What to Expect During Your MOT Test

Booking an MOT test is not fun, but it can be far less stressful if you understand the process. First, know that it’s a legal requirement in the UK, which becomes more important if you are driving a vehicle for more than three years. Many owners skip the necessary replacement and repairs, which can hinder the process of passing legal tests. Also, knowing how regular car servicing ties into this test is also important.

So, this guide is going to be all about what to expect during an MOT test. We will cover everything from the types of checks to the role of servicing.

1. Booking MOT Test

Most UK garages offer MOT tests, while many of them also accept online booking for more convenience. You can book a test at a dealership or an independent garage. Meanwhile, a mobile MOT service can be ideal if you want more convenience or cannot take the time to visit a garage. Just make sure that you book early enough to get the service at your preferred time.

2. During Visit

You will need to hand over your vehicle registration document, along with any previous MOT certificates, after visiting the centre. Some garages may also ask for the car’s overall service history, even though it is not mandatory. Then, the testers will verify the documents and mileage before starting the test.

3. The Visual Check

They will start checking visually at the beginning of the test. This is the stage where light, tyre, and fluid-related issues are addressed quickly. Moreover, they will take a look at the car’s overall condition. This approach helps ensure the doors’ functions, a legitimate number plate, mirror safety, etc. Throughout the process, they note everything unsafe or illegal.

4. Lighting and Signalling Systems

Light-related issues are one of the most common MOT failure reasons. To verify the same, tests will check these components:

Headlights
Brake lights
Indicators
Hazard lights
Number plate lights
They will just make sure that all these lights are working properly and are not damaged.

5. Brakes and Suspension

Brakes are very critical. The tester checks the brake pedal, handbrake, and its overall performance. They use a rolling road to measure the overall efficiency and balance. Moreover, they also check for damage to suspension components like springs, shock absorbers, and ball joints.

6. Tyres and Wheels

Your car tyres must have at least 1.6 mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of them and around the entire circumference. The tester addresses any cuts or uneven wear in this process. Wheels must also be in good condition.

7. Seat Belts and Seats

Seat belts should function properly. In this case, the tester makes sure that it retracts and locks smoothly. The driver’s seat must be safe and adjustable so that the one controlling the vehicle can move ahead without any hassle.

8. Windscreen, Wipers, and Washer Bottle

The tester checks if there is no crack in the windscreen, particularly in the driver’s line of sight. If there is any damage larger than 10 mm in this area, they will consider it a point of failure. On the other hand, wipers and washers must work properly, and there should be enough fluid in the washer bottle.

9. Emissions and Exhaust System

Modern MOT test Walthamstow also offers emission checks to make sure that the vehicle meets environmental standards. Testers check how much a petrol or diesel engine emits of CO, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. The exhaust system must also be secure and leak-free in this case.

10. Steering and Alignment

The tester looks to see if the steering wheel, column, and linkages are damaged. Then, they check the power steering systems for any leaks and functions. This is because poor steering can be dangerous when it comes to handling the car.

11. Fuel System

The test ensures there are no leaks or corrosion in the fuel tank, pipes, and cap. A faulty fuel system is dangerous and can fail at times. Moreover, the fuel cap must be sealed properly so that vapours cannot escape easily.

12. Additional Checks

These are some additional checks to ensure the roadworthiness of your vehicle:

Horn
Speedometer
Registration plates
Vehicle structure
The chassis
13. The Role of Regular Car Servicing
Many MOT failure-related issues could be prevented during routine car servicing Walthamstow. This is where annual or interim packages can be very helpful.

A good service schedule should include:

Regular oil and filter changes
Brake checks and fluid top-ups
Tyre pressure check
Lights and wiper inspections
Battery health check
Checking such components in advance helps you avoid unexpected repairs during MOT.