What to Check Before an MOT Test? A Driver’s Manual
In the life of a vehicle owner, fuel and road tax are an important part of vehicle ownership. In the UK, vehicle owners have another responsibility. It is the MOT, or Ministry of Transport, test when the vehicle is three years old. The MOT test was first implemented in 1960 and is a legal requirement for vehicle owners who own a vehicle that is three years or older. Many vehicle owners fail the test for various reasons. Therefore, it is essential that vehicle owners understand what the basic vehicle parts are to be inspected before an MOT test. This blog explains the different parts of a vehicle that need to be checked before an MOT exam.
Understanding the MOT Exam
The DVSA, or Drivers and Vehicle Standards Agency, manages the MOT test. The main aim of an MOT test is to inspect whether vehicles driven on public roads meet fundamental safety and environmental rules. The annual MOT test is £54.85. MOT tests are held at DVSA-approved centres, and MOT testers are certified and go through relentless training before they are approved to take the MOT test. Drivers searching for a good MOT experience can have their vehicles checked before their MOT. A large section of vehicle owners in the UK is quite relaxed when taking their MOT tests. However, they are surprised when they fail the exam due to a fault that could have been avoided. Here are a few things to check before an MOT test.
Examine the Indicators and Light System
A high percentage of vehicles fail the exam due to faulty lighting. The vehicle owner can examine the lighting system by himself or take a pre-MOT servicing to get his vehicle’s lighting system checked by a trained car technician. The lights that need to be checked are the following:
Brake lights
Fog lights
Number plate rights
Reverse lights
Every light should be working properly. They should not flicker or emit a dim light when switched on. The light casings should not have moisture in them, nor should the lenses be cracked. It is best to replace faulty lighting with a new bulb. It is inexpensive and a smart move to avoid MOT failure.
Inspect the Tyres
Tyres are an important part of an MOT exam. The MOT-certified tester will check the following:
The tread depth of the tyre should be 1.6 mm.
The tyre should have no bulges, cracks, or cuts.
The tyre pressure should be accurate.
The tyre should be the manufacturer’s recommended size.
Study the Condition of Washers, Wipers, and Windscreen
The road ahead should be clearly visible. Therefore, it is vital to examine the following:
Chips or cracks on the windscreen.
The condition of the wiper.
The spray pattern and washer fluid level.
The driver should understand that the MOT tester may find a minute chip on the windscreen that may block the driver’s vision. The vehicle can fail the MOT test.
Review the Brake System and Its Performance
If the driver has been driving vehicles for some years, he can easily spot if the brake system has issues, such as the following:
Squealing noises.
Grinding sounds.
The vehicle is drifting to the left or right side of the road.
The brake pedal becomes spongy when the brakes are applied.
Warning lights are displayed for low brake fluid.
A vehicle owner does not have the skills to check the brake system and its performance. It is best to seek help from a car technician and check if the vehicle is experiencing the above issues.
Seatbelts Should Function Properly
The vehicle’s seatbelt should work correctly. They should retract and lock without any fuss; there should be no cuts, fraying, or damage in seatbelts; the buckle should be secured properly, etc. The seatbelt of each seat should be checked with care. Problems with seatbelts can affect the safety of the driver and passengers in the vehicle. Therefore, faulty seatbelts can lead to MOT failure.
Examine Fluid Levels and Warning Lights
Vital fluids of the vehicle should be checked before an MOT test. Such as:
Brake fluid
Coolant
Engine fluid
Windscreen washer fluid
Another task is to inspect the dashboard for any warning lights. If the ABS light, airbag light, and engine management light are on, the MOT exam will fail unless these issues are resolved before the MOT exam.
Conclusion
One does not need to be a certified car technician to check their vehicle before an MOT test. However, it is best to invest in a pre-MOT servicing where skilled technicians closely inspect the issues and sort them out. Remember, a prepared car has a high chance of passing the MOT exam on the first attempt. Once the vehicle has passed the exam, one can safely drive on busy roads for the next year.
Understanding the MOT Exam
The DVSA, or Drivers and Vehicle Standards Agency, manages the MOT test. The main aim of an MOT test is to inspect whether vehicles driven on public roads meet fundamental safety and environmental rules. The annual MOT test is £54.85. MOT tests are held at DVSA-approved centres, and MOT testers are certified and go through relentless training before they are approved to take the MOT test. Drivers searching for a good MOT experience can have their vehicles checked before their MOT. A large section of vehicle owners in the UK is quite relaxed when taking their MOT tests. However, they are surprised when they fail the exam due to a fault that could have been avoided. Here are a few things to check before an MOT test.
Examine the Indicators and Light System
A high percentage of vehicles fail the exam due to faulty lighting. The vehicle owner can examine the lighting system by himself or take a pre-MOT servicing to get his vehicle’s lighting system checked by a trained car technician. The lights that need to be checked are the following:
Brake lights
Fog lights
Headlights
Number plate rights
Indicators
Reverse lights
Every light should be working properly. They should not flicker or emit a dim light when switched on. The light casings should not have moisture in them, nor should the lenses be cracked. It is best to replace faulty lighting with a new bulb. It is inexpensive and a smart move to avoid MOT failure.
Inspect the Tyres
Tyres are an important part of an MOT exam. The MOT-certified tester will check the following:
The tread depth of the tyre should be 1.6 mm.
The tyre should have no bulges, cracks, or cuts.
The tyre pressure should be accurate.
The tyre should be the manufacturer’s recommended size.
Study the Condition of Washers, Wipers, and Windscreen
The road ahead should be clearly visible. Therefore, it is vital to examine the following:
Chips or cracks on the windscreen.
The condition of the wiper.
The spray pattern and washer fluid level.
The driver should understand that the MOT tester may find a minute chip on the windscreen that may block the driver’s vision. The vehicle can fail the MOT test.
Review the Brake System and Its Performance
If the driver has been driving vehicles for some years, he can easily spot if the brake system has issues, such as the following:
Squealing noises.
Grinding sounds.
The vehicle is drifting to the left or right side of the road.
The brake pedal becomes spongy when the brakes are applied.
Warning lights are displayed for low brake fluid.
A vehicle owner does not have the skills to check the brake system and its performance. It is best to seek help from a car technician and check if the vehicle is experiencing the above issues.
Seatbelts Should Function Properly
The vehicle’s seatbelt should work correctly. They should retract and lock without any fuss; there should be no cuts, fraying, or damage in seatbelts; the buckle should be secured properly, etc. The seatbelt of each seat should be checked with care. Problems with seatbelts can affect the safety of the driver and passengers in the vehicle. Therefore, faulty seatbelts can lead to MOT failure.
Examine Fluid Levels and Warning Lights
Vital fluids of the vehicle should be checked before an MOT test. Such as:
Brake fluid
Coolant
Engine fluid
Windscreen washer fluid
Another task is to inspect the dashboard for any warning lights. If the ABS light, airbag light, and engine management light are on, the MOT exam will fail unless these issues are resolved before the MOT exam.
Conclusion
One does not need to be a certified car technician to check their vehicle before an MOT test. However, it is best to invest in a pre-MOT servicing where skilled technicians closely inspect the issues and sort them out. Remember, a prepared car has a high chance of passing the MOT exam on the first attempt. Once the vehicle has passed the exam, one can safely drive on busy roads for the next year.
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