MOT is a mandatory document in the UK for drivers and car owners. Once your car passes a particular age, getting an MOT is mandatory. Checking the requirements on the official Ministry of Transportation website will help you to get it done at the right time.
Keeping yourself updated with the rules and regulations for MOT is the best way to start preparing. Sure enough, it can be a little stressful for new or first-time owners. However, if you have a checklist of certain requirements, you won’t struggle as much.
How to Prep Your Car for a Mot?
First things first, MOTs are stringent when it comes to safety. There is a chance that you may pass one if you regularly service your car. However, in some cases, the cars receive negative results due to mere minor reasons.
If you want to ensure that your MOT Redditch test comes back positive, here are some things to keep in mind:
Headlights and Indicators:
- You should always remember to check your headlights and indicators. Remember to ensure that all the lights are completely functional. If you see that one or more bulbs are malfunctioning, get them fixed before the MOT.
- You can either replace those bulbs yourself or you could get the help of a local repair specialist to do the same.
Brakes and Brake Lights:
When it comes to handling safety, nothing is as important as brakes. Keep your brakes maintained. Regularly have a look at the car, and consider the state of your brakes. Changing brake plates when it is time, and the brake oil is recommended as well.
- Check the brake lights as well. Before you go visit the MOT centre, have a go at the lights. See if they are functional. Brake lights and strip lights are important. If you see that there are some minor problems, you should fix them before you take your car to the testing centre.
Number Plates Are a Must:
MOTs check the viability of your car and how they function on the road. One of the safety factors is the visibility of your car’s number plate. The car’s number plate acts as a means to recognise the car and the owner.
Hence, you need to check on your car and its number plate. When you hand your car over for MOTs, clean your car properly. Along with that ensure that your number plate is legible and easy to read.
- On a side note, you should make it a habit to keep your car’s number plate clean at all times.
Tyres and Wheels:
For obvious reasons, tyres and wheels are crucial for road safety. Although MOTs will test your car’s functionality, they will also have a look at the condition of your car’s tyres.
The officials will check the size, the type, and its condition. Furthermore, the depreciation on the tyres will be thoroughly looked into. Apart from that, the officials will also check if the use of the tyres is right for the type of your car.
- That said, the wheels and rims will be scrutinised as well. If you have bends or dents in the alloys of your wheels, you’d see the reflection on the test score.
Seats and Seatbelts:
Another important factor, which many forget, is the seats and seatbelts. Your seatbelts should be in working order when you visit the MOT centre. Furthermore, before taking your car for a test, check everything thoroughly.
- Look at the damage, if there’s any. Also, pull and tug on the seatbelts to see if these react as they should. Also, check your seats. Check for rips and damages. Fix the problems before you take your car for MOTs.
Although MOTs are fairly easy to understand, minute issues can lead to a negative impact on the results. It is advised that before you look to get your car’s MOT Redditch tests or anywhere else, you get your service thoroughly serviced.