I know MOT’s can be a hassle but they don’t have to be. With just your car registration and a mobile number, we offer a FREE MOT reminder service for all our customers, so you do not have to worry about the dreaded date.
MOT’s are often failed due to the simplest of things. Below are some key indicators for you to be aware of when your car is due for the MOT.
Make sure you check all the lights – headlights, sidelights, rear lights, hazard lights and indicators – and be sure to include the brake lights in your checks.
Either ask a friend to press the brake pedal or reverse up to a reflective surface. Make sure the high-level brake light is functioning correctly.
Check that the wheels and tyres are undamaged – you can do this yourself. The minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm, and anything less than this will be marked as a ‘fail’.
Check that the driver’s seat can be adjusted and that all seats are securely fitted. It’s essential that the seatbacks can be fixed in the upright position.
Check the windscreen to ensure that there are no cracks or damage to the glass. Any damage larger than 40mm will result in a ‘fail’, as will any chips or damage wider than 10mm in the area swept by the wipers.
Check your horn works! BEEP, BEEP..
Make sure your wipers are in order and they can clear the windscreen of rain. If it’s not raining, simply use a watering can or a hose to test. The wiper blades should be free of damage or tears – it’s likely to be cheaper to buy a set of new blades in advance rather than relying on a distress purchase at the MOT test centre.
Note: 8.5% of all MOT faults are related to ‘Driver’s view of the road’. So, if you have stickers, toys or air-fresheners obstructing your view, remove them before the test.
Fluids –
Your car could fail its MOT for having no screen wash, so make sure the washer bottle is topped up in advance. You may also be turned away from the MOT test centre if the vehicle has insufficient engine oil or fuel. The MOT tester will also check the power steering oil.
Warning lights –
If your car’s dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree you could be in for a rough ride at the MOT testing station. A failed main beam warning light will result in a fail, as will the ABS light, engine warning light, brake fluid light and airbag warning light. Get all dashboard lights checked out in advance.
Tyre pressure warning lights – this will be marked as a ‘fail’ – check your tyre pressure before your MOT.