Everything you Need to Know about MOT

If you're an experienced driver, you should be accustomed to scheduling your car's yearly MOT by now. However, you might need to catch up if you're a novice driver, in which case we can assist!

We'll cover all you need to know about MOT testing and MOT Reminder Service in this blog post, so you won't be confused about what to do when your car has to be checked out. Continue reading to learn more.

What Is An MOT?

The Ministry of Transport, the government agency in charge of developing the first vehicle test as we know it today, is represented by the initials MOT. An MOT test verifies that specific sections of a car satisfy legal criteria while also assessing the vehicle's safety, including roadworthiness and exhaust emissions. In the UK, it is legally mandated that all vehicles older than three years old must have an annual MOT test.

What Does An MOT Test Check For?

These are just a few of the elements they look into:

Tyres 

Tyres are an essential part of a car, which is why they must be in excellent shape. If these don't match the specifications, the test won't pass. The rubber on the wheels should be smooth and free of any cuts or bulges.

For the purpose of ensuring they keep a firm hold on the road, testers will also assess the tread depth.

Examining the lights

Lighting and signalling issues are among the main causes of test failures. Perhaps there's only a simple remedy for a damaged bulb here. Every light must be functional, the appropriate hue, and positioned correctly.

Brake 

For the MOT to be passed, the brakes and tyres must both be in good operating order. For your protection, they are essential. Your mechanic will check that the car is being safely decelerated and that all components of the braking system are functioning as intended. If your vehicle pulls to one side when stopping, there may be a problem with the braking system.

Evaluating Windscreens

An MOT checks that the driver's perspective of the road is safe and clear of obstacles. Examiners will search for visible impediments and damage that can impact the driver. A breakdown in the glass might be caused by massive chips and fractures. Furthermore, the window wipers must be able to reach far enough to clear the driver's line of sight.

 Observing the lights

The illumination and signals during a test are two of the main causes of errors. It can just be a simple repair for a damaged bulb. Every light must be operational, the proper hue, and positioned.

Common Mot Failures

1. Headlights

Even though blown headlights are among the simplest and least expensive problems to rectify, they are the main cause of MOT failures. Even in the daytime, poor lighting conditions or the wrong orientation of your headlights might potentially cause you to fail.

2. A suspension

In the UK, suspension failures occur in around every tenth test. Spring, shock absorber, arms, rods, struts, sub-frames, anti-roll bars, joints, pins, and bushes are among the parts that the inspector will examine. All components must be well fastened, and no obvious leaks or rust should exist.

3. Brakes

There will be a lot of territory for the inspector to cover, and a failed MOT might occur for any number of reasons. The brake fluid and its state (service, secondary, parking, electronic) frequently raise the most concerns. It is nearly a given that brakes that have not been serviced after 50,000 miles will fail you.

4. Tyres 

The following are a few of the most common tyre failures: improper aspect ratios of the tyres, low thread width, lumps, bulges or rips; a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system; and non-compliance with manufacturer's recommendations. Many test failures are also related to sidewall damage, which is frequently brought on by stretched tyres.

5. A Driver's Perspective on the Road

Anything that makes it difficult for the driver to see, such as large phone cradles installed on the windscreen, severe scratching, cracks, and stickers, won't be allowed. A significant common MOT failure will also result from missing or non-functioning washers.

What is required for the MOT test?

Before going to a MOT test, there are a few things you might want to bring. You must bring your vehicle log book, often known as a V5C, if you have scheduled your car for its first-ever MOT. Having your car's most recent MOT certificate on hand is typically helpful if it has undergone one or more MOTs before. You could also be asked to present your driver's licence, proof of residency, and service history at some MOT test locations.

Can you drive without an MOT?

Operating an automobile that is older than three years and without a current MOT certificate is against the law. There is no grace period when you may drive your automobile while you wait for it to be mended, despite what many drivers believe. If you want to drive your automobile again, however, you must get it mended right now.

There is just no way around it—you cannot renew your road tax without a current MOT, and driving with an expired MOT carries a significant punishment so always keep your MOT Reminder Service on for future.