Checklist to pass your next MOT test

Your MOT test is something which you are legally obligated to have, though something which it makes sense to have in any case, so that your vehicle stays roadworthy and in complete working condition to drive on the road. It is legislation that your car needs to pass an MOT, which is stressful, very inconvenient, and costly if your car has to be re-tested or if any repairs are carried out to it. Some positive news: The majority of faults on an MOT test in Wolverhampton are low-level faults that would most likely have been prevented in the first place before testing time. So, so you can be sure that you will pass your upcoming MOT with no trouble at all, the following is a simple and easy checklist for you to carry out.

 

1. Test All Lights.

The most common causes of why vehicles fail their MOT are lights. They cover headlights, brake lights, indicators, number plate light, and even fog lights, if fitted.

 

What to do:-

• Turn on your vehicle and check all the lights.
• Ask someone to help you inspect your brake and reverse lights.
• Swap out dodgy bulbs—most are inexpensive and easy to swap

2. Check Tyres and Tread Depth

Tyres are the most important individual safety factor, and faulty or worn-out tyres will most certainly cause a failure.

 

What to inspect:-

• Check minimum tyre tread depth of 1.6mm (using edge of 20p coin or tyre tread depth gauge)
• Check for bulges, cracks, or other damage.
• Check the tyre pressure and fill as required from your car manual.

 

3. Check Your Brakes

Short brakes that are dwarfed out are hazardous and will automatically fail an MOT.

What to inspect:-

• Grinding or squealing sound when braking.
• Take the vehicle out for a test drive and observe if it does not pull to one side when braked.
• Test if the handbrake would not cause the vehicle to roll on a slope.
• Otherwise, get your brakes checked by a mechanic before test.

 

4. Clean Your Windscreen and Wipers

Your windscreen must be free of chips and cracks, especially in your line of sight.

 

What to do:-

• Inspect for more than 10mm where it can be seen in the driver's line of sight, or 40mm elsewhere.
• Replace the replacement suspected wiper blades—less expensive and simpler to replace.
• Refill the windscreen washer fluid.

 

5. Clean Your Number Plates

Yes, a single scratched or dented number plate on its own can be sufficient to make your car fail an MOT.

 

What to do:-

• Inspect plates are clean, securely fixed, and legible from a comfortable distance.
• Make sure font and spacing comply with legal standards.

 

6. Check Your Mirrors

Mirrors must be well secured and in good condition in order to be passed in an MOT.

 

What to do:-

• Make sure your side and rearview mirrors are well secured and in good condition.
• Make sure they're properly adjusted for the driver.

 

7. Suspension and Steering Check

Broken suspension components will have your vehicle fail at MOT—and won't cost the world to repair.

 

What to do:-

• Press down hard on all four corners of your vehicle; it must only spring back once.
• If, when going over bumps, you hear clunks or thuds, have them examined.
• If unresponsive or loose on corners, get it fixed.

 

8. Test the Horn

Easy to illustrate, but a faulty horn is an MOT failure.

 

What to do:-

Hoot your horn correctly—it must be loud and clear.

 

9. Exhaust and Emissions

Excessive exhaust noise or over emission will cause a failure.

 

What to do:-

• Take the vehicle off the driveway and listen for the abnormal clattering or booming exhaust sound.
• Check for rust or leaks in the exhaust system.
• If the car is over-smoking, have the engine checked.

 

10. Seats and Seatbelts

Safety first, and seatbelt failure will be noted.

 

What to do:-

 

• Pull seatbelts to full extension and inspect for wear or damage.
• All belts lock and unlock smoothly try.
• Seatbelts should be tight, not loose.

11. Fluid Levels

 

Low levels of fluid will not make your test fail but lead to advisory remarks or indicators of neglect.

 

What to do:-

• Engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant must be replaced.
• Inspect leaks underneath your car.
• From Your Mechanic

 

12. Dashboard Warning Lights

 

Dashboard warning light—i.e., engine, ABS, or airbag—may signify that there is an MOT fault. 

 

What to do:-

 

• Start the engine and note dashboard lights.
• Make sure warning lights go off after a few seconds.
• Alternatively, have your car inspected before the MOT.

 

Bonus Tip: Clean It Up

First impressions matter – even on MOTs. A clean, uncluttered car implies you maintain it, and some testers even test lights and mirror cleanliness under a requirement.

Conclusion 

Your MOT does not have to be a headache.

With this checklist in your pocket before taking the test, you significantly increase your first-time pass rate—time, money, and hassle saved. And in doubt, it is best to have a pre-MOT check-up or speak with an expert who will guide you through preparation. For quality work and dependable checks on professional levels, go to reputable local centers for Car Servicing in Wolverhampton .  A well-maintained vehicle not only will make you safe on the MOT but will keep you and everyone else driving on the road safe.