It’s that time of year again when you have to think about getting your car ready for its MOT. If it fails, you could be looking at some hefty charges or even having your car seized. Here are some steps on how to prepare your car for its MOT, so that you can help avoid any nasty surprises.
Does Your Card Need an MOT?
Your car’s MOT is an important test that checks the safety and roadworthiness of your vehicle. Making sure your car is in good working order is important for a number of reasons. Not only will it help to keep you safe on the road, but it will also help to avoid costly repairs down the line. The MOT test checks for a range of different issues, from the condition of the brakes to the level of emissions.
The first thing you need to do is check your car’s registration document, or VIN number. This will tell you when your car was first registered and how long it has been on the road. If your car is more than three years old, it will need an MOT.
Preparation for the MOT
Once you’ve booked your car in for an MOT, you need to make sure that your car is in good enough condition to pass the test first time. Here are some of the things you should check.
Check the oil and water levels
Making sure the oil and water levels in your car are correct is one of the most important things you can do to prepare as low levels of either of these fluids can cause your car to fail its MOT. Oil helps to lubricate your engine and a lack of oil can lead to engine damage. Water helps to keep your engine cool and low water levels can cause your engine to overheat. Checking your car’s oil and water levels before taking it for its MOT can help to ensure that it passes the test.
Make sure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure
Another step to help ensure your car passes its MOT is to make sure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. This may seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact on the safety of your vehicle. By ensuring that your tyres are properly inflated, you can help to extend their lifespan and improve your car’s handling.
For this reason, checking your tyre pressure on a regular basis is always a good idea, and checking it before the car’s MOT will also increase the likelihood of passing.
Inspect the brakes for wear and tear
Your car’s brakes are one of its most important safety features, so it’s crucial to make sure they are in good condition before taking your car in for its MOT. There are a few things you can check yourself, such as the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of the brake discs. If you notice any wear and tear, it’s a good idea to take your car to a qualified mechanic to get the brakes checked and replaced if necessary. This will help to ensure that your car passes its MOT and is safe to drive on the roads.
Test the windscreen wipers and washers
One important step in ensuring your car passes its MOT is to test the windscreen wipers and screen wash levels. These components are crucial for maintaining a clear view of the road, and they also play a role in keeping your windscreen clean. If your wipers are damaged or worn, they may not be able to effectively clear away rain, snow, or dirt. In addition, if your screen wash runs out, you may not be able to clean your windscreen when it becomes dirty.
It is important to make sure that these components are in good working order before taking your car in for its MOT. Testing them yourself is quick and easy and it could save you time and money by avoiding a repeat test.
Check all the lights are working properly
Another step you can take to help ensure your car passes its MOT is to check all the lights are working properly. This includes the headlights, brake lights, fog lights, daytime running lights and indicators.
You should also check that the beams are aligned correctly and that there are no cracks or damage to the lenses.
It’s easy to forget about some of these lights when they are not used all the time, but it’s important to make sure they are all in good working order. Not only do they play an important role in keeping you safe on the road, but they also help other drivers to see you, particularly in less than ideal conditions. If any of your car’s lights are not working, be sure to get them fixed as soon as possible and definitely before your MOT.
By taking these simple steps, you’re off to a good start in ensuring that your car is in good condition and more likely to get its MOT. Or why not take a look at our full MOT checklist with even more handy tips to help prepare you to pass the MOT test first time?
