MOT’S

If your car is 3 years old or more you are required, by law, to book your car in for an MOT test.

The MOT test ensures that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition and meets environmental standards as outlined by the Government/DVLA. If your vehicle passes its MOT, it has met the minimum road safety and environmental standards as required by law and receives a pass certificate which lasts for 12 months. However, this does not mean your car is roadworthy for the length of validity of the MOT certificate. The Certificate surprisingly does not guarantee the general mechanical condition of your vehicle and the MOT test itself does not cover the engine, gearbox or clutch.

The MOT should not be treated as a substitute for regular maintenance. The MOT certificate is simply a paper receipt of the MOT and shows the information which has been entered onto a secure central database by those who tested your vehicle. MOTs are regulated by Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) the following areas are checked to ensure they meet legal standards.

All vehicles on the road are legally required to be in a roadworthy condition. The MOT test is designed to make sure that all vehicles meet the necessary safety and environmental standards, and must be undertaken every year on all vehicles three years or older.

Our mechanic will carry out a series of checks in and around the vehicle to make sure it ticks all the right boxes and that it is safe and legal to drive on public roads.

Here are some of the different components that will be tested during an MOT:

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must be clearly displayed on the vehicle.
The registration plate must be present, secure, not obscured in any way or faded and be composed with correctly formed letters and spacing.
All the vehicle’s lights will be checked for operation, condition and security.
MOT testers will test the presence and correct function of the steering lock where fitted as standard. Missing, split or damaged dust covers on the steering and suspension ball-joints will result in a failure if they allow dirt to enter the joint.
The wipers and washer bottle must be able to operate properly in order to give the driver a clear view of the road.
The condition of the windscreen and the driver’s view of the road will be inspected – no chips or cracks should affect the driver’s line of sight. Any damage on the windscreen that is larger than 10mm and directly in front of the driver, known as the ‘A-zone’, or damage elsewhere on the windscreen larger than 40mm, can result in immediate MOT test failure.
The car horn must be operational with the volume sufficiently audible to pedestrians and other vehicles. Furthermore, the tone should not be of a sequential multi-tone.
All compulsory seatbelts must be in place as seats will be checked for security.
Any fuel leaks in the fuel system will result in a fail. The fuel filler cap must be fastened securely and the cap must not be torn, there should also be no other defects that could cause fuel to leak out.
Exhaust emissions need to fall within the specific guidelines and the exhaust must be completely secure, without serious leaks.
The body of the vehicle will also be inspected during the MOT for excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas. Both front doors must be able to be opened from the inside and outside and all doors must latch securely.
The mirrors should be secure, visible from the driver’s seat and not distorted or damaged.
The condition of the wheels and tyres will be tested for condition, security, tread depth and tyre size and type.
The efficiency of braking performance, condition and operation will all be checked.