Although sending your vehicle through an MOT may seem like a time-consuming and expensive hassle, the truth is that without your MOT certificate, your vehicle is simply not roadworthy. As long as your vehicle is in good condition and has been regularly serviced and maintained to manufacturer specifications, your vehicle must pass the MOT test.
The Directgov website explains that “your MOT certificate confirms that your vehicle, without dismantling it, meets the minimum environmental and road safety standards required by law.”
To prevent your car from being off the road for longer than the test duration, which is usually around 40 minutes, you can quickly check your car for any potential issues. In this way, you can repair them before your vehicle enters the ITV. Please note that maintenance checks should be done regularly, not just before the MOT test. So what can you do to prepare for your vehicle’s MOT?
- Quickly clean your car and remove any mud or dirt from around and under the vehicle. Not only does it look more professional when you take a clean car in for MOT, but a tester may refuse to examine your vehicle if it’s really dirty. Your license plates must also be clean and legible. Take it quickly through the car wash before the test.
- It is best to empty the trunk so that the vehicle does not carry excess weight. Any mess could make the test difficult.
- Test the brake pedals by pushing on them with your feet. If they feel a bit tough and springy then you should check them before the MOT. The brakes should have a firm rebound.
- Pull the parking brake lever up and assess if it is as it should be. If you can pull the parking brake lever too far or it feels a bit loose, the cable may need to be adjusted.
- To check the vehicle’s ABS, press and hold the steering wheel and hold it while starting the engine. If the wheel pulls down and then returns to its normal position, then your ABS is fine. You should also check that there are no abnormal or unusual movements in the steering wheel when you turn it.
- If possible, have someone help you and hold a cloth over the exhaust end as you start the engine. If the engine stalls, this is good; means there are no leaks inside the exhaust system.
- Watch for large, noticeable cracks that may obstruct your view of the road. Minor cracks are usually okay, but it’s best to fix them before the MOT.
- Ask a friend to help you check all the lights on the vehicle. Test brake lights, turn signals, headlights, and license plate lights, etc. If a light burns out or breaks, replace the bulb.
- Be on the lookout for any damage to the tire and objects that have become stuck in the tire tread. If the tread is less than 1.6mm, you should replace the tires immediately. Worn and uneven tires are considered unsafe and are a common factor in vehicle MOT failure.
- Check that the horn, ignition, windshield wipers, windshield washers, and seat belts work.
