Whether you have been driving for years or if you’re new to taking to the road, you should be aware of your vehicle’s annual MOT test and what is involved. Knowing more about the specific components of your car that are checked will make you more informed about repairs leading up to your assessment.
The law in the UK states that once a car is 3 years old it must be tested every single year to ensure that it still meets the legal road safety requirements and environmental standards. Short for the Ministry of Transport, an MOT can only be carried out by authorised and certified professionals that can be easily identified by the familiar blue and white sign.
The inspection carried out involves multiple checks around your car that range from checking your lights, brakes, exhaust system, fuel system and all safety features. However, they do not cover checking your clutch, gearbox or the condition of your engine.
With as much as 40% of MOT tests failing the first time round due mostly to minor faults, it is important to understand exactly what is checked so you may be able to repair these issues beforehand. Typically, we see a few common mistakes people make before signing their car in for inspection.
Issues With Your License Plate
This can be anything from being too dirty to an illegal type face or missing completely. As a legal requirement your registration plate must be clearly visible and meet the requirements of the DVLA.
Screen Wash & Other Fluids Not Topped Up
Vital to the proper running of your car, the screen wash, oil, power steering, brake fluid & coolant should all be at the appropriate levels prior to your inspection. This can prevent very simple failures from happening.
Headlights & Indicators
Easily checked by yourself before your inspection, if your car’s headlights or brake lights are faulty then let us know when booking in your test to prevent a failed inspection. Our mechanics can replace the broken lights prior to your test to ensure they pass the assessment.
Warning Lights
A later addition to the MOT checks are warning lights on your dashboard. If any of these show up, you should have your vehicle checked by a professional as soon as you can. If any are lit up before your test, then this will cause your vehicle to fail.
By simply checking these things beforehand, you give your car the very best chance of passing with the components that are within your control. Of course, our team of mechanics can assist with any work that needs to be done prior to your test.
Components Checked In An MOT
Primarily the Inspection is put in place to make you and other road users as safe as possible. This is why the tests have such a clear focus on safety mechanisms and components both internally and externally.
Mechanical Components
The tension of your handbrake is checked and other areas to ensure that it works and functions as good as it should or your vehicle.
The suspension & shock absorbers are checked to see whether they are faulty. Improper or damaged shock absorbers can be dangerous to drive on which is why they are checked thoroughly.
Serious issues can arise if you don’t keep an eye on the levels under the bonnet. From overheating due to low coolant to an engine seizing from a lack of oil. In terms of fuel, it is possible that if there is not enough in your tank for us to test your emission levels and you can be turned away.
Our mechanics will check for any damage or leaks in the whole exhaust system from the engine right through to the end. We check for any abnormal noises or smoke it may be emitting.
Safety Features
The main thing the inspection is interested in with your windscreen wipers is if they adequately clean your window. This means checking the rubber isn’t torn or broken.
Fundamental safety features must be compliant with the MOT regulations that are in place to ensure your safety when driving your car. Seatbelts are no exception.
Simple enough test but as a safety feature of your car must be tested for use.
Failing Your MOT
If your vehicle fails its MOT, the test centre will issue you a VT3O Certificate that explains why. You must repair these failure areas and schedule a partial MOT retest with us before you may drive your vehicle again.
