If you are going for an MOT test, you need to check your car first!

Is your car due for MOT? With our simple advice for putting your car in condition, you can improve your chances of passing the test the first time. If your automobile is over three years old, you must get an annual MOT Shirley check to guarantee it is roadworthy. The highest rate that a garage can charge for a MOT is £54.85, however they are frequently marketed for approximately £35-£45 in order to draw and keep customers.

An MOT may appear to be just another cost, but it may assist to discover any faults that could impair your car's safety in the future. In addition, failing to have a valid MOT renders your vehicle illegal to drive and frequently invalidates your insurance.

Approximately 40% of vehicles submitted for MOT testing fail. Continue reading to learn how to increase your chances of passing the first time and avoid becoming one of them. We show you how to perform rapid checks to avoid being caught off guard by a minor flaw.

MOT fault classifications

The MOT test in England, Scotland, and Wales was modified in 2018 with an innovative method for categorizing defects discovered with your vehicle. Any flaws discovered by the MOT testing are classified as "dangerous," "major," or "minor."

If a 'dangerous' or'major' defect is discovered in your vehicle, it will not pass its MOT. If your vehicle has a harmful flaw, you must repair it before driving it again.

Since 2018, there have also been tougher pollution regulations for diesel vehicles equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPFs). DPFs catch and hold exhaust soot to minimize diesel emissions. If the MOT tester sees smoke rising from the exhaust or signs of fiddling with the DPF, your car will receive a significant fault (and fail its MOT). Before your MOT, inspect the vehicle's appearance.

Wheels and tires-

Car tyres have to be the correct size and type. If you've installed a space-saving spare tyre on one of your tires, change it before the test with a conventional wheel and tyre.

Verify that all tyres have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth all the way around and throughout the center three-quarters of the grid. Inserting a 20p coin into a single tread groove is a quick technique to check. The tread depth is adequate if the coin's outside edge is totally concealed.

Inspect the sidewall for any large lumps or cuts that might make it unsuitable for purpose. Tyres must also not be visibly underinflated. Spare tyres are not checked during the course of the MOT test, although those stored outside must be securely fastened.

For your automobile to pass the MOT test, all of your lights (which includes headlamps, parking lights, reverse lights, indicators, and registration plate bulbs) must be the correct color and in good functioning order. Daytime running lamps are also tested on vehicles purchased after March 2018.

Clean your lights, then have someone test them as you go around the car. If they shimmer when softly tapped with the palm, they need to be tightened or replaced entirely. If you discover a blown bulb, it's a good idea to replace it prior to the MOT test.

Windscreen and wiper-

The windshield wipers and cleaners should be effective enough to provide you with a clear view of the road. Smudged wipers may be worn out, so repair them prior to the MOT, and check your headlamp washers if you have them. Make careful to refill the washer bottle and, if necessary, use a pin to unclog the jets.

It is also critical to ensure that your windscreen is in excellent shape before to the MOT test, especially the area swept by the wipers. Erase any stickers that may obscure your vision, and keep an eye out for cracks or chips that are longer than 1cm (approximately the size of a 5p coin).

Registration plates-

Check that the license plates are in excellent shape and securely affixed to the vehicle. All of the letters and numerals should be legible from a distance of 20 meters. Keep in mind that the use of unique typefaces may be interpreted by the police as an attempt to thwart the law. If you're wondering whether your license plate fulfills the legal criteria, check the DVLA website before scheduling your MOT.

Doors-

For the vehicle to pass its MOT Test Birmingham, all doors should open and close freely. They should be firmly closed once closed. Front doors must be accessible from the inside as well as the outside of the vehicle.

Structure of the vehicle-

Examine the overall condition of your vehicle. The body should be clear of excessive corrosion or damage, especially anything that could interfere with braking or steering. There should be no exposed sharp edges that could endanger other road users.