PREPARE FOR YOUR MOT

For your vehicle to legally be on the road, it requires an MOT every year (not applicable to vehicles under 3-years old). An MOT ensures every vehicle is roadworthy. Although you may not be able to guarantee the car will pass, this guide aims to help prepare for the MOT and minimise the risk of failing it.

Jump to:

1. What is an MOT?

2. What gets checked during an MOT?

3. What pre-checks can be completed before an MOT?

What is an MOT?

The Ministry of Transport Test (MOT) is a test carried out annually by a mechanic to test the road, environmental, and vehicle safety of a vehicle. The MOT test, introduced in 1960, requires every car to be tested annually. In 1967, the 3-year rule came into action, meaning a brand-new vehicle does not require an MOT until its third year of registration.

What checks are completed during an MOT?

MOTs usually take between 45 minutes to an hour to complete. The checks that get carried out are to ensure the vehicle has complete roadworthiness. It is important to note that an MOT test does not check the condition of the engine, clutch, or gearbox – these are checks that would be completed during servicing. The parts of a vehicle that get looked at during an MOT are:

• Body of Vehicle
• Vehicle Structure
• Fuel System
• Exhaust System & Exhaust Emissions
• Seats & Seatbelts
• Doors & Mirrors
• Tyres
• Brakes & Brake Fluid
• Boot Security & Towbars
• Windscreen, Wipers & Washers
• Electric System
• Steering Wheel & Horn
• Suspension
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

What pre-checks can be completed before an MOT?

As you can see from the list above, many different things get tested during an MOT. To ensure you’re as prepared as possible for the MOT, here are some pre-checks to complete:

• Exterior & Number Plates: One of the simplest checks, is checking the exterior and headlights. Your exterior should be in good condition with no major damage. To ensure this is the case, take a walk around the car and make sure everything is intact. Additionally, number plates need to be fully readable and not obstructed.
• Handbrake: The handbrake needs to be fully functional to pass your MOT. To check it is in working order, drive the car to a spot that has an incline, make sure the vehicle is at a standstill and pull up the handbrake. When you release the foot brake, the vehicle should still be stationary and hold its weight comfortably.
• Brakes & Fluid Level: If you are an experienced driver, you might be able to see the signs of brakes not working correctly, for example spotting a weird noise. However, the brakes should not pull to one side. The pedal should feel firm, and the brakes should be solid. There should be a gradual stop as you are applying pressure to the pedal. Any changes to the feel or sound of the brakes should be discussed with a mechanic as soon as possible.
• Seats & Seatbelts: Making sure the seats and seatbelts are working correctly, is another simple check you can complete. All the seats and headrests should stay in place and should not move unless pressing the corresponding buttons. Seatbelts should be able to connect to the buckle with ease and return to the holder when unclicked. Also, when pulling on the seatbelts quickly, they should lock completely.
• Dashboard, Steering Wheel & Horn: Most drivers are aware when turning your car on, the warning lights on the dashboard will light up. This is perfectly normal but, what is not normal, is the lights staying on once you have started driving. If this happens, you will need to take the vehicle to a professional to be checked as soon as possible. The steering wheel should be firm and locked in place with the engine switched off, when turning the engine on it should be able to return to its original position (if you have power steering). The easiest check of them all: press on the horn, it should make a loud noise!
• Mirrors: Every car is required to have wing mirrors and rear-view mirrors. These should all be intact, free of scratches, and fully adjustable. If the mirrors are compromised you will fail your MOT, so it is best to check these in advance so you can arrange for a replacement beforehand.
• Windscreen & Wipers: This will sound self-explanatory, but you must ensure no cracks or chips in your windscreen are more than 40mm in size. If there are cracks bigger than this anywhere on the windscreen, you will automatically fail your MOT. If a crack on your windscreen directly in front of the driver’s vision is more than 10mm, the vehicle will also fail its MOT. Windscreen wipers must be in working order and not judder or miss any patches of water – it needs to be smooth otherwise it will cause the vehicle to fail the MOT – it is important to note you should have the screenwash topped up for the test to be performed.
• Suspension: To check the suspension, press down on each corner of the vehicle. You should find that the car will return to the level it was immediately. If the car pushes down too far or doesn’t return to its position quickly, this may mean the suspension is damaged and should be looked at by a professional.
• Tyres: The legal limit of tread depth on a tyre is 1.6mm, if the vehicle's tread is less than that the car will fail its MOT. To check the tread depth, take a 20p coin and place it in the tread, the outer band of the 20p should be covered. If the outer band is showing, your tread depth is not within legal limits. You should also check that the tyres have the correct amount of air inside them and that the pressure is not low.
• Exhaust: There are a few different checks you can look at on your exhaust. First, pay attention for any abnormal noise or rattling that you would not normally hear. Next, look at the pipe and see if it is leaking at all, if it is that may indicate an issue with the exhaust. Check when the engine starts that there is not excessive smoke (some smoke is normal for diesel engines).
• Lights: For the vehicle to pass the MOT, all the lights on the car need to be in full working order. Including, headlights, sidelights, indicators, and brake lights. It is easy to check the lights, you can either ask someone to help or by parking your car in front of a wall/garage that will reflect the lights. Start working through each set of lights to make sure they are working.
• Fuel & Engine Oil: As part of the emissions test, fuel and oil levels get thoroughly checked. Make sure before the MOT you check the oil level. To check the oil, remove the dipstick under the bonnet, wipe it clean with a cloth, and then reinsert it. Remove once more - the oil level should be between the minimum and maximum lines. You should top up the fuel before you take the vehicle for an MOT, as the emissions test requires the car to be running.

We hope this guide has been helpful and provided you with the knowledge needed to prepare your vehicle for its next MOT. If you’re looking at booking an MOT or have any questions, please do get in touch and one of our team will be happy to help.