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Car MOTs, no matter how much you may dread them, are an essential part of being a car owner that come around every year. They are vital to the safety of yourself and other road users, all while also making sure your vehicle meets environmental standards.
The good news? Many reasons for failure or advisories can be easily addressed beforehand by you, saving time and money on retests or mechanic repairs. Continue reading for the essential pre-MOT checklist to make sure your car has the best chance of passing first time.
One of the first things your tester will look for during your MOT is your headlights, indicators and brake lights. These need to be in full working order to pass the test, and it’s surprising how many people don’t check these before taking their vehicle. To check the lights at the back of your car, you can either park in front of a reflective surface so you can see them whilst pressing your foot on the brake, or you can enlist the help of a friend or family member to have a look for you while you test them out. It’s much more beneficial for these to be fixed prior to the test to avoid failure and delays with getting your car back.
Make sure your licence plates are free of cracks and completely readable. Cleaning them beforehand will improve visibility for the tester, leading to a faster turnaround.
As a safety check, MOTs rigorously examine tyres. They're a frequent cause of failure. If your MOT is approaching, inspect your tires for wear and replace any that might cause a failed test. It's easy to check your tyre tread depth yourself, using something as simple as a 20 pence coin. If you're not sure how to do this, check out our handy guide to checking your tyres. Don't forget to check the pressure and inflate them to the recommended level.
Even something as small as not having screen wash in your reservoir can fail your vehicle. It’s always good practice to make sure this is filled up regardless for safety reasons, however you should make extra effort to do this before your MOT to maximise your chance of passing without a hitch. It’s also vital to make sure that your windscreen wipers, front and back, are in full working order.
Have a quick check that all seat belts are present and functional, ensuring they latch securely into their designated sockets. Replace or fix any faulty ones before your test to avoid an immediate fail.
Finally, it's good etiquette to clean your car, especially on the inside, before your MOT. This can speed up the process of your test and make the overall experience more pleasant for the examiner. Technicians can also refuse to carry out any MOT test on a vehicle that is considered too untidy, so make sure you get your car as in order as you can before taking it.
At TCH Ford, we want to make sure your MOT experience runs as smoothly as possible. That’s why we have fully Ford trained technicians who will be able to get your MOT completed efficiently and thoroughly, with the aim of getting you back on the road as soon as possible.
