as well as indicator lights for brakes,, and the rear fog light.
Pre-MOT check tips
30% of MOT near me faults involve the lighting and signalling
Lights: When you are operating your lights from your driver’s seat, ask someone else in your family go around the vehicle to make sure that each light is operating properly.
Horn: Make sure to give your horn short blast to ensure it’s operating properly.
Battery: Make sure whether all connections are connected securely and in good shape. Be on the lookout for leaks of fluid. If you are worried regarding the condition the battery in your vehicle, take it to a service for a no-cost battery inspection to give you security.
Steering
The steering wheel of your vehicle must be safe and in good state of repair. Our expert technician will test this by moving the wheel in different directions, and then inspecting the steering parts for damage or wear.
If your steering features locks, they will only lock in the event that your engine doesn’t operating.
The vehicles with power steering have to contain at a minimum amount of fluid for power steering inside the reservoir.
Suspension
Shock absorbers and suspension components will be inspected for excess fractures, distortion, and corrosion.
All your brakes, pedals, and levers must be in good order, and any warning lights have to function. Our skilled technician will conduct an examination of the brake’s performance to determine the effectiveness of your brakes.
Pre-MOT check tips
9.6 Percent of MOT fails result from brake issues
Be aware of your vehicle and take note of any time it moves to one side as you press the brakes.
A tendency to pull to one side is a serious issue that should be dealt with to ensure your security. Contact us for a no-cost brake check . Our trained technicians will examine your brakes, identify the root of the issue and how to fix the issue.
Your tyres should have the correct speed and load rating for the vehicle you are driving and tread depth must be at minimum 1.6mm. Our experienced technician will inspect for any cuts that exceed 25mm, bulges, lumps or tears, as well as opening of the cord, as well as tread separation.
For vehicles that have run-flat tires the warning light needs to work properly.
Road wheels should be in good overall condition. All wheel nuts should be properly in the correct position and secured.
Pre-MOT check tips
10% of MOT faults can be traced to the tyres
Before you take your car to an MOT test make use of a tyre thickness gauge to determine how deep the tread of every tyre.
All of your safety belts (including the adjuster and attachment fittings) should be the right length and in good condition.
Pre-MOT check tips
Use your seatbelts to give a firm pull to ensure that the restraint mechanism is in place. Make sure that the locks are operating correctly and that everything is in operating in good working order.
Body
A thorough inspection of the body engine mountings, the chassis and seats, bonnet doors, and boot is performed to ensure the components are free of excessive corrosion and have no sharp edges that could lead to injury.
Registration plates
They must be legible and secure to a person standing 20 metres away from the vehicle. installed on the rear and front of the vehicle. All characters must be properly shaped and spaced to ensure they’re not misinterpreted.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Every vehicle has to have an identifiable VIN or on the VIN plate that is attached to the vehicle or on the body or the chassis.
Speedometer
A speedometer should be installed and our professional technician will ensure that it is able to be lit. It doesn’t matter whether the dial glass is damaged in the event that it can read.
Pre-MOT check tips
Registration plates: Cleanse your plates, and ensure they’re clear and legal. If you require new plate registration for either your rear or front you can purchase one on the internet.
Speedometer: Check that the speedometer can be read , and the dashboard lights are lit at night.
Exhaust system
Your exhaust system must be safe and free of leaks. If your vehicle was equipped to have a catalytic converter it should be still in use.
Emissions
The vehicle’s carbon monoxide as well as hydrocarbon emissions should be within the limits set by law. Our skilled technicians will employ an analyser probe for gas while the engine is running to check the smoke that is released by the exhaust. They’ll also check visually whether there is excessive smoke of any color being released from the exhaust which could lead to an MOT fault.
Your car will require sufficient fuel and oil levels for technicians to conduct their emissions checks.
Pre-MOT check tips
Exhaust: Take note of any noises or rumbling in towards the exhaust pipe while your car is running. This may indicate a potential issue that requires attention before you go for your MOT. Utilize our free exhaust inspection to gain professional advice and assistance.
Emissions: Make sure you fill up your fuel and engine oil before you test. The level of oil is supposed to be in between the mark of the minimum and the maximum on the dipstick located in the reservoir of oil under your bonnet.
Mirrors
Mirrors for the rear view and wing mirrors should be secured and offer sufficient views of the side and back of the vehicle.
Windscreens and Wipers
In the windscreen area right in front of the driver’s face, there should not be any obstructions or damage to the view greater than 10mm. Outside of this zone (but within the sweep area) it is not allowed to there be damage, or obstruction that is greater than 40mm. Washers and wipers should sweep an area large enough to provide the driver with an unobstructed perspective of road.
Pre-MOT check tips
6.6 percent of MOT failures are caused by problems with the driver’s vision of the road
Mirrors: Look for cracks in your windscreen or mirrors that may block your view of the road . You can fix or replace anything that’s damaged.
Wipers Blades an inspection to make sure they’re in good shape and don’t show any indications of wear and tear.
Windscreen: Check the screen washing levels, and then top off as necessary. Apply a little squirt to check that everything is operating just as it should. off for testing.
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