25/12/2010
Every year, once your vehicle reaches three years of age, it is a legal requirement in the UK to undergo an MOT (Ministry of Transport) test. This vital annual inspection ensures your car is safe, operational, and roadworthy enough to be driven on public roads. Without a valid MOT certificate, driving your vehicle is illegal, potentially leading to fines and invalidating your insurance. While the MOT is a thorough examination, many common reasons for failure can be easily rectified with some simple pre-checks at home. This article will guide you through preparing your car, focusing specifically on headlight alignment – a common area of concern since government testing changes in 2016 – and other crucial minor adjustments that can significantly increase your chances of passing first time.
Understanding the MOT and Its Importance
The MOT test is designed to ensure that vehicles meet minimum safety standards and environmental requirements. It's not a service, so it doesn't cover the mechanical condition of the engine, clutch, or gearbox. Instead, it focuses on critical components like lights, tyres, brakes, suspension, steering, seatbelts, and exhaust emissions. Passing your MOT is paramount not only for legal compliance but also for your safety and the safety of other road users. Identifying and rectifying minor issues before your test can save you time, money, and the inconvenience of a retest.
Mastering Headlight Alignment for Your MOT
Since 2016, there has been a renewed emphasis on headlight alignment during the MOT test. Incorrectly aimed headlights can dazzle oncoming drivers, posing a significant safety risk, and will result in an immediate MOT failure. Fortunately, aligning them correctly is a task you can often perform yourself with a little preparation. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Preparation is Key
- Empty Your Car: Before you begin, remove any unnecessary weight from your vehicle, including items from the boot. Excess weight can alter the car's natural stance and affect the accuracy of your alignment readings.
- Check Tyre Pressure: Ensure all your tyres are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Incorrect tyre pressure can affect the vehicle's height and level, leading to inaccurate headlight aim.
- Inspect Shock Absorbers: Briefly test your shock absorbers by pressing down firmly on each corner of your car. If the car bounces more than once or twice before settling, your shock absorbers might be worn, which can impact ride height and, consequently, headlight aim. If in doubt, professional inspection is advised.
Positioning Your Vehicle
Once your car is prepared, park it on a level surface, facing a wall. The front of your car should be exactly 60cm (approximately two feet) away from the wall. Ensure the car is straight and perpendicular to the wall.
Marking Your Headlight Centres
Turn on your standard (dipped beam) headlights. You should see distinct circular patterns of light on the wall. Using a pencil or tape, carefully mark four points for each headlight:
- Mark the top and bottom edges of the light circle.
- Mark the left and right edges of the light circle.
Where the horizontal and vertical lines intersect for each headlight, you will find its optical centre. Once marked for both headlights, if they are correctly aligned at this close distance, both centre points should be at the same height.
Testing Alignment at a Distance
Now, reverse your car approximately 8 metres (about 26 feet) away from the wall, keeping the headlights on. Observe where the middle of the light beams now fall in relation to the marks you made. If the centres of your lights are significantly above, below, or to either side of these markings, realignment is necessary.
Adjusting Your Headlights
To realign, you'll need to locate the headlight adjustment screws. These are typically found within the headlight housing. Their exact location can vary significantly between car models, so consulting your vehicle's owner's manual is highly recommended. With the lights turned OFF for safety, carefully loosen the adjustment screws and manually move the bulb or reflector assembly. Make small adjustments, then turn the lights back on and re-check from the 8-metre distance. Repeat this process until the light beams are correctly centred on your markings. Remember, patience is key here, and if you're unsure, a professional garage can perform this adjustment accurately.
Other Vital Preparations for Your MOT Check
Beyond headlight alignment, several other areas of your vehicle require attention before the MOT. Addressing these minor issues beforehand can prevent unnecessary failures.
Tyres: Your Only Contact with the Road
Tyres are critical for safety and a common reason for MOT failures. There are several checks you can perform:
- Tread Depth: The legal minimum tread depth for tyres in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread around the entire circumference. A simple way to check this is the '20p test'. Insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the coin is visible, your tyre tread is below the legal limit and needs replacing. Check multiple points across each tyre.
- Tyre Pressure: As mentioned for headlight alignment, correct tyre pressure is vital for safe handling, fuel efficiency, and even tyre wear. Check against your car's manual or a sticker often found on the door jamb or fuel flap.
- Condition: Inspect the sidewalls for any cuts, bulges, cracks, or signs of perishing. Look for any embedded objects like nails or screws. Uneven wear across the tyre surface can indicate underlying issues like incorrect alignment or suspension problems.
Exhaust System: Emissions and Integrity
Your exhaust system is checked for both its physical condition and the level of harmful emissions it expels.
- Emissions: While you can't measure emissions precisely without specialist equipment, you can get an indication. Start your engine and observe the exhaust. Excessive coloured smoke (blue, black, or white) can indicate an issue with the engine or exhaust system that will likely result in an emissions test failure.
- Corrosion and Damage: Visually inspect the exhaust pipes and silencer for any signs of heavy corrosion, holes, or cracks.
- Security and Noise: Listen for any rattling noises when the engine is running or when you gently tap the exhaust. This could indicate loose baffles inside the silencer or loose mounting brackets/hangers, which are common MOT failure points. Ensure the exhaust system is securely attached to the vehicle.
Brakes: Stopping Power and Safety
Effective brakes are paramount for road safety. Here's what you can check:
- Brake Fluid Level: Open your bonnet and locate the brake fluid reservoir. Ensure the fluid level is between the 'min' and 'max' marks. Low brake fluid can indicate worn brake pads or a leak in the system, both serious issues.
- Handbrake: Test your handbrake by pulling it up. If you have to pull it excessively high and hear many clicks before it engages firmly, the cable may need tightening. On a slight incline, check if it holds the car securely.
- Brake Pedal Feel: When pressing the foot brake, the pedal should feel firm and consistent. A spongy, soft, or vibrating pedal can indicate problems with the hydraulic system or warped brake discs.
- Brake Lights: Have someone check that all your brake lights illuminate brightly when you press the pedal.
General Car Maintenance: The Small Details Matter
Often, it's the simple things that lead to an MOT failure. A quick check of these items can make all the difference:
- Horn: Ensure your horn works and produces a continuous, audible sound.
- Indicators: Check that all your indicator lights (front, rear, and side repeaters) flash correctly and at the proper rate.
- Other Lights: Don't forget your sidelights, main beam headlights, rear lights, fog lights (front and rear), and number plate lights. All must be operational and clean.
- Wiper Blades: Your wiper blades must clear the windscreen effectively without streaking or chattering. Also, ensure your windscreen washer jets work and the reservoir is topped up with screenwash.
- Seatbelts: Check all seatbelts for fraying, cuts, or damage. Ensure they latch securely, release easily, and retract fully when unbuckled.
- Exterior Condition: Verify that all doors open and close easily and securely. Check for any sharp edges on the bodywork, loose bumpers, or damaged mirrors. Ensure your registration plates are clean, legible, and securely attached.
- Fluid Levels: Beyond brake fluid, quickly check your engine oil, coolant, and power steering fluid levels. While not direct MOT failure points (unless leaking excessively), they are part of general maintenance for a healthy vehicle.
- Dashboard Warning Lights: If any persistent warning lights are illuminated on your dashboard (e.g., engine management light, ABS light, airbag light), they will likely result in an MOT failure.
Common MOT Failure Points & Simple Checks
This table summarises some of the most frequent reasons for MOT failures and the straightforward checks you can perform to prevent them:
| Component | Common Failure Reason | Pre-MOT Check |
|---|---|---|
| Lights | Blown bulbs, incorrect aim, dirty lenses | Check all bulbs (headlights, indicators, brakes, fog, number plate), clean lenses, perform headlight alignment. |
| Tyres | Insufficient tread depth, damage, incorrect pressure | Perform 20p test, inspect for cuts/bulges, check pressure against manufacturer specs. |
| Brakes | Worn pads/discs, low fluid, ineffective handbrake | Check brake fluid level, test handbrake effectiveness, listen for grinding/squealing. |
| Windscreen/Wipers | Cracks in critical view, ineffective wipers | Inspect screen for damage, check wipers clear effectively, ensure washer fluid is topped up. |
| Seatbelts | Cuts, fraying, faulty buckle, not retracting | Inspect full length, test buckle, ensure smooth retraction. |
| Exhaust | Excessive emissions, leaks, insecure mounting | Look for excessive smoke, listen for rattles, check for visible holes or corrosion. |
Frequently Asked Questions About the MOT
Can I drive my car without an MOT certificate?
No, it is illegal to drive your car without a valid MOT certificate once it is three years old, unless you are driving it directly to a pre-booked MOT test or to a place where repairs are to be carried out following a failed MOT. Driving without an MOT can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and may invalidate your insurance.
What happens if my car fails its MOT?
If your car fails its MOT, you will receive a 'Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate' document outlining the reasons for failure. You cannot drive the vehicle on public roads until the faults have been repaired and it has passed a retest, unless you are taking it to a garage for repairs or to a pre-booked retest. Some minor failures (advisories or minor defects) may allow you to drive away, but it's always best to rectify all issues.
How soon can I get my MOT done?
You can have your MOT done up to one month (minus a day) before your current MOT certificate expires and still retain your original renewal date. For example, if your MOT is due on 15th April, you can have it tested from 16th March onwards, and the new certificate will still be valid until 15th April the following year.
How long does an MOT test usually take?
An MOT test typically takes between 45 to 60 minutes to complete. However, if any repairs are required or if the vehicle needs to be retested, the overall time your car is at the garage will be longer.
Is a retest free if I fail?
If your vehicle fails and you leave it at the test centre for repair and retest within 10 working days, the retest is usually free. If you take the vehicle away for repairs and bring it back for a retest within 10 working days, a partial retest may be free or incur a small fee, depending on the failure items. After 10 working days, a full MOT test fee will typically apply again.
By taking the time to perform these simple checks at home, you can significantly improve your car's chances of passing its MOT first time. Not only does this save you potential hassle and cost, but it also ensures your vehicle is safe and compliant for the road ahead. Regular maintenance throughout the year is always the best approach to keep your car in top condition for its annual inspection.
If you want to read more articles similar to Ace Your MOT: Essential Pre-Check Guide, you can visit the Maintenance category.