The MOT test is a legal requirement for three-year-old cars to undergo as it aims to help ensure that the car meets the minimum safety and environmental standards set by the UK government.
That would be the basic definition of the test that you have all heard since we started owning our cars, but there are far more important things related to MOT that one should know. Car MOT Reminder, This additional information may include the MOT test checklist and how to prepare your car for the inspection.
Understand the MOT Basics
Before we understand the basics of the MOT, it is important to figure out where and how you can book an MOT. Generally, MOT tests can be booked using an authorised dealer website or contact number. At the time of booking, your personal details, such as the car registration number and contact details are taken to make the process a bit smoother. Once that is done, the next step is true.
Generally, the list of items checked during an MOT depends on the type of vehicle that is being tested and its age. However, there are some components that remain the same for all cars and are inspected, including –
Check all Lights and Signals
It is always important to check all the headlights – side lights, rear lights, hazard lights, and indicators in your car as they should all be in the working order. While you are at it, also check if your brake light is working properly by pressing the brake pedal and having someone stand in a position where they can see the back of the car.
Inspect tyres and Wheels
One of the biggest and single causes of all MOT failures is the wheels and tyres. It is very important to check your tyres before going for an MOT to ensure that you pass. Always check that your wheels and tyres are undamaged and that the depth is the legal minimum of 1.6 MM.
Test Brakes
While you may have checked your brake lights, it is also important to ensure that your brake and handbrake are working properly. while you have pressed the brake pedal, here out if there are any unnecessary noises or squeaky noises coming from the paddle. For your hand break, You can hold the car in an inclined position to check if the hand brake is working properly.
Check the Steering and Exhaust System
It is also important to double-check that both the steering and steering wheel lock are performing as they should along with the exhaust system of your car. If your exhaust system is noisy, it can be an indication that there is a potential hole in it or a wiring has become loose, which can lead to failure.
Examine Seat Belts
You should also check the car seats and the seatbelts to see if they are working properly. Check if the car front seats are adjusting forward and backward without any problem and the seatbelts are at the accurate length and in good working order. You can also inspect the seatbelts by pulling on them sharply and see if they are reacting as they are supposed to.
Assess Windscreen and Wipers
If there is any chip or crack in your windscreen, which may seem larger than 40 MM, it can result in your MOT test failure. You should also check for any tears or holes in the wiper rubber of your windscreen wipers as they can also cause an MOT failure.
Confirm Fluid Levels
You may not think it’s important, but always ensure that your fuel and engine fluid levels are topped up. This is basically done to ensure that the inspector can carry out the necessary emission tests easily without any entrance
Check for Dashboard Warning Lights
Check that all the dashboard lights are working as they should. For example, they should always light up when you are starting the car and also ensure that you take your car for a test drive to ensure that none of the warning lights are illuminated unnecessarily without any errors. They can also indicate a fault in your car, which will ultimately result in the MOT failure.
Clean Your Car
Lastly, it is very important to ensure that you have properly cleaned your car before taking it out for the MOT test. While a dirty car is not the biggest factor to be considered during an MOT, it is always beneficial to maintain a proper cleanliness routine, even for your vehicle, so that you can make a good impression on the inspector running the test.
Wrapping Up
An MOT test generally doesn’t take a long time to carry out and is typically performed between 45 minutes to an hour. If you have followed all the pointers discussed in the article above, you can easily get through the task and pass the test without facing any difficulties.
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