MOT Checklist
Your annual MOT thoroughly checks the functioning of your vehicle, from the headlights to the exhaust. This comprehensive examination is needed to keep your car on the road, and drivers should be aware that even small problems can cause a fail. To prevent the hassle of failing your MOT, there are various pre-emptive steps and checks you can make before handing your car over to the mechanics. These can highlight any potential issues, allowing you to fix them before going through the MOT. We’ll cover some of these handy checks in this article.
Lights
Your vehicle’s lights play an important part in road safety and signalling therefore these will be thoroughly checked during an MOT. Approximately 20% of MOT fails are due to dead lightbulbs. However, it is easy to check your lights before an MOT – simply get a friend to check the lights are functioning from the outside of the car whilst you operate them from inside. All lights should be functioning, the correct colour, brightness and position.
Tyres
To pass the MOT, your tyres need to be in good, roadworthy condition. Tyres which are damaged, split or overly worn can cause an MOT failure. Check that the inner ¾ of your tyres’ width has at least 1.6mm of tread depth – anything less is under the legal limit and will require replacement. Tyres should also be the same size along the same axle and shouldn’t be missing any nuts or fixings.
Windscreen
A clear view out of your windscreen is essential whilst driving and chips and cracks can prevent this. Any damage which is larger than 10mm in size in the driver’s direct line of sight (the area above and approximately the width of the steering wheel) or over 40mm in peripheral areas will cause a fail. Get any such damage fixed immediately to ensure it doesn’t worsen and become an issue.
Mirrors
Your car’s mirrors need to be in good condition, secure and in the correct place. Cracked glass will impair your view and mirrors which are just held on with tape are not stable or reliable. Ensure any necessary fixes are completed before an MOT.
Exhaust
Your exhaust is responsible for filtering harmful gases and other combustion products out of the vehicle, and so it is vitally important this is in full working condition. Problems with your exhaust system can often be identified by a change in the sound of your car when running. A louder exhaust, hissing or rattling can all be signs of exhaust issues and should be checked out before your MOT.
Dashboard lights
There are many parts of your vehicle where problems can emerge without giving rise to any clear symptoms. Many of these features – including power steering, the anti-lock brake system, airbags and many more – therefore have warning lights on the dashboard. All warning lights should illuminate when the car is turned on and then deactivate after a couple of seconds. Any that don’t light up at all or remain lit will cause a fail in an MOT as they indicate a problem that needs to be fixed.
With these checks you can ensure that your car is prepared for its MOT and won’t fail due to a minor, easily identifiable fault. This will prevent the need for a MOT re-test and allows your car to get back on the road as soon as possible.
Auto Exhausts and Tyres carry out comprehensive MOT tests in our purpose built Lincoln testing centre. Our expert mechanics provide a reliable, DVSA standard testing service which will ensure that your car is completely safe and roadworthy. Should your vehicle be in need of any repairs, we can offer these at a reasonable price and within a quick turnaround time for your utmost convenience. Contact our professionals today to book in your car, or for further information about our services.
