Many
vehicles fail an MOT for small issues which could easily been prevented before
the test. You might be surprised at what can fail a check mot history - some problems are relatively
minor.
It’s a good
idea to prepare an MOT checklist a couple of weeks before the date of
inspection to make sure your vehicle is in the best possible condition it can
be, this will allow you to proactively fix the issues and avoid any
inconvenient circumstances if the vehicle fails the test.
It is worth
clarifying; however, if your car fails its MOT, then you cannot keep your
renewal date.
Complete MOT checklist
Pre-MOT
checks
There are
some quick things you can do as a driver to give your vehicle the best chase of
passing its MOT. We go into more detail below.
Keep your
car clean, inside and out. A boot full of clutter and an excessively dirty
car could lead to an examiner refusing to carry out the MOT.
Give number
plates a clean as they need to be readable to pass the MOT.
Check mot status the windscreen wipers are in
good condition, with no tears.
Check all
lights are in working order. Ask a friend or family member to stand outside the
car and confirm lights function properly.
Check tire
tread using the 20p test, and tier pressure too
Top up all
fluid levels - screen wash, brake fluid and oil.
Check that
the horn works - give it a quick honk!
All of your
mirrors should be intact and secure to ensure you can use them safely.
The Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) in your car’s V5C logbook should match that
marked on your car’s bodywork.
Brakes
Along with
your tyres, your brakes are the most safety-critical components of
all, and they must work properly to pass the mot history.
Testers
usually put the car on rollers to check the brakes decelerate it effectively,
and that they’re correctly balanced – i.e. that it stops in a straight line.
The pedal rubber must not be worn to excess and the ABS warning light must work
if anti-lock brakes are fitted. The handbrake/parking brake must work and hold
the car firmly, even on a steep incline.
Brake
condition is also assessed by examining the discs, pads and calipers, plus the
relevant pipes and cables. Under the bonnet, the brake servo and master
cylinder will be examined, too.
Bodywork
Sharp edges
on the bodywork caused by corrosion or accident damage are not permitted, as
they could injure pedestrians.
Rust is an
MOT issue more generally, particularly for older cars. Excessive corrosion on
safety-related parts, such as the steering and brakes, is a no-no, while rust
within 30cm of these components may also result in a fail.
Doors and
openings
Testers will
check that the doors can be opened from inside and outside the car, and that
all openings – including the bonnet and tailgate – can be shut securely.
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Exhaust and
emissions
For fuel
powered vehicles, emissions are tested using specialist equipment
connected to your car’s exhaust. The legal limit varies depending on the age of
the vehicle, with much stricter standards for newer cars.
Visible
smoke from the tailpipe may mean an MOT fail – as can excessive noise so boy
racers should beware.
The tester
will also check both the exhaust system and fuel filler cap are fixed securely
to prevent possible leaks.
Horn
A simple
one: the horn must work, and be loud enough to be audible to other vehicles.
Also, ‘novelty’ car horns that play multiple notes or tunes are not allowed.
Lights
All lamps
must be working correctly, including headlights, tail lights, indicators (inc.
hazard lights), side lights, brake lights and rear fog lights. The latter are
only required on cars built post-1986, and must activate a tell-tale symbol on
the dashboard to alert the driver when they’re switched on.
The
alignment of the headlights is also checked – and adjusted if necessary – to
avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. All cars built after 1 April 1980 must have
two red rear reflectors.
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