The dreadful acronym MOT appears each year. The annual unpleasant surprise is when you remember when something is due yet always managing to forget. Despite putting this on the back burner of your mind, it is regrettably inevitable.
As a car owner, scheduling an annual MOT is just something that comes with buying a car. The majority of us merely know that a MOT is a way to protect your safety while operating the car, even though some may fully comprehend what a MOT entails and why we have them.
What time should you have your car’s first MOT?
For three years following the date of registration, a new vehicle does not require a MOT. Only if your car is brand new or less than three years old is this eligible. After three years, you will need to get your first MOT, and after that, you will need to have one every year.
This is due to the fact that a brand-new car shouldn’t have any problems during these years. Nevertheless, repairing your car in the meantime is always advised and could prevent problems for your first MOT.
On the other hand, depending on the registration date, some car types will require a MOT every year. These are public utility vehicles, like cabs and ambulances.
Use an online MOT checker or give your neighbourhood garage a call to find out your car’s precise registration date.
What exactly does a MOT test?
A MOT is a thorough inspection of your car that looks at both roadworthiness and safety issues.
Without our knowledge or awareness, many safety measures installed in cars over time may malfunction, endangering our safety. We frequently dismiss several warning signs that our car is broken, putting them on the back burner. If not rectified beforehand, this might add up over time and cost you a lot following a MOT.
These flaws are easier to find with the aid of a MOT, and your mechanic will be able to accurately estimate the cost of repairs. Refusing to remedy the issue after a MOT renders your automobile illegal and unfit to be driven on the road.
Your preferred garage will inspect all crucial components, including the brakes, exhaust, tyres, and seatbelts, during your MOT.
Along with your car’s general condition, the exterior and interior of the body, electrical system, and lights.
Tests that have been performed include:
- If there are any indications of corrosion, damage, or sharp edges.
- Whether the latch on your bonnet closes firmly.
- Your vehicle’s registration will be carefully examined to ensure that it is displayed on the front and back of the vehicle and is legible from 20 metres away.
- All mirrors will be examined to make sure they are in good shape and offer a clear vision.
- Your exhaust must be sealed tightly and must not leak at all.
- Your gasoline system must be leak-free, and the cap will be examined to ensure that it closes securely.
- We’ll look for really dark blue or black smoke in the exhaust.
The car’s electrical system will be examined. For instance, a thorough inspection of the wiring will be performed if your vehicle has electrics that assist with braking, steering, vision, or headlamps. Your MOT will also include a look at your dashboard warning lights because these can indicate problems with your oil or airbags.
- We’ll inspect your speedometer to look for any damage and make sure it can be read clearly.
- The overall state and any fraying of seat belts will be examined.
- Your doors will be put through a test to make sure that all of the locks close securely.
- Your brakes will be evaluated for their general health and effectiveness.
- Your horn’s functionality will be evaluated.
- It will test steering. Initially, keep an eye out for any locking that ought to only occur while your car is stopped.
- Your garage will decide whether or not your car is ready to pass its MOT after all these inspections are finished.
- You will obtain a current MOT certificate that explains this if your car passes. The mechanic will provide you with a list of causes and fixes if your vehicle fails its MOT.
- After you have approved the necessary work to be done on your automobile, it can be put through another MOT test to make sure nothing was overlooked.
- You won’t be allowed to drive your automobile until the problem has been fixed if your car fails its MOT.
What do I need to bring to the MOT?
There are only a few papers and things you must worry about and bring with you to your MOT:
- Your V5C, your vehicle registration document
- Your letter of appointment, assuming you received one
- Any current vehicle certificates, such as the most recent MOT certificate
- The car keys you have
You can print off your prior MOT certificate from the government website if you’ve misplaced these papers, for instance.
MOTs don’t always have to be stressful and expensive, it turns out. Before a MOT, servicing your car once a year can not only help to assure your safety but will also enable you to save money over time and keep your car from breaking down.
AND AT THE END
Make careful conduct of your own testing prior to your MOT in Leamington Spa. To maintain the car running smoothly, the owner should routinely check items like the oil level, the condition of the tyres and whether the windscreen has any cracks or damage.
Checking your brake lights and headlights, as well as sounding your horn to make sure it’s functional, are particularly simple inspections.
These quick self-checks can help you avoid failing a test or incurring unwanted fees. They should, above all, give you confidence that your car is secure for driving.