Your MOT: What's Checked?

The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual check of your vehicle to ensure it meets road safety and environmental standards. It's a crucial part of keeping your car on the road legally and, more importantly, safely. Many drivers understand the necessity of an MOT, but few are entirely clear on precisely what components and systems are scrutinised during the test. This guide will demystify the MOT process, detailing the key areas checked by authorised examiners, helping you understand what to expect and how to prepare your vehicle.

Understanding the MOT Test

The MOT test is designed to ensure that vehicles are safe and environmentally sound. It's not a test of the mechanical condition of the engine or other major components that aren't related to safety or emissions. For instance, the MOT doesn't check for engine wear, clutch operation, or gearbox condition unless these issues directly impact safety. The test focuses on specific, predefined criteria. Failing an MOT means your vehicle is deemed unsafe to drive and you'll need to have the necessary repairs carried out before you can re-apply.

Key Areas of the MOT Inspection

An MOT test covers a wide range of vehicle components. These can be broadly categorised into several key areas:

1. Lights

All lights on your vehicle are checked for proper function and condition. This includes:

• Headlights (dipped and main beam): Correct aim, brightness, and operation.
• Tail lights: Functionality and absence of cracks or damage.
• Brake lights: Including the high-level brake light if fitted.
• Indicator lights (front and rear): Correct flashing rate and visibility.
• Number plate lights: Must illuminate the rear number plate.

Faulty or incorrectly aimed lights are a common reason for an MOT failure. It's essential to ensure all your bulbs are working and that they are the correct type and colour.

2. Steering and Suspension

The steering and suspension systems are vital for vehicle control and stability. The tester will check for:

• Steering system: Excessive play, damage to steering components, and correct operation.
• Suspension components: Wear and tear in shock absorbers, springs, and suspension arms. Any signs of corrosion that compromises structural integrity will also be noted.
• Wheel bearings: Excessive play or noise.

Problems in these areas can significantly impact your ability to steer and control the vehicle, making them critical safety checks.

3. Brakes

The braking system is arguably the most critical safety component of any vehicle. The MOT inspection includes:

• Brake performance: Measured using a roller brake tester to ensure even braking force on all wheels.
• Brake fluid: Checked for level and condition.
• Brake pipes and hoses: Inspected for corrosion, leaks, or damage.
• Brake pedal: Checked for sponginess or excessive travel.
• Parking brake: Tested for effectiveness.

Any issues with your brakes could lead to an immediate MOT failure. Regular checks of your brake fluid and pads are highly recommended.

4. Tyres and Wheels

Tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so their condition is paramount. The MOT checks:

• Tyre tread depth: Must be above the legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width.
• Tyre condition: No cuts, bulges, or significant damage to the sidewalls or tread.
• Tyre pressure: While not directly tested for correct pressure, under-inflated or over-inflated tyres can be flagged if they cause steering issues or damage.
• Wheels: Checked for damage, distortion, or corrosion that could affect safety.

Worn or damaged tyres are a common failure point, so ensure yours are in good condition before your test.

5. Body and Structure

The structural integrity of the vehicle's body is assessed to ensure it can withstand impacts and protect occupants. Checks include:

• Chassis and frame: Inspected for significant corrosion, damage, or deformation.
• Body panels: Checked for sharp edges or projections that could cause injury.
• Doors and latches: Ensure they open, close, and lock correctly.
• Seat belts: Checked for condition, operation, and proper mounting.
• Seats: Ensure they are securely fitted.

Severe corrosion, particularly on structural components like the chassis, wheel arches, and sills, is a frequent MOT failure.

6. Exhaust Emissions

For petrol vehicles first registered on or after 1 August 1975, and diesel vehicles first registered on or after 1 January 1980, emissions are tested. The tester will use a gas analyser to check:

• Exhaust emissions: Levels of pollutants must be within the specified limits for the vehicle's age and type.
• Exhaust system: Checked for leaks, corrosion, and secure mounting.

A blocked or leaking exhaust can not only fail an MOT but also be dangerous due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

7. Windscreen and Wipers

Visibility is key to safe driving. The MOT includes checks on:

• Windscreen: Checked for chips or cracks in the driver's line of sight. A chip larger than 10mm or a crack over 40mm will typically result in a failure.
• Wipers: Must clear the windscreen effectively.
• Washers: Must spray water onto the windscreen.

Ensuring your windscreen is clean and free from obstructions is a simple but important step.

8. Fuel System

The fuel system is inspected for:

• Fuel pipes and hoses: Checked for leaks or corrosion.
• Fuel cap: Must be present and securely fastened.

9. Horn

The horn must be functional and audible. It's checked for:

• Operation: Must sound when operated.
• Type: Must be the correct type for the vehicle.

10. Seats and Seatbelts

As mentioned earlier, seats and seatbelts are checked for security and condition. This includes:

• All seats: Must be securely fastened.
• All seatbelts: Checked for wear, damage, and proper functioning of the locking mechanism.
• Seatbelt warning lights: Must operate correctly.

11. Mirrors

Vehicle mirrors are checked for:

• Condition: No damage that obstructs the view.
• Presence: Must have the correct number of mirrors fitted (typically one near side, one off side, and an interior mirror).

12. Doors and Vehicle Security

Checks include:

• Doors: Must open and close properly from the inside and outside.
• Latches and hinges: Checked for security and wear.
• Bonnet and boot: Must be securely fastened.

13. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The VIN must be clearly visible and legible. This is usually found on the chassis or dashboard.

What is NOT Checked During an MOT?

It's important to remember that the MOT is a safety and emissions inspection, not a comprehensive mechanical service. The following are generally NOT checked:

• Engine: Mechanical condition, wear, or performance.
• Gearbox: Operation or wear.
• Clutch: Operation or wear.
• Air conditioning systems.
• Exhaust noise (unless it's excessively loud due to a leak).
• Paintwork (unless it creates a sharp edge).
• Sunroof operation.
• Stereo system.

Preparing Your Vehicle for the MOT

Being aware of what's checked can help you prepare your vehicle. Simple checks you can do yourself include:

• Lights: Ensure all bulbs are working and lenses are clean and undamaged.
• Tyres: Check tread depth and for any damage.
• Windscreen: Clean it and check for chips or cracks in your line of sight.
• Wipers and Washers: Ensure they function correctly.
• Horn: Test it to make sure it works.
• Brake fluid: Check the level.
• General cleanliness: Remove any excessive rubbish from the cabin and boot that might obscure components.

MOT Test Certificates

Upon completion of the test, you will receive an MOT test certificate. If your vehicle passes, this certificate confirms it meets the minimum safety and environmental standards. If it fails, the certificate will detail the reasons for the failure. You can also check your vehicle's MOT history online using your registration number.

Common MOT Failure Points

Understanding common failure points can help you avoid an unnecessary trip back to the garage:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How often does my car need an MOT?
Most cars need their first MOT when they are three years old, and then annually thereafter. Check your vehicle's documentation or the government's MOT checker for specific requirements.

Q2: Can I drive my car without a valid MOT?
No, it is illegal to drive a vehicle on the road without a valid MOT certificate, unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT test appointment.

Q3: What happens if my car fails its MOT?
If your car fails its MOT, you will be given a refusal of an MOT test certificate, which details the reasons for failure. You must then have the necessary repairs carried out. You can usually drive the car if the failure reasons are not 'dangerous', but it's advisable to get the repairs done promptly.

Q4: Can I book my MOT early?
Yes, you can book your MOT up to one month (minus one day) before your current expiry date without affecting your renewal date.

Q5: Does the MOT check the engine?
No, the MOT does not check the mechanical condition or performance of the engine, gearbox, or clutch, unless these issues directly impact safety or emissions.

Conclusion

The MOT test is a vital safety check that ensures your vehicle is roadworthy. By understanding the specific components and systems that are inspected, you can better prepare your vehicle and avoid common failure points. Regular maintenance and visual checks can help ensure your car passes its MOT with flying colours, keeping you and others safe on the road.