How To Prepare Your Car For MOT?

If you are a car driver in the UK, then you must be familiar with the pain of preparing for the annual MOT test. It is a government-mandated inspection of a vehicle that determines its roadworthiness. As an annual test, MOT is a comprehensive car safety check that inspects your car for potential safety issues. Thus, if you are soon due for your annual MOT, read the following blog to better prepare for the inspection and to pass it in a single go.

The blog explains what an MOT entails and how to prepare for it, and it also touches upon what to do if you somehow fail it. For more information, scroll down.

What Is An MOT?

MOT or the Ministry of Transport test is a government-mandated annual test for your vehicles that determines a vehicle’s on-road safety and worthiness. By relying on the MOT, the government tries to limit the number of unsafe vehicles on the road. The test happens every year, and it is compulsory to pass it if you want to drive your car on the road. Failing to do so can suspend your car insurance, and you can be levied a fine of up to £1000.

Here is a list of all the areas that will be covered in your MOT in Holmes Chapel.

• Lamps
• Interior
• Electronics
• Reflectors
• Brakes
• Steering
• Tyres
• Suspension
• Wheels
• Exterior Body
• Seatbelts
• Exhaust
• Windscreen
• Windows
• Doors
• Fuel Emission

Although it is such a comprehensive check, it doesn't include anything to do with your car’s engine, clutch, or gearbox. However, you must still ensure that these are in proper working order before going for a MOT test.

Pre-MOT Checklist

Before getting ready for your MOT, there are certain things you can do to increase your passing rate. Go through the following checklist to make sure your vehicle is ready.

• First, keep your car clean. Although it won't directly affect your MOT, it is nevertheless better to bring a clean car to the test. 
• Make sure your car number plate is readable. 
• Ensure that your windows and windscreen are in good condition. Double-check your wipers.
• Get someone to check your lights. They must function properly. 
• Ensure your tyres are at the correct pressure.
• Avoid using tyres with tread wear.
• Make sure to top up all types of fluids. 
• Check your horn to ensure it is working fine.

What Will Be Checked?

Now that you are prepared for your MOT, it's time we look at the car components that will be checked in the annual inspection.

Your Car’s Number and Registration Plate

Cars are manufactured with a unique serial code for identification purposes. This number is first verified by the mechanic, and then it's matched to your car’s number plate. To pass, both numbers have to be the same, and the number plate should adhere to the DVSA’s guidelines and thus be installed both at the front and back of your car. 

Emission Levels

During the MOT, your car’s emission levels will also be checked by conducting a smoke test to make sure that your car is not spreading dangerous pollutants. If you drive a diesel car, then you have to be extra sure, as they are prone to failing this test much more frequently. You can prepare for this by simply changing the camshaft drive belt regularly. 

Furthermore, you can warm up your engine before the MOT to prevent excessive smoke during the test. Lastly, the exhaust pipe will be checked for any damage and noise levels. 

Car’s Body

Your car’s exterior body should also be pristine. There should be no damage or corrosion that falls below the minimum allowed limit. Also, make sure there are no sharp edges on your car (due to damage or an accident) that could harm others. 

Fuel System

Next up, you should ensure that your fuel system is working fine, with all the hoses and pipes in good condition. Also, ensure your fuel cap fits perfectly and can seal the tank without any leaks.

Tow-bars

Your tow bars should also be firmly secured and devoid of any modifications that are not permissible under the law. Then, your speedometer will be checked to see if it's operational or not, and lastly, your engine mountings will be inspected.

Tyres

Your tyres will also be checked for damage and wear and tear. Things like tyre depth, pressure, inflation, and size will be considered. Your tyre pressure monitoring system will be inspected to see if it works properly. 

Brakes

Brakes are a core component of your MOT test. Since the test has to do with road safety, your brakes must work fine at the time of the inspection. Your brake pads and the relevant wiring will be inspected, along with your anti-lock braking system. Furthermore, your dashboard will be checked to see whether the warning light works.

Lights

Your headlights, taillights, side lights, brake lights, fog lights, and indicators should be working fine during the MOT test. Your headlights will also be inspected to note their alignment, and your car’s rear end must have two red reflectors. 

Seats and Seatbelts

The safety of your car seats will also be inspected. The seats have to be adjustable and properly secured to the frame of your car. Also, each seat should have a working and secure seatbelt. 

Windows and mirrors

Believe it or not, a damaged windscreen is one of the leading causes of MOT failure. Thus, make sure that your windows and mirrors are clean and undamaged. Any chips or cracks must be less than 10mm (if within the range of the wipers). Even your wipers must work properly and in good condition.

What Happens If You Fail Your MOT?

As of May 2018, the government has categorized MOT tests to rate defective cars as dangerous, major, or minor. If you get a rating of either dangerous or major, you will fail the MOT. As a result of this, you will be provided a ‘refusal’ certificate for the VT30. This certificate will note the details of your car and the reason for failure. 

After failing your MOT, you won't be allowed to drive the same car on the road unless the faults are corrected. Then you have to go for another MOT and pass it. MOT is not a suggestion, rather, it is a legal requirement that you have to fulfill if you want to drive your vehicle on the road. Otherwise, you can be prosecuted, have your insurance suspended, and be fined up to £1000