So, you’re getting your MOT in a few weeks, and you’re worried you won’t pass. Don’t be! This is your chance to learn from the best, and if you’re dedicated, you can pass with flying colors.
What is MOT?
The MOT test is the first step in obtaining a new or used car from a dealership. It’s a mandatory test that needs to be passed before you can drive the car off the forecourt. The MOT is a useful tool for checking the car over for faults, and the test is only performed if the car has been a safe one.
When time is of the essence, how can you make sure that your car is road-legal and ready to be driven? Simple. You need to get your car ready for the MOT test. This is a very simple test that can be carried out by a qualified technician. The MOT is a very simple procedure, which will take a day or two, depending on the complexity of your car.
Here are the Five Ways to Prepare for Your MOT and Pass:
- Check Brake Fluid. Changing the brake fluid is one of the most important checks you can do on your car because it is an easy way to verify that your brake system is still in good working order. This is especially important for older vehicles and those that have been poorly maintained.
- Check Mirrors. Mirrors are something that have always been on the list of things you should have in your car. That’s because they serve a dual purpose: letting you check what’s going on behind you and showing you the blind spot of your car’s other occupants or pedestrians. Now, if you’re driving and want to check for traffic or pedestrians, you need to be smart about how you approach your mirror. If you’re approaching a junction where two lanes meet, and one of them is an exit, you don’t need to be checking for traffic or pedestrians entering the junction. In any case, your mirrors should be in good shape.
- Check All Warning Lights. A warning light is a light that is constantly on, usually on your car’s dashboard. It’s usually red, but some warning lights are yellow, green, blue, etc. A check light is a light that turns on only when a specific warning light is on. You won’t find this in your car but in your truck and van. Why? Because it’s the same thing. A check light is a warning light that turns on only when a specific warning light is on. You’ll find check lights on the dashboard of your truck or van.
- Test Your Horn. This is by far the quickest and easiest among the tests that you can do. So, always check your horn during a full pre-MOT check.
- Ensure Tires Have Enough Tread. When keeping your car in tip-top condition, you want to ensure your car has enough tread on the tires. Of course, you can do this by sticking your nose into the treadwear meter, but this isn’t always accurate, and if you’re suspicious about the readings, you are probably better off having your tires checked by a professional.
While the MOT test is not the most enjoyable test to pass, it is the one that most drivers need. It can be stressful and frustrating to know that your car can either pass or fail this test. But all of it can be avoided by being prepared in advance and getting your car into top shape. Knowing all MOT test requirements beforehand can help you get the necessary fixes done better.
Aside from the 5 points mentioned above, an MOT test also checks for several other features and functions of the car, such as: steering and suspension; seat belt condition; body, structure, and VIN; exhaust, fuel, and emissions, and a few more things. We suggest that you take the time to understand the components that will be checked and ensure that they are in good condition. This and having all vehicle-related documents on hand can increase the chances of your vehicle passing the MOT.
It’s well known that passing your car’s MOT is an important step in your car’s life, but what you may not know is that a MOT failure could invalidate your tax disc and your insurance policy, as well as cause you to receive a fine. This is because any car that is found to be unfit for the road is liable to be confiscated by the police and/or the DVLA. This means that not only could your car be removed from the road, but it could also make your insurance policy invalid. So take heed, and prepare to pass this test!