Is an MOT a valid requirement?
A MOT (Ministry of Transport test) is an annual safety test which ensures that your vehicle is in compliance with the minimum standards of road safety and exhaust emissions levels set in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA which is also known as VOSA).
During this test, the most important parts of your vehicle will be inspected to determine if they comply with the legal requirements and it is safe for driving. In May 2018, the new MOT regulations stipulate that any faults are classified as serious, significant or minor.
If your vehicle has passed its MOT, it could have minor issues (which need to be rectified promptly to avoid it from getting any worse). It may also pass with advisories. This means you must be aware of the problem and make repairs in the event that it gets any more serious.
Does my car require an MOT?
If your vehicle is older than 3 years old you’re legally required to undergo an MOT. If you find it difficult to remember when the MOT is due you can sign up to receive reminders from the government via SMS or via email.
Without a valid MOT your vehicle isn’t roadworthy. You will not be eligible to renew your car tax or insurance. ultimately you’ll be unable to drive your vehicle.
What are the tasks performed by an MOT?
Although the Cheltenham MOT doesn’t check the condition of your engine and gearbox, it will examine other essential parts of your car and you must be on top of the maintenance your car receives in order to get it passed.
The MOT test will check car’s body, the vehicle along with the structure of the vehicle as well as the general state of repair of the vehicle making sure it’s safe from damage that is excessive in specific areas. They’ll also check tow bars, exhaust systems for fuel and seats, seat belts doors, mirrors brakes, load security as well as tyres/wheels and lights. the bonnet, the windscreen washers and wipers, the horn, suspension and steering components, as well as electrical ones.
It’s an awful lot of things, and could appear impossible to complete How do you ensure that all those items are functioning properly every day?
In reality, there are parts of your vehicle that you will not be capable of checking yourself; However, there are components you can check and make sure that they’re in good shape and in functioning before you go to your MOT as you may miss something that is quite simple to resolve.
How do you pass an MOT?
The solution is simply taking care of your vehicle and making sure that all the essential items are in good condition prior to making it into the garage.
Here’s 10 easy tasks to complete before scheduling your car to have an MOT.
1. Check Brake Fluid
The MOT checklist begins by checking the brake fluid. Unlock your car’s bonnet ensure that the car is in a safe position in a cool, cool engine sitting on a flat surface. Look for the master piston.
There are markings that read “min” and “max” The fluid inside the container should be within these two directions. If it’s below, ensure you replenish it. You can purchase brake fluid at the local auto shop however, make sure that you get the correct one for the model and make of your car You will locate this information in the manual of your vehicle.
Before closing the cap, make sure you check how your brake fluid is performing. It must be clear or have an amber color, but it could turn brown with age. If that’s the case then you’ll have to replace the fluid in your brakes. It is possible to conduct an even more extensive test by purchasing chemical strips and placing them into brake fluid.
Once you’ve completed all of your tests, make sure to close the bonnet completely.
2. Check the Mirrors
To get your MOT passed You must possess your required mirrors. This is a requirement for one interior as well as one side mirror.
As per the instruction manual of the MOT there are three rear-view mirror angles:
A mirror on the outside or other device that gives an image of the outside or rear of the car.
An exterior mirror or other device that allows a view of the side of the car.
A mirror inside or device that gives an image of from the back side of the automobile.
If you are checking the mirrors of your car Make sure none are damaged and severely hindering your vision or exposing the damaged edge.
3. Make sure you check all Warning Lights
We’d like to imagine that, if a warning indicator appeared the dashboard of your vehicle, you’d check your vehicle manual to figure out what the issue was and then get it scheduled for repair as quickly as possible.
But, if you’ve allowed this to go, there’s not a better time for you to wait until the moment is right to fix it. The issue will be discovered during your MOT, and will result in a failure in the event that you don’t take it care of before and don’t let a risky issue continue to linger.
This is known as the’malfunction indicator light test’. It was first came into force in 2012, following an update of the European testing directive. It’s a straightforward test. If you test the ignition and the warning light comes on, you’ll be unable to pass your MOT and the possibility of having an additional fee for the garage to look into and determine what the light is indicating.
4. Make sure that the tires have enough tread
It’s not the only reason to keep an eye on your tread on your tyres. It’s essential that your vehicle has the right tread depths since, if they’ve been damaged, it can alter your stopping distance, especially in rainy weather.
If you’re on the road in a vehicle with tyres less than the necessary depth, you may be subject to the possibility of a fine of up 3 penalty points and PS2500 for each tyre.
UK driving laws demand that your car be equipped with the correct size tyre and type, as well as the tyres fit to the purpose.
The minimum legal tread of tyres for tyres in the UK is 1.6mm and is an uninterrupted band that wraps around the middle of the tire.
You can quickly test the tread on your tyres by making use of a coin worth 20p. Take the coin and place it inside the grooves of the tyre. It should be impossible observe the outside edge of the coin if the tires are in the limit of legal. If you see the outer band that is visible on the coins, your tyres may be unsafe, which is why it’s recommended that you have them checked and replaced by a professional prior to the MOT.
5. Check to see if your lights are Running
Similar to your mirrors, there are lighting fixtures that must be functioning on your vehicle to be able to pass your MOT. These are the rear- and front-position lamps. The precise location of these lamps do not constitute part of the inspection, however it’s recommended to ensure the lamps are of the same height and they’re functional, unobstructed and in good shape.
6. Test Your Horn
Perhaps the most simple and quick test to perform it’s likely to be the most straightforward, and If this test didn’t go as planned then you’d be aware of the issue and been able to fix the issue. As you’re conducting the full check-ups prior to MOT ensure that you test the Horn.
7. Check that Your Vehicle is Equipped with oil
The oil test is an essential component of an MOT as without it, garages cannot examine the emission levels.
You can test this by having a look beneath the bonnet. Similar to when you test for brake fluid perform this test while the engine is off and cool, and the vehicle is parked on an smooth, flat surface.
Locate the dipstick and take it out. Then, wipe off any oil that has accumulated to ensure you start with a clean, dry stick. After that put the dipstick back in , and remove it once more. The oil should be lying between the’min” and’max’ marks across the dipstick. If not you need to fill up your oil.
Being on top of this is essential for the safety of your car to ensure that the oil doesn’t degrade and block your car’s filters. It’s good to know that replacing your engine oil can be affordable and easy to perform If you find that your oil is due for change prior to your MOT, it’s likely to be done in a matter of minutes.
8. Give Your Windscreen a second chance
Windscreens are a difficult area to judge because certain marks can pass an MOTtest, whereas others will not.
In theory, so it does not exceed 10 millimeters in size and isn’t blocking the view of the driver or either side, on which the driver is or when the mark isn’t greater than 40mm across the other side of the windscreen it should be fine. This includes chips or cracks, as well as large scratches. If you’re not sure, get it examined by a qualified professional.
When you’re checking your windscreen be sure to make sure that your wash reservoir contains enough liquid as well as that the wipers you use are working in good in good working order.
9. Make sure your vehicle is cleaned
It might seem like an unnecessary step however it’s a great idea to include it as an element of final check. You won’t fail your MOT if the car is a bit dirtier than normal. However, you should make sure that your number plates are clean so that they’re easy to read and your lights aren’t blurred because of smudges in the glass.
10. Make sure you are on top of your Maintenance All Year Long
The requirement to undergo an MOT can be the sole reminder to inspect specific parts of your vehicle. However, we advise you to keep track of your vehicle’s maintenance all through the year, to ensure your vehicle’s performance and also keep your vehicle as safe as it can be. If you don’t take care of your car maintenance, it could result in an accident that is waiting to occur.
What happens if your vehicle is not able to pass its MOT?
The car you drive may fail the MOT if there are major or serious defects. Your car cannot be driven until unsafe defects have been fixed. Major problems must be addressed in the shortest time possible.
Your vehicle fails its current MOT during the current MOT timeframe
If you’re getting a new MOT prior to when the expiry date of the old one You can take your vehicle away to repair major problems but not if the vehicle is faulty and has dangerous faults.
Your car has failed its current MOT, and the old one is expired.
The earliest you can quit your MOT test is when the old one expires. This is because driving without an MOT is against the law and could make your insurance invalid. If your vehicle fails its MOT test on the day when it’s scheduled to expire, you are able to leave it on the day you want it fixed as long as it doesn’t have dangersome faults.
Do electric vehicles require an MOT?
Yes. As with all other vehicles once it’s three years of age, electrical vehicles have to undergo an annual MOT. The only distinction is that the emissions test isn’t included in the MOT for electric vehicles.
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