A MOT check is an annual inspection which ensures that your car conforms to standards for environmental and safety on the roads. Each MOT test contains the standard tests and tests that are conducted on each vehicle.
We’ve listed below the major elements that are tested in the MOT test.
We’ve also provided a few easy checks that anyone can do prior to an MOT near me. About half of the defects discovered at the time of an MOT could be prevented by performing a routine maintenance. Therefore, spending some time to check things such as wiper blades, lights and tyres prior to the test can save you time, money and the possibility of a failure that could have been avoided.
If you find 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 the bulbs or wipers while you sit and wait.
The front, rear fog, brake indicators, 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
Make sure you show the proper color (a blueish tinge in front headlights is fine so long as the dominant color is white)
Do not be affected adversely from the action of any other light source
It is possible to illuminate the room with just one operation of the switch.
The lights of a pair must emit lights of the same color in size, shape and size. the headlight’s focus (both primary beams and dip beams) should be set below the horizontal so as not to irritate other drivers.
Horn
The horn should emit an uninterrupted, uniform sound and must be sufficient in volume that it is heard by any other motorist.
Battery
The battery needs to be secure and show no signs of leakage electrolytes.
Electrical wiring
The wire should be safe and should not become damaged that it is susceptible to short circuit or be damaged.
Towbars
Each electrical socket should be in good working order and properly use the parking lights for the trailer as well as indicator lights for brakes,, and the rear fog light.
Pre-MOT check tips
30% of MOT faults are related to the lighting and signalling
Lighting: As you control your lights from your driver’s seat, ask someone from your family or a close friend go around the vehicle to ensure that each one is functioning properly.
Horns: Use your horn for a brief blast to make sure it’s functioning in a proper manner.
Battery: Make sure whether all connections are connected securely and in good shape. Watch out for leaks of fluid. If you are worried regarding the health the battery in your vehicle, take it to a service for a no-cost battery test to ensure security.
Steering
The steering wheel of your vehicle must be safe and in good state of repair. Our skilled technician will verify this by moving the wheel in different directions, and then inspecting the steering parts for damage or wear.
If your steering is equipped with an electronic locking mechanism, it will only lock while the engine’s not in use.
Power steering vehicles must contain at a minimum amount of fluid for power steering within the reservoir.
Suspension
The suspension components and shock absorbers will be inspected for excess fractures, distortion, and corrosion.
The brake pedals, and levers must be in good order, and any warning lights have to function. Our skilled technician will perform tests to test the efficiency of your brakes.
Pre-MOT check tips
9.6 percent of MOT failures result from brake issues
Pay attention to your vehicle and take note of any time it is pulling to one side when you brake.
The tendency to pull one side or the other 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 cause of the problem and then fix the issue.
The tyres you choose should be of the correct speed and load rating for the vehicle you are driving and the tread depth should be at minimum 1.6mm. Our skilled technician will look for any cuts that exceed 25mm, bulges, lumps and tears, as well as the exposed cords or tread separation.
For vehicles that have run-flat tires the warning light needs to work in a correct manner.
Road wheels should be in good 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 bringing your vehicle to an MOT test make use of a tyre thickness gauge to measure that the tread is deep on each of the tyres.
All of your seats belts (including the adjuster and attachment fittings) must be of in good functioning order.
Pre-MOT check tips
Make sure you give your belts an aggressive pull to ensure that the restraint system is working. Verify that the locks work properly and that everything is in functioning condition.
Body
A thorough examination of the body, engine mountings, chassis and seats, bonnet doors, and boot will be conducted to ensure that all parts are free of excessive corrosion, and without sharp edges that could lead to injury.
Registration plates
They must be clear and secure to a person standing 20 metres away from the car . placed on the rear and front of the vehicle. All characters should be properly formed and spaced in order to ensure they’re not misinterpreted.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Every vehicle has to have an identifiable VIN or on the VIN plate, which is secured to the vehicle or printed or etched on the chassis or body.
Speedometer
A speedometer has to be installed with our skilled technician will make sure it is able to be lit. It doesn’t matter if dial glass has cracked, so long as the speed is readable.
Pre-MOT check tips
Registration plates: Cleanse your plates, and ensure they’re clear and legal. If you’re in need of new number plates, either for the rear or front you can buy one on the internet.
Speedometer: Check that the speedometer is read and the dashboard lights are lit at night.
Exhaust system
Your exhaust system must be secure and free from leaks. If your car was initially 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 limit set by law. Our experts will use 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 for any excessive smoke of any colour emanating from the exhaust, which could lead to an MOT fault.
Your car needs to have enough fuel and oil levels to allow the technician to perform their tests for emissions.
Pre-MOT check tips
Exhaust: Take note of any rumbling or noise out of to the side of the pipe while your car is in motion, this may indicate a potential issue which needs to be addressed prior to when you go for your MOT. Use our no-cost exhaust inspection to gain expert advice and support.
Emissions: Make sure you replenish your engine’s oil and fuel prior to your test. The level of oil is supposed to be in between the marks of minimum and maximum on the dipstick located in the reservoir of oil under your bonnet.
Mirrors
Mirrors for the rear view and wing mirrors need to be safe and have sufficient views of the sides and rear of the vehicle.
Windscreens and Wipers
In the windscreen’s area just in front of where the driver is, there should not be any obstruction or damage to the view that is greater than 10mm. Outside of this zone (but within the sweep area) it is not allowed to have any damages or obstruction greater than 40mm. Washers and wipers should sweep an adequate area to provide the driver with an ideal perspective of road.
Pre-MOT check tips
6.6 Percent of MOT failings result from problems with the driver’s vision of the road
Mirrors: Look for cracks in your windscreen or mirrors that could block your view of the road . You can fix or replace anything that’s damaged.
Wipers Get your wiper blades an inspection to make sure they’re in good condition and aren’t showing signs of wear and tear.
Windscreen: Check the screen washing levels, and then top it up as necessary. Squirt it on and make sure everything is functioning in the way it should be before setting off for testing.
