A Pre-MOT Cheat Sheet - Pass an MOT Test with Flying Colours

If you are a vehicle owner in the United Kingdom and your vehicle is more than three years old, then an MOT test must be looming over our head. According to the Ministry of Transport, every car in the UK needs to pass the annual MOT test to prove its roadworthiness.

A failure in MOT will not only prohibit you from paying the vehicle tax, but also from acquiring car insurance. So, before you opt for an MOT Test in Northampton, have a look at the following pre-MOT checks you must consider.

The lights under scrutiny –

Ranging from your car’s headlights to its tail lamps and indicators, an MOT test covers them all.

·         Indicators and headlights

Ensure that the rear and front lights, indicator fog lights, as well as the registration plate illumination are functional. An irregularly blinking indicator can cause your MOT failure. Replace any defective bulbs and avoid any obstruction in the display.

·         Brake lamp

Check for the proper illumination of your vehicle’s brake lamp every time you press on the pedal.

Registration plate check –

Irrespective of your vehicular make and model, a registration plate should adhere to the defined dimensions. Additionally, it should be present on both ends of your vehicle displaying the correct font and format and with precise letter spacing.

Windscreen and mirrors –

Any obstruction or hindrance in driver’s view of the road measuring more than 10mm in size will lead to a failure of MOT test. Moreover, any crack in the swept area crossing the 40mm mark will also not pass the test.

Ensure to perform a thorough cleaning of the windscreen and mirrors. Tinting of glass or cracks will not receive approval. Also, check for scratches on the windshield caused by worn out wipers. Replace wiper pads, if necessary.

Tyres and wheels –

Check for cracks, bulges and lumps on your Buy Best tyres Northampton before heading for an MOT test. Reliable auto garages like Jackson’s MOT Centre also ticks off the tyre tread depth. Ensure its measurement above the 1.6mm mark.

Considering wheels, no cracks or axle damages must be present. Also, check for any wheel wobbles or steering pulls while braking. That tests your wheels’ alignment and balance.

Engine oil and fuel –

A certain level of engine oil is necessary for a vehicle’s on-road safety, failure to meet which can cause an MOT fiasco. Depletion of brake fluid also begets negative feedback in an MOT test. Check for the same before heading towards an auto garage.

Associated checks and scrutinises –

Other than these, testers also analyse the body condition of a vehicle and even its chassis health. According to the UK MOT norms, a car body must not contain irreparable damages and holes or dent marks.

Also, the chassis should not bear crack marks or possible orientation damages, thus compromising with on-road vehicular safety.

So, referring to the above cheat sheet will ensure that your vehicle passes its MOT test with flying colours. However, the secret lies in timely maintenance and ensuring the proper upkeep of your prized possession around the year.