Preparing For Your MOT - Outside

Before you have your MOT test there are some things you can check on the outside of the car before you take it into the garage.  So to make life easy we have put a list of things together, to make life a little easier.

1. Open the bonnet of the car (recommended on a flat surface), check all fluids from the eEngine Coolant, Water for the Windscreen and Wipers, Oil and the Brake Fluid Reservoir.
2. All doors open and close correctly including the bonnet and boot.
3. Check for rust, sharp edges and holes in the bodywork.
4. Check all tyre pressures are correct for the load and engine size being used (found in the owners manual).
5. Check tyre tread depth is above 1.6 mm (some tyre manufacturers put at tread depth gauge in to the tread.)
6. Ensure nothing is hanging off of the vehicle and is not fixed correctly.

7. Check your windscreen for chips and cracks, anything 10 mm in front of the driver or 40 mm in the wiper area could be a problem.
8. Check all indicator lights are working on the dashboard dependant on the required action (with assistance from someone check they are working outside also.)
9. Is the number plate visible and readable.  Any obscured characters or numbers requires a replacement.
10. Check all wiper blades for damage.
11. Check your exhaust for leaks and that it is clean by holding a clean cloth over the tailpipe while the engine is running.
12. Check your suspension for deficiencies by pushing down on each corner of the car to bounce it.  If it does not stabilise after 1 or 2 bounces it may need replacement.