Why get an MOT test?
An MOT test check is undertaken to assess whether your vehicle meets the legislative safety and environmental standards that deem whether your vehicle is considered roadworthy in the UK. In the UK, around 40% of cars and 50% of vans will fail their MOT tests and usually for the most common and obvious reasons.
Everyone with a vehicle over the age of 3 years old is legally obligated to ensure it meets these requirements once every 12 months. Don’t know when your first MOT is due? Click here - https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-status.
IT IS ILLEGAL TO DRIVE YOUR CAR WITHOUT A VALID MOT CERTIFICATE.
What is checked on an MOT test?
MOT check covers vital areas like your brakes, tyres and exhausts, and will also check the following:
Exterior:
- The general condition of your vehicle will be checked over, your vehicle must be free from corrosion or damage with no sharp edges.
- You need to have the required number of mirrors; these are checked for condition and security and must provide enough view of the road.
- Boot and bonnet must be secured when closed.
- Registration plates are checked for security, colour, characters being formed correctly, plates must be fitted to the front and rear of the vehicle, clearly legible from 20 metres away.
Electrics:
- Thorough checks of electrics, looking for any visible electrical wiring, connectors and battery.
- Operation of the devices such as the electronic parking brake, steering lock, mirrors and headlamp cleaning etc.
- Dashboard warning lights are checked during an MOT test.
Exhausts and fuel:
- The exhaust system must be secure and complete with no leaks and silences effectively.
- The fuel system must have no leaks and fuel cap must be secure when closed.
- Exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons must meet emission standards for the age of your vehicle and fuel type. Visual checks for excessive coloured smoke emitted from the exhaust.
Visibility:
- The MOT tester will check the condition of your vehicle’s wiper blades and that you have enough wiper fluid.
- Your windscreen will also be checked for chips and cracks, you must have a clear view of the road. The maximum damage size is 40mm, however, damage directly in front of the driver is 10mm.
Interior:
- Seatbelt condition and security is checked.
- All seats must be secured and in an upright position.
- Doors must be secured when closed and open from both inside and outside. Hinges will be checked for condition and security.
Safety:
- Correct and efficient use of SRS components, including airbags, seatbelts, warning lights etc.
- Horn will be checked.
- Condition of engine mountings will be checked.
- The efficiency of brakes will be examined during the MOT check - condition, operation and performance.
- Tyre condition – tread of tyres need to be at the legal limit of 1.6mm.
- VIN number needs to be present.
- Steering and suspension need to be in a satisfactory condition and operation.
Get your vehicle checked over by a professional by a mechanic before your MOT test to ensure everything on our checklist is in full working order. Find a local mechanic in your area today with MyCarNeedsA.com today!
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