20/01/2017
Getting your car ready for its annual MOT test can feel like a bit of a mystery for many motorists. What exactly do they look at? Will my car pass? These are common questions that pop up. At its core, the MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a legal requirement designed to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive, environmentally compliant, and roadworthy. It’s not a check of the mechanical condition of the engine, gearbox, or clutch, but rather a focused inspection of critical safety and environmental aspects.
Understanding the key areas that the MOT test covers can help you prepare your vehicle and avoid any nasty surprises. This article will delve into the essential components and systems that are scrutinised during an MOT, giving you a clear picture of what work might be required to ensure your vehicle passes.
The Core Components of an MOT Test
The MOT test is divided into several categories, each focusing on a different part of your vehicle. These include:
- Structure and Vehicle Identification: This section checks the general condition of the vehicle's bodywork and chassis. It looks for excessive corrosion, damage, or any modifications that could affect safety.
- Fuel System: The MOT inspects the fuel system for leaks, secure connections, and correct operation.
- Exhaust Emissions: A crucial part of the MOT is ensuring your vehicle meets the required exhaust emission standards. This is tested using specialised equipment.
- Exterior Lights: All exterior lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, indicators, and registration plate lights, are checked for functionality, correct colour, and proper aim.
- Bonnet, Latch, and Strikers: The bonnet must be securely fastened and easy to open and close from the outside.
- Horn: The horn must be operational and meet certain sound level requirements.
- Steering and Suspension: Critical components like the steering wheel, steering column, power steering, suspension joints, shock absorbers, and springs are all examined for wear, damage, or looseness.
- Wheels and Tyres: Tyres are checked for tread depth (a minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread), damage, and correct inflation. Wheels are inspected for damage or distortion.
- Brakes: This is a vital safety check. The MOT tests the efficiency of the service brake, parking brake, and any auxiliary braking systems. It checks for leaks, worn components, and proper function.
- Seatbelts: All fitted seatbelts are inspected for condition, operation, and the presence of any damage or wear.
- Seats: Front seats must be secure and allow for proper seatbelt adjustment.
- Doors, Door Latches, and Hinges: Doors must open and close correctly from both the inside and outside.
- Body Condition: Beyond structural integrity, the MOT checks for sharp edges or protrusions that could pose a hazard to pedestrians or other road users.
- Mirrors: All mirrors, including the interior mirror and wing mirrors, must be present, secure, and in good condition.
- Windscreen: The windscreen is checked for chips or cracks in the driver's line of sight. Any damage larger than 10mm in the driver's direct line of vision, or 40mm elsewhere on the windscreen, will result in a failure.
- Wipers and Washers: The windscreen wipers and washers must be in good working order to clear the windscreen effectively.
- Other Equipment: This can include checks on the vehicle's registration plates, fuel cap, and any additional safety equipment fitted.
Common Reasons for MOT Failure and What to Check
While the MOT test covers many aspects, some issues are more common than others. Being aware of these can save you time and money:
| Area Checked | Common Failure Points | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | Insufficient tread depth, visible damage (cuts, bulges), incorrect tyre type for the vehicle. | Check tread depth with a 20p coin. Look for any cuts, lumps, or bulges on the sidewalls. |
| Brakes | Worn brake pads/discs, fluid leaks, reduced braking efficiency, faulty handbrake. | Listen for grinding noises, feel for sponginess in the pedal, ensure the handbrake holds the vehicle on a slight incline. |
| Lights | Blown bulbs, incorrect colour lights, misaligned headlights, damaged light lenses. | Walk around the car and check all lights are working and the correct colour. Aim of headlights is checked professionally. |
| Windscreen | Chips or cracks in the driver's field of vision. | Inspect the windscreen for any damage that obstructs your view. |
| Wipers & Washers | Worn wiper blades, ineffective washer fluid spray. | Ensure wipers clear the screen without smearing and that the washer fluid sprays correctly. |
| Corrosion | Excessive rust on structural parts (chassis, suspension mounting points). | Inspect the underside of the car, wheel arches, and sills for significant rust. |
| Exhaust System | Leaks, excessive noise, loose components. | Listen for unusual noises from the exhaust and check for any visible damage or corrosion. |
| Suspension | Worn shock absorbers, loose joints, damaged springs. | Feel for excessive bouncing after bumps, listen for clunking noises when turning or going over bumps. |
Preparing Your Vehicle: Proactive Steps
To maximise your chances of a first-time MOT pass, consider these proactive checks:
- Tyre Pressure and Tread: Regularly check your tyre pressure and ensure the tread depth is well above the legal minimum.
- Lights: Make it a habit to test all your lights regularly, especially brake lights and indicators. A quick walk-around check is invaluable.
- Wipers and Washer Fluid: Keep your washer fluid topped up and replace worn wiper blades.
- Fluid Levels: Check your engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant levels. Low fluid levels can indicate a leak.
- Brake Fluid: Ensure your brake fluid is at the correct level and has been changed according to your vehicle's service schedule.
- Bodywork: Address any minor corrosion before it becomes a major structural issue.
- Horn: Test that your horn is working correctly.
The MOT Certificate Explained
Upon successful completion of the MOT test, your vehicle will be issued with an MOT certificate. This certificate details any advisories or defects found during the test. Advisories are items that are not serious enough to cause an immediate failure but may require attention in the near future. It is highly recommended to address these advisories promptly to prevent them from becoming failure points in subsequent years.
What Happens If My Vehicle Fails?
If your vehicle fails its MOT, it is illegal to drive it on the road, except to a pre-booked appointment at a garage for repair. The issuing garage will provide a refusal of an MOT certificate, detailing the reasons for failure. You have a limited time to have the necessary repairs carried out and the vehicle re-tested. In many cases, a partial re-test may be offered, focusing only on the items that failed.
Choosing a Reputable Garage
Selecting a trustworthy garage is paramount. Look for garages that are authorised to conduct MOT tests. Services like the one offered by Paul Edwards in Pentood, Cardigan, which has been providing motoring services since 2008, often have experienced technicians who understand the intricacies of MOT requirements. Many family-run businesses pride themselves on transparency and customer service, ensuring you are fully informed about any work needed.
Conclusion
The MOT test is a vital part of ensuring vehicle safety and environmental responsibility. By understanding what the test entails and performing regular checks, you can significantly increase the likelihood of your vehicle passing without issue. Don't wait until the last minute; be proactive with your vehicle's maintenance and ensure it remains safe and legal on the road.
If you want to read more articles similar to MOT Vehicle Checks Explained, you can visit the Maintenance category.