Top 10 Checks to Perform Before Your MOT Test

The Ministry Of Transport (MOT) test is a necessary part of ensuring safety when driving on roads, as well as meeting the regulations regarding emissions put in place by the government; this will help protect both you as an individual and the environment. Most people don't know this, but there are plenty of small things along with regular car service that could be looked into or resolved prior to MOT testing that would otherwise cause a vehicle to fail an MOT. If you're going for your MOT testing soon, here are 10 common things every driver should do before they arrive at the testing station to give your vehicle the best possible chance of passing the first time around. 

Top 10 Checks to Perform 

1.  Make Sure All Major Components Are Functioning Correctly 

Most vehicles fail an MOT Bradford because of a lighting issue, so take a few minutes to check your vehicle properly. 

• Headlights (dipped / main beam) 

• Indicator lights 

• Stop lights  

• Reverse light 

• Rear fog-light 

• Number plate light 

You'll also want someone to help you check out your stop lights and reverse lights. Remember to replace any bulbs which are flickering or dim, and you'll find that fixing any light bulbs is usually quite cheap and easy, but a light fault is one of the first things an MOT inspector would check; if you have any of those issues, the vehicle will really have no chance of passing. 

2. Inspect the Condition of the Tyres 

Tyres have a significant impact on both safety and performance, and it is therefore important to be aware of tyre condition and tread depth prior to taking your vehicle in for an MOT. An MOT (or MOT Test) requires that tyres have a minimum tread depth of at least 1.6mm (1.6mm = 1/16 inch) across the entire centre 75% of the tyre, and that they do not contain any cuts, bulges, or exposed cords. Additionally, it is important to ensure that all tyres are inflated to the correct pressure as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer (found in the owner’s manual). 

Uneven tyre wear may be indicative of issues with suspension or alignment. By conducting proper inspections of your tyres during car service, you can reduce the likelihood of your vehicle being rejected while also improving road safety. 

3. Test the Brakes 

Faulty brakes should never be ignored, as they will result in an immediate failure of your MOT. Pay special attention to the following when checking the condition of your brakes: 

• Grinding/squeaking noises while braking 

• Vibration through the steering wheel when braking 

• Pulling left or right while braking 

• Soft or spongy feel of the brake pedal 

If you notice any signs of potential wear, it is important to have your brakes checked by an experienced technician at least a few weeks prior to your MOT. 

4. Inspect Windscreen for Damage and Clear Visibility 

For the driver of a vehicle, the windscreen has a critical role in providing the driver with clear visibility. Therefore, during your MOT: 

If the windscreen has any cracks or chips, these must NOT be larger than ten millimetres (10mm) in the line of sight, and any other part of the windscreen damage must NOT be greater than 40mm. 

Additionally, be sure to check that the windscreen washer jets/ reservoir is working and filled with a good quality screen washer fluid for clear visibility for driving a vehicle safely. 

5. Wiper Blade Inspection 

Should your wipers leave streaks, skip across the windshield, or show signs of being cracked or worn, you will need to replace them as it is unsafe to drive with these types of wipers. If your wipers are faulty, they can lead to failure during the MOT Test, even if the remainder of your vehicle is in good working order. 

6. Fluid Level Check 

Fluid levels that are low may not automatically cause your vehicle to fail the MOT Test, but they will also indicate possible larger issues with the way your vehicle operates. The following fluids must be checked before the MOT Test: 

• Engine Oil 

• Brake Fluid 

• Coolant 

• Power Steering Fluid 

• Windscreen Washer Fluid 

You will need to top up these fluids as required to ensure your engine runs correctly. Driving with low fluid levels may potentially damage your engine and lead to expensive repairs in the future. 

7. Exhaust System Inspection 

During the MOT test, the exhaust will be checked for any leaks, noise, and/or emissions. Noticeable sounds can include rattling or hissing when you listen closely to your exhaust. Rust or holes can also indicate an exhaust that needs to be repaired immediately along with a strong smell of exhaust fumes inside your vehicle. 

An exhaust system that is not in good condition will cause problems with the way your vehicle operates and also cause your vehicle to fail in the MOT due to emissions. 

8. Steering/Suspension Inspection 

Suspension problems are one of the most common reasons for MOT failure. Signs of suspension issues can include excessive bouncing, noises of knocking or banging, your vehicle pulling to one side, or uneven wear on your tyres. If you experience any of these issues while driving, have your suspension inspected before your vehicle is tested for the MOT in Bradford. 

9. Ensure Your Seats and Seatbelts Are Working Correctly 

Your seatbelt and seat check will include the following: 

• Seatbelt - Check for cuts fraying, and secure locking; 

• Seat - Check that the seat can be adjusted and that it is secured properly. 

• Driver's seatbelt - If fitted, check the seatbelt pretensioner. 

Ensure all seatbelts are checked and retract properly; even minor damage to a seatbelt can contribute to a failure of that seatbelt. 

10. Inspect Your Number Plates 

Your number plates must be: 

• Clearly visible; 

• Correctly attached; 

• Dirt-free; and 

• In the correct legal format. 

Any cracking, fading, or defectively formatted plates could lead to an issue during the MOT test. 

Conclusion  

Checking your vehicle's essential features prior to your MOT test while keeping up with regular car service Bradford, dramatically increases your odds of a first-pass failure-free MOT. Most failures are a result of minor items that could have been fixed by you while you were at home in just minutes (by checking your lights, tyres, brakes, fluids, and other key components). By checking these features, you are not only saving time and money; you are also making sure your car stays safe and roadworthy 365 days of the year. Preparing your vehicle for an MOT will make the process smoother and more hassle-free.