MOT – An Essential Annual Vehicle Check

This test includes testers for evaluating the functionality and health of different vehicle parts. It is upon clearing all the testers that the vehicle is considered apt to be on the roads of the UK. Not qualifying for this test means that your vehicle cannot be on the roads since an MOT pass certificate is an essential document to be carried along with all the other documents of your vehicle.

Not clearing this test and not having the MOT pass certificate means that your vehicle is not roadworthy enough. Moreover, it does not comply with the safety and environmental standards set by the government. This is a critical test to clear for all vehicles in order to legally drive on the roads of the UK.

Vehicle Parts that are Included in the MOT Test

MOT, though a comprehensive vehicle assessment, it does not cover all the components of the vehicle. It is a test that excludes some parts of your vehicle since their evaluation is not seen as crucial during the MOT inspection. MOT test is conducted at the centre by the technicians present at the centre. It is a test that assesses the functionality of different vehicle parts and takes about 30 to 40 minutes to complete, depending on the time taken for the assessment of the different parts.

This test doesn’t include the evaluation of all the vehicle parts. The vehicle components that are checked during the MOT assessment are given below.

Emission Systems:

Your vehicle has an emission system to emit all the unwanted gases out of the vehicle. However, there is a limit to the amount of emissions that the engine of your vehicle can produce. Also, a way to check whether the emissions are abnormal is the colour of the gases, there could be coloured smoke or excess smoke coming out from the engine. Your vehicle's emission system is checked through various testers during the MOT assessment. Faults in the emissions can make your vehicle fail the MOT test. To make sure that your vehicle is emitting limited smoke, engine oil, fuel, and other fluids have to be sufficiently maintained.

Braking System:

The brakes of your vehicle are also evaluated for safe and effective functioning. Whenever the brakes are applied, your vehicle and its tyres should give an abrupt response. Delay in the response or longer stopping distance means that the braking system is not functioning effectively and needs to be changed. Also, the brake pads and discs should not be defective or show signs of any wear and tear. In case of any deterioration, the damaged parts should be changed before the MOT test. There should be a shorter stopping distance, which is the time lag between the brakes being applied and the vehicle actually stopping. There should also not be any fluid leaks in the brakes and the related parts.

Tyre Condition:

Tyres are the most crucial vehicle parts and are thus critically evaluated for their condition by the MOT testers. These are the foundational parts of the vehicle that remain in constant touch with the asphalt. Tyres go through a lot and have to have all their aspects in check since the excellent grip on the road is important. It’s the traction of the tyres that determines the performance and the safety of the vehicle on the road. Tyre tread has to be within the required limit of 1.6 mm. If the tyre tread is too low or is below this limit, then it affects their grip and makes the vehicle prone to skidding or aquaplaning. Therefore, the tyre tread has to be perfect. Also, tyres should not have any defects or shouldn’t show any signs of deterioration. If the tyres are degrading, then they have to be replaced before you get them assessed in the MOT Wolverhampton. Lastly, tyre pressure should also be maintained and should be as suggested by the vehicle’s manual.

In addition to the above – lights, seatbelts, bonnet, horns, steering, wipers, suspension, mirrors, exhaust, windscreen, doors, number plates, Vehicle Registration Number, electrical system, and all of the bodywork of the vehicle is also checked in the MOT test.

Vehicle Parts that are Not Included in the MOT

MOT test does not include the assessment of all of the vehicle parts, and there are some parts that are left out of this test. The reason MOT excludes some parts is that it checks only the parts that are considered important from a safety, functionality, and environmental perspective.

Below are the parts that are not part of the MOT check.

• Battery- The battery of your vehicle is not checked during the MOT, even if it has some dysfunctions.
• Clutch and gearbox are also not checked during the MOT.
• Engine is not included in the MOT test.
• Spare tyres are also not necessarily checked during the MOT.
• All the other parts, such as the air conditioner, stereo, or navigation system are not included in the MOT assessment.