The MOT test is one of the most essential annual tests for vehicles that are over 3 years old. This test is mandatory in the UK. It is a test that verifies whether your car is safe to drive on the roads of the UK. A car with a failed MOT test means that the car is not safe to drive and can pose a risk to the life of the driver, passengers and others on the road. During the MOT test, the testers carefully check all the key parts to ensure they are in proper working order. If they notice any faulty or damaged parts, they will immediately raise the issue, and your car will fail the test. Once your car fails the test, it is mandatory to get the issue fixed before you take your car out on the roads. If you are caught driving a vehicle that does not have an MOT certificate or has an expired or failed MOT, then you will face a fine of up to 1000 pounds, get penalty points on your licence, and even have your car insurance cancelled. So, it is important to keep your car MOT-ready. And for that, you need to service your car at regular intervals.
Now let’s delve deeper to know the components the MOT tester checks.
Correct identification of the car is one of the basic things that the MOT tester checks before checking any other parts of the car. To ensure that your car carries the right identification, the tester checks the car’s ID and VIN against the registration. The tester also minutely checks the licence plate to ensure that it is easily readable, properly spaced and secured properly. These small aspects have to be proper; otherwise, your car may fail the test.
All the lights in the car play a major role in providing proper visibility and signalling to other cars. Hence, the MOT testers check that all the lights, including headlights, signal lights, hazard lights, brake lights, fog lights, licence plate lights, and backup lights, are in proper condition.
If the brakes of your car do not work properly, the chances of getting into an accident increase significantly. Brakes are the most crucial component of a car and provide total control over the vehicle. If the vehicle doesn't stop at your desired point, you are more likely to drive with fear. To drive confidently, the brakes in your car have to be in top-notch condition. Hence, the MOT tester checks the brakes carefully and makes sure your vehicle doesn't take longer to stop after pressing the brake. If the tester feels that the brakes are too soft or spongy, your car may fail the MOT in Newport. Apart from this, the tester also makes sure that the brake discs and pads, handbrakes, pipes, and brake hoses are also in good condition. They also check for leaking brake fluid.
Tyres and wheels are also inspected carefully by the MOT tester. The testers look for signs of cracks, cuts and bulges. They make sure that the tyres do not have excessive tyre wear because driving on such tyres often leads to poor grip and control over the vehicle. The tester also checks the tread depth of the tyres, inspects the tyre pressure and even checks the wheel alignment to ensure the vehicle runs smoothly.
The MOT tester also checks the suspension and steering of the car to ensure they properly respond on the road. If these components do not respond as they should, it can impair your driving. The steering wheel and column, power steering, steering rack or box, shock absorbers, springs, suspension arms, ball joints, and linkages are all checked by the MOT tester.
The MOT tester also checks the condition of the seatbelt to ensure it locks and releases smoothly without any problem. Seatbelts are the safety net which needs to be in proper condition to provide safety during emergencies. They help prevent severe injuries.
For properly driving a car, the windscreen, wipers, and mirrors of your car have to be in top shape. If these are not in proper condition, your visibility while driving will be blocked, increasing the risk of road accidents. Hence, the MOT tester makes sure all these components are in proper condition.
The emission level of your car is also carefully checked to ensure the car doesn’t create excessive smoke. If the exhaust system of your car does not function properly, then it may emit smoke beyond the permissible limit. To ensure your car complies with the environmental standards, the tester makes sure your emission is in good condition.
Regular car servicing and on-time MOT testing are essential for ensuring your car is safe, legal, and environmentally compliant. To identify the issue in your car early MOT is extremely essential. The test makes sure your car meets all the legal and environmental standards of the UK.