Your Annual Car Health Check: What You Should Know About the MOT

To all the drivers in the UK, the MOT test is a ritual. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) test is not only a red tape but also a very important safety and pollution test meant to test the validity of road roadworthiness of vehicles that are at least three years old to satisfy the requirements set by law. As a resident of the area, the most important thing to do is to ensure you have a reliable and trusted testing centre to get your vehicle's annual MOT so that you can work without any inconveniences.

Knowing what is in the MOT, what its purpose is, and how to prepare may transform a relatively stressful day into an easy, smooth one.

What Does the MOT Test Cover?

The MOT is a comprehensive test that involves inspection of twenty items or vehicle systems. It is a sight test and a performance test; you cannot see as the examiner can disassemble your car. The key categories that will be evaluated are:

  •  Brakes: The tester examines the state and functionality of the discs, pads, lines, and the braking efficiency in general with the aid of the specialist rollers.
  •  Tyres and Wheels: Tyres should have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm of the central three-quarters of the tyre and should not have large cuts, bulges or be exposed to the cord. The right load and speed ratings are also verified.
  •  Lights and Signals: All the exterior lights should be functional, properly positioned and of the correct colour (headlights, tail lights, indicators, brake lights, and number plate lights). Headlight aim. This is a very important test that prevents dazzling other road users.
  •  Steering and Suspension: Major parts of the car, such as the steering wheel, column, and suspension (springs and shock absorbers), are inspected to check excess wear, corrosion, and leakages.
  •  Vehicle Structure (Bodywork): The body should not be too corroded or damaged in particular areas which are of safety concern, and there should be no sharp edges.
  •  Exhaust and Emissions: The exhaust system is inspected for its security and leakage, whereas the emissions are compared with the legal standards and conditions based on the age and fuel type of the car.
  •  Visibility: There should be nothing in the way of the driver, like cracks or damage in the windscreen, and the wipers and washers should also be in good condition.
  •  The Safety Features: There must be seatbelts, which have to be stored properly and be in an operational condition. The horn and the security, and the mirrors of the seats are also inspected.

Professionally written article about the most common causes of MOT failure and how to prevent them.

In statistical terms, one in every three cars is not passed in the first attempt of MOT when it normally contains minor and easily solvable issues. Having the most prevalent culprits will give you a chance to check a pre-test and stand a very high chance of passing the test.

Bad Lights (The greatest offender): Some 25 percent of all failures are associated with lighting.

  •      Fix: Spend five minutes and make sure all the bulbs are on- indicators, brake lights (have a friend do it), dipped headlights, main beam, and number plate lights. Easy, cheap, replace the blown bulbs on your own.
  • Tyre Defects: Under 1.6 mm tread depth (under 1.6 mm) or apparent damage (bulges or deep cuts) is the cause of a lot of failures.
  •      Fix: 20p test at a simple to check tread depth. Measure the tyre pressure and examine the sidewalls.
  • Wipers and Washers: You have no washer fluid or wiper blades that are completely worn out, then it is an automatic fail.
  •      Fix: Fill up your car's screen wash and check the wipers to see whether they are torn or broken.
  • Driver View: Windscreen cracks (or chips), particularly in the swept part, may cause a breakdown.
  •      Fix: Have chips fixed as soon as possible, and have any dashboard impediments, such as hanging air fresheners or sat-navs in the wrong position, cleared off the driver's immediate view.

The Selection of the Right MOT Centre

You desire to have a reliable, professional, and transparent centre when you book your vehicle's MOT Tadley. Find a DVSA-approved garage that has its prices written up and provides a professional service. Not only will a reputable centre carry out the test properly, but it will also give honest advice on any needed repair. In case of failure of your car, the majority of the trusted local garages provide a free re-test within a fixed time frame upon the completion of repair work, which saves you time and money.

Maintaining your car on an annual basis is a chore, so by being proactive and self-caring with your car most of the year, the annual MOT will be nothing but a check-up.

Conclusion

The MOT test is a legal necessity which is hard to negotiate and is meant to ensure your safety and other road users. You can do this by being familiar with the typical failure points and conducting some basic tests in person so that you can go into the test with confidence. To have a full, dependable, and professional test, it is always best that you make your vehicle's next MOT appointment with a local professional that you can trust.

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