Subaru MOT: Your Essential Annual Road Check

As a Subaru owner in the UK, ensuring your vehicle is safe and legal to be on the road is paramount. Beyond regular servicing, there's a specific annual check that every car over three years old must pass: the Ministry of Transport (MOT) test. This isn't just a recommendation; it's a legal requirement designed to confirm your Subaru meets minimum roadworthiness and environmental standards.

You might be wondering exactly what an MOT entails for your rugged and reliable Subaru. It's a comprehensive inspection that delves into dozens of critical components, from the intricate workings of your braking system to the simple functionality of your windscreen wipers. Our skilled technicians are trained to meticulously examine each aspect, providing you with the peace of mind that your vehicle is not only compliant with UK law but also safe for you and other road users.

The MOT Explained: A Legal Imperative for Your Subaru

The MOT test is a standardised annual inspection mandated by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for all vehicles over three years old in Great Britain. Its primary purpose is to ensure that vehicles on public roads meet essential safety and environmental standards. Unlike a service, which focuses on the mechanical health and longevity of your vehicle through maintenance tasks like oil changes and filter replacements, the MOT is purely an inspection. It determines if your Subaru is safe enough to drive and doesn't pose an undue risk to the environment through excessive emissions.

For new Subarus, the first MOT is due on the third anniversary of its registration date. After that, it must undergo an MOT annually. Driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and can result in significant fines, invalidate your insurance, and potentially lead to points on your licence. The only exceptions for driving without an MOT are when driving to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repairs required to pass the test.

Key Areas Inspected During Your Subaru's MOT

Your Subaru will undergo a rigorous examination covering a wide array of components. Here's a detailed look at what our technicians will check:

Tyres and Wheels

• Condition and Tread Depth: Tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread around the entire circumference. Technicians will also check for cuts, bulges, and any signs of damage or perishing.
• Wheel Condition: Wheels are checked for cracks, distortion, and secure fitting.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): If fitted, the TPMS warning light must not be illuminated.

Brakes

• Brake Performance: Both service brakes (foot pedal) and parking brake (handbrake) are tested for efficiency, balance, and operation.
• Brake Components: Discs, pads, drums, shoes, calipers, and brake lines are inspected for wear, leaks, and damage.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): If fitted, the ABS warning light must not be illuminated, and the system must appear functional.

Lights, Indicators, and Electrical Components

• Headlights: Checked for aim, intensity, and correct operation of dipped and main beams.
• Indicators: All indicators (front, side, rear) must flash correctly and at the correct rate.
• Brake Lights: All brake lights must illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed.
• Fog Lights: Front and rear fog lights must operate correctly.
• Number Plate Lights: Lights illuminating the rear number plate must work.
• Wiring and Battery: Wiring must be secure and free from damage; battery must be secure.

Steering and Suspension

• Steering System: Checked for excessive play, security of components, and condition of power steering fluid (if applicable).
• Suspension Components: Shock absorbers, coil springs, wishbones, and ball joints are inspected for wear, leaks, and damage.

Visibility: Windscreen, Wipers, and Mirrors

• Windscreen: Checked for cracks or chips within the driver's field of vision (a chip larger than 10mm in the ‘A’ zone or 40mm elsewhere will result in a fail).
• Wipers and Washers: Wipers must clear the windscreen effectively, and the washers must provide sufficient fluid.
• Mirrors: All required mirrors must be present, secure, and provide an adequate view to the rear.

Bodywork, Chassis, and General Structure

• Corrosion and Damage: The vehicle's structure is inspected for excessive corrosion or damage that could affect its structural integrity or pose a safety risk.
• Doors and Bonnet: Must open and close securely.
• Towbars: Checked for security and condition.

Fuel and Exhaust Systems (Emissions)

• Fuel System: Checked for leaks and security of pipes and tank. The fuel cap must also be present and secure.
• Exhaust System: Inspected for leaks, security, and excessive noise.
• Emissions Test: Your Subaru's exhaust emissions are measured to ensure they meet legal limits for its age and fuel type. This is crucial for environmental compliance.

Seatbelts and Supplementary Restraint Systems (SRS)

• Seatbelts: All seatbelts are checked for their condition, operation, and security of anchorage points. They must retract properly and be free from cuts or fraying.
• Airbags (SRS): If an airbag warning light is illuminated, it will result in an MOT failure.

Horn, Registration Plates, and VIN

• Horn: Must be audible and of a constant, single tone.
• Registration Plates: Must be securely fitted, clean, legible, and correctly formatted.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Must be present and legible.

Understanding MOT Failure Categories

When your Subaru undergoes its MOT, any defects found will be categorised, directly impacting whether it passes or fails:

It's important to understand these categories, as a 'dangerous' defect means you cannot legally drive your Subaru from the test centre until the issue is fixed.

Common Reasons Subarus Fail Their MOT

While Subarus are known for their reliability, certain common issues can lead to an MOT failure across all vehicle types. Being aware of these can help you perform simple checks beforehand:

• Lighting and Signalling: Faulty bulbs, incorrect headlight aim, or non-functioning indicators are frequent culprits.
• Tyres: Insufficient tread depth (below 1.6mm), cuts, bulges, or incorrect tyre size/type.
• Brakes: Worn pads/discs, imbalanced braking effort between wheels, or leaks in the hydraulic system.
• Visibility: Chips or cracks in the windscreen within the driver's view, or ineffective wipers/washers.
• Suspension: Worn shock absorbers, damaged springs, or worn bushes leading to excessive play.
• Emissions: High exhaust emissions, often due to a faulty catalytic converter or engine issues.
• Registration Plates: Incorrect font, spacing, or being dirty/obscured.

Preparing Your Subaru for its MOT: Simple Pre-Checks

A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your Subaru passes its MOT first time. While our technicians will perform the detailed inspection, these simple checks can help you identify and rectify minor issues:

• Check All Lights: Ask a friend or family member to help you check that all headlights, rear lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and number plate lights are working correctly. Don't forget the hazard lights!
• Tyre Condition and Pressure: Use a tread depth gauge (or a 20p coin test) to check your tread. Ensure tyres are correctly inflated to your Subaru's recommended pressures. Look for any visible damage.
• Windscreen and Wipers: Check your windscreen for any chips or cracks, particularly in the critical 'A' zone. Ensure your wipers clear the screen effectively and that the washer fluid reservoir is topped up.
• Fluid Levels: While not directly part of the MOT, low fluid levels (oil, coolant, screenwash) can sometimes indicate underlying issues.
• Horn: Give your horn a quick blast to ensure it works.
• Seatbelts: Pull each seatbelt out fully to check for fraying or damage, and ensure they retract smoothly and latch securely.
• Warning Lights: If any warning lights (e.g., engine management, ABS, airbag) are illuminated on your dashboard, investigate them before the MOT, as they will likely cause a fail.

What Happens After Your Subaru's MOT? Pass or Fail?

Once the inspection is complete, you'll receive a clear outcome:

• Pass: If your Subaru passes, you'll be issued an MOT certificate. This confirms your vehicle met the minimum safety standards on the day of the test. Remember, a pass doesn't mean your car is mechanically perfect; it just means it passed the *inspection*. Keep up with regular maintenance!
• Fail: If your Subaru fails, you'll receive a 'Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate' document detailing all the reasons for failure, categorised as Minor, Major, or Dangerous defects. You'll need to get these defects rectified. Depending on the type of failure and the repair time, you might be entitled to a free partial retest if the repairs are done at the same test centre within a certain timeframe (usually 10 working days).

MOT vs. Servicing: A Crucial Distinction

It's vital for Subaru owners to understand that an MOT is not a substitute for regular servicing. They serve different, albeit complementary, purposes:

While an MOT will identify certain safety critical issues, it won't replace your oil, check your spark plugs, or top up your air conditioning. Regular servicing is key to the long-term health and efficiency of your Subaru, helping it to pass its MOT test year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I drive my Subaru without an MOT?

No, it is illegal to drive your Subaru on public roads without a valid MOT certificate if it's over three years old. The only exceptions are when driving to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repairs required to pass the test.

What documents do I need for my Subaru's MOT?

You don't typically need to bring any physical documents for the MOT test itself, as test centres can access your vehicle's details digitally. However, it's always useful to have your V5C registration document (logbook) handy for reference, especially if it's your car's first MOT.

How long does an MOT take for a Subaru?

An MOT test typically takes between 45 to 60 minutes. However, the overall time your vehicle is at the garage might be longer to allow for administration and any necessary minor adjustments.

How much does a Subaru MOT cost?

The maximum fee for a car MOT test is set by the DVSA. As of the time of writing, this is £54.85. Many test centres, including ours, may offer the test at a lower price.

Can I get an MOT early for my Subaru?

Yes, you can have your MOT carried out up to one month (minus a day) before its expiry date without losing any time on your certificate. For example, if your MOT expires on 15th May, you can have it tested from 16th April and the new certificate will run from 15th May the following year.

Will a warning light fail my MOT?

Yes, many illuminated warning lights on your dashboard, especially those related to safety systems like the ABS, airbag (SRS), or engine management (EML), will result in an automatic MOT failure. It's crucial to address these before your test.

Do electric Subarus need an MOT?

Yes, all vehicles over three years old, including electric vehicles (EVs) like the Subaru Solterra, require an annual MOT test. While EVs don't have an exhaust emissions test, all other safety-critical components are still inspected.

In conclusion, the MOT test is a vital annual check for your Subaru, ensuring its continued roadworthiness and compliance with UK law. By understanding what the test involves, conducting simple pre-checks, and addressing any issues promptly, you can help ensure your Subaru passes with flying colours, keeping you safe and legal on the road for another year.

If you want to read more articles similar to Subaru MOT: Your Essential Annual Road Check, you can visit the MOT category.