The information and expert advice in the following guide will help you prepare your vehicle for the MOT exam and prevent avoidable failures.
MOT Test Checklists
The MOT test mandates that all car owners perform annual inspections to ensure their vehicles meet environmental and safety requirements. Before setting up an MOT Burbage, all car owners must inspect their lights by checking the headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and number plate lights. Defective bulbs must be replaced immediately, as their non-operation might cause an MOT failure.
1. Check the tyres on your vehicle to make sure they satisfy all relevant legal standards.
To be awarded a passing certificate by an MOT testing facility, your vehicle's tyres have to have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm. When you use tyres that are worn out or damaged, your car may break down right away. Check your tyres for any obvious damage, cuts, or bulges in addition to regular wear. If you are unsure about the condition of your tyres, you may examine them at an auto repair shop.
2. Brake parts must be thoroughly checked to ensure correct operation.
A crucial component for inspection is brakes, which the MOT test examiners pay great attention to. Brake performance should be checked by professionals before the test, when you experience reduced braking performance.
3. Regularly examine your vehicle's fluid levels and correctly top them off to correct markings.
Not enough fluids may cause your car to fail an MOT test. Engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid have to be checked and topped up according to their levels. Should it become necessary, the windscreen washer fluid should also be inspected and replaced. During an MOT Birmingham inspection, the examiner will fail a vehicle because of an empty windscreen washer fluid reservoir; therefore, always check this basic component.
4. Check the wipers and windscreen for any damage.
The effective operation of windscreen wipers depends on their status of being in good repair. Evaluate wiper blades for both good performance and quietness because replacement may be necessary when they fail to meet these standards. Any driver's field of view windscreen splits measuring more than 10mm will automatically fail an MOT test.
5. Examine Your Horn
A horn that is functioning properly creates clear sounds with enough intensity. A broken horn system will instantly fail the inspection. Press the horn button to test its functioning; if necessary, purchase a replacement.
6. Look for damage on seatbelts.
Seatbelts should be in good operating condition and exhibit no fraying; none of their parts should be damaged. Confirm that each seatbelt retracts by itself and guarantees a secure locking mechanism when in use. Before the planned MOT test, any seatbelt damage must be replaced since poor latching could fail.
7. During inspections, both exhaustion and emission issues must be evaluated.
During an MOT, a failing result could come from a loud exhaust or high emission rate. Detecting black exhaust fumes along with unusual sounds or strong fuel smells calls for your car to be inspected at a car maintenance facility before the forthcoming MOT test.
What Should You Do If Your Car Doesn't Pass the MOT?
Should your vehicle fail the MOT, a report listing the problems you must fix before another attempt is provided. Your car has to be repaired as soon as possible for it to be safely returned to the road. Many garages provide repairs; therefore, completing any project is rather simple.