Pre-MOT Checks: Avoid Failure

Should You Do a Pre-MOT Check Before Your MOT?

The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual requirement for vehicles in the UK that are three years or older. It's designed to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive and meets environmental standards. While many vehicle owners understandably dread the MOT, a little proactive preparation can significantly increase your chances of passing and save you a considerable amount of hassle and expense. So, the question is: should you do a pre-MOT check before your actual MOT appointment? The resounding answer is a definitive yes!

Ignoring potential issues until the test itself can lead to an MOT failure, resulting in the need for costly repairs and a re-test. A pre-MOT check, essentially a self-inspection or a visit to your mechanic for a thorough assessment beforehand, can help identify and rectify common problems that often cause vehicles to fail. This article will guide you through the benefits of a pre-MOT check and outline the key areas you should focus on.

Why Bother with a Pre-MOT Check?

Think of a pre-MOT check as a preventative measure. It's like going to the dentist for a regular check-up to catch small problems before they become painful and expensive. For your vehicle, this translates to:

• Saving Money: Identifying and fixing minor issues yourself or at a local garage before the official MOT can be far cheaper than paying for repairs dictated by the MOT centre, often including inflated labour charges.
• Avoiding Failure: Many MOT failures are due to simple, often overlooked, issues like burnt-out bulbs or low tyre tread. A pre-check helps you address these common pitfalls.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing you've done your best to prepare your vehicle can reduce stress on the day of the test.
• Convenience: You can schedule repairs at your convenience, rather than being forced to do them immediately to get your car back on the road.

Key Areas to Inspect: Your Pre-MOT Checklist

While a professional mechanic will have a more comprehensive understanding, you can perform a basic but effective pre-MOT check yourself. Here are the crucial components to focus on:

1. Lights

This is one of the most common reasons for MOT failure. All lights must be working correctly and be the appropriate colour. This includes:

• Headlights: Both dipped and main beam. Ensure they are the correct colour (white for the front, yellow for the rear fog lights).
• Tail lights: Ensure both are working.
• Brake lights: Crucially, check all three if your vehicle has a third brake light. Get someone to help you with this or use a reflection.
• Indicator lights: Front, rear, and side repeaters. Check they flash at the correct rate.
• Number plate lights: These must illuminate the rear number plate clearly.
• Hazard lights: Ensure all indicators flash simultaneously.

Tip: Keep a set of spare bulbs for common types in your glovebox. It's a cheap and easy fix.

2. Tyres

Tyres are vital for safety and are a major MOT inspection point. The legal minimum tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre's width is 1.6mm. You should also check for:

• Damage: Look for cuts, bulges, or tears in the sidewalls or tread.
• Uneven wear: This could indicate an issue with your wheel alignment or suspension.
• Correct tyre size and type: Ensure they match the manufacturer's specifications for your vehicle.

Tip: You can check tread depth using a tyre tread depth gauge or a 20p coin. If the outer band of the coin is visible when inserted into the tread, it's likely below the legal limit.

3. Brakes

Your braking system is paramount for safety. While a full brake check requires specialised equipment, you can perform some basic checks:

• Brake pedal feel: Does the pedal feel spongy or go too close to the floor when pressed? This could indicate air in the brake lines or worn brake fluid.
• Brake fluid level: Check the reservoir under the bonnet. If it's low, it could signify a leak or worn brake pads.
• Handbrake: Ensure it holds the vehicle firmly on a slope.

Tip: If you notice any unusual noises when braking, or the car pulls to one side, get it checked by a professional immediately.

4. Windscreen and Wipers

The MOT testers will check for:

• Windscreen condition: Cracks or chips in the driver's line of sight are a definite fail. A chip larger than 10mm in the driver's primary viewing area, or a crack longer than 75mm across the rest of the windscreen, will result in an MOT failure.
• Wiper operation: Ensure the wipers clear the windscreen effectively without juddering or leaving streaks.
• Washer fluid: Make sure the washer jets spray adequately to clear the windscreen.

Tip: Small chips can often be repaired relatively inexpensively, preventing a costly windscreen replacement.

5. Exhaust System

The exhaust system is checked for obvious damage, leaks, and excessive noise. Look for:

• Corrosion: Significant rust can lead to leaks.
• Holes or damage: Any breaches in the system can cause emissions issues or dangerous fumes to enter the cabin.
• Mounting: Ensure the exhaust is securely attached.

Tip: If you hear a louder than usual exhaust noise, it's likely there's a leak.

6. Steering and Suspension

These components are crucial for safe handling. While a full assessment is complex, you can look for:

• Play in the steering wheel: Excessive looseness can indicate worn steering components.
• Uneven tyre wear: As mentioned earlier, this can point to suspension issues.
• Knocking noises: Especially when going over bumps, can signal worn suspension parts.

Tip: If your car feels unstable or drifts to one side when driving, it's worth getting the steering and suspension checked.

7. Horn

The horn must be working and audible. Simply press it and ensure it makes a sound.

8. Bodywork and Chassis

The MOT test will check for significant corrosion or damage that could compromise the vehicle's structural integrity. Pay attention to:

• Rust: Particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and chassis.
• Sharp edges: Any protruding sharp metal that could injure pedestrians are also a fail.
• Doors: Ensure they open and close correctly from both the inside and outside.

9. Fluid Levels

Beyond brake fluid, ensure other essential fluids are at the correct levels:

• Engine oil: Check the dipstick.
• Coolant: Ensure it's between the minimum and maximum marks.
• Screenwash: Top it up for clear visibility.

What to Expect on the Day of the MOT

The MOT test itself is a standardised inspection. The tester will follow a strict set of guidelines to check various components. They will look at:

Common MOT Failure Points

Understanding the most frequent reasons for failure can help you focus your pre-MOT checks. According to DVSA statistics, common failures include:

• Lighting: Incorrect bulbs, faulty lights, or misaligned beams.
• Brakes: Worn pads/discs, low fluid, or poor performance.
• Tyres: Insufficient tread depth or damage.
• Suspension: Worn shock absorbers or springs.
• Windscreen: Chips or cracks in the driver's field of vision.
• Wipers and Washers: Ineffective operation.

When Should You Get a Pre-MOT Check?

It's best to conduct your pre-MOT check at least a week or two before your scheduled MOT appointment. This gives you ample time to source parts, book in with a mechanic if needed, and arrange for a re-test if the worst happens.

What if My Car Fails the MOT?

If your vehicle fails the MOT, you will be given a 'refusal of an MOT certificate' document, detailing the reasons for failure. You cannot legally drive your car on the road if it fails the MOT, except to a pre-arranged repair appointment or to a pre-booked MOT test centre. You will need to have the necessary repairs carried out and then book a free partial re-test within 10 working days of the original test, provided the car remains at the test centre for the re-test. If you take the car away, a full re-test will be required.

Conclusion

A pre-MOT check is not just a good idea; it's a smart and economical strategy for any vehicle owner. By dedicating a little time to inspect your car for common faults, you can significantly improve its chances of passing the MOT test first time. This proactive approach saves you money, reduces stress, and ensures your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy. So, before you book that MOT, grab your checklist and give your car a thorough once-over – your wallet and your peace of mind will thank you for it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I do the MOT check myself?

Yes, you can perform a basic pre-MOT check yourself by inspecting the key areas mentioned in this article. However, for a comprehensive assessment, especially regarding mechanical components and emissions, it's advisable to have a qualified mechanic carry out a pre-MOT inspection.

Q2: How much does a pre-MOT check usually cost?

If you do it yourself, it's free! If you take it to a garage for a pre-MOT inspection, costs can vary. Some garages offer a free basic check, while a more thorough inspection might cost between £20 and £60, depending on the garage and the extent of the check.

Q3: What's the most common reason for an MOT failure?

The most common reasons for MOT failure are typically related to lighting, brakes, tyres, suspension, and windscreen condition.

Q4: Can I drive my car if it fails the MOT?

You can only drive your car if it fails the MOT to a pre-arranged repair appointment or to a pre-booked MOT test centre for a re-test. Otherwise, it is illegal to drive it on the road.

Q5: How long is the MOT certificate valid for?

An MOT certificate is valid for 12 months. You must get your vehicle tested before its current MOT expires.

If you want to read more articles similar to Pre-MOT Checks: Avoid Failure, you can visit the Maintenance category.