Pass Your MOT Easier By Following This
To maximise your chances of passing first time you should follow our MOT help guides to get you through it better with less issues and takes no more than 10 minutes to do.
Did you know that 40% of all MOT tests fail first time?
Your annual MOT test covers key components and systems that keep you safe while driving and is required for vehicles which are over 3 years old. This is to comply with UK law, so here are a few things to check and follow;
LIGHTS
Did you know that one in five cars fail their MOT due to faulty lights?
Check all your lights before your test with someones help for your reversing lights. Ensure you check your Headlights, Side Lights, Brake Lights, Indicator Lights, Hazard Light and Registration Plate bulbs. All these are needed to pass your MOT. If you have a fault, have them replaced before the test.
BRAKES
It is very difficult to check your brakes without proper testing equipment, but you can always do a couple of simple checks to advise the garage at the time of booking your test. Firstly you can check the Brake Fluid Reservoir under the bonnet of your car. If the Brake Fluid is between the Min and Max markers you are alright. Secondly you know when your brakes are not responding correctly by the time in which it takes you to stop and the brake pedal feels spongy.
REGISTRATION PLATE
If your characters on your Registration Plate are obscured in some way, you will know because a Traffic Officer will have pulled you over and advised you. In some cases this can result in a £1,000.00 fine and will fail your MOT. So ensure your license plate is clearly visible and all characters are readable.
SUSPENSION
This is a key component in your MOT test and is essential to safe acceleration, braking and steering around corners. This is a difficult test to perform at home, but if you go round each corner of the car and push it down to simulate a bump, the suspension should rest within 1 or 2 bounces.
TYRES
Don’t get caught out on three simple checks before your MOT; firstly your tyre pressure must meet the requirements under the Owners Manual for the size engine and daily load of the vehicle (usually half or full) and secondly the tyre tread depth on each tyre. This should be a minimum of 1.6 mm and can be done with a tyre gauge or in some cases the tread depth marker in the tyre. The third check is to thoroughly check each tyre for lumps and cuts in the side wall.
BODYWORK
Ensure the bodywork of your car is free from dents, cracks, sharp edges and rust prior to your test. Ensure all your doors, the bonnet, boot and fuel cap open and close without issue and remember to leave your keys with the garage to access the vehicle.
MIRROS
Ensure your mirrors and rear-view mirror are not broken or cracked in any way. Also remove anything hanging down from your rear-view mirror. Finally ensure all seats which are on runners and can move, work correctly and are secure in a locked position.
WINDSCREEN WIPERS AND WASHERS
Check for chips and cracks in your windscreen, anything over 10 mm in size will fail your MOT test. Remove all obstructions from the drivers view. If your wipers smear or squeak, replace them before the test. Your washer fluid should also be topped up.