What finds its way through a MOT test?

The main areas that a UK MOT facility will check are as follows:

1. Brakes: Your car's brakes and tyres are its most important safety features, and both need to be in good working condition for the MOT to pass. To make sure the brakes are adjusted correctly and effectively slow the vehicle down so it stops in a straight line, the car is often put on rollers. If anti-lock brakes are fitted, the pedal rubber cannot be overworn, and the ABS warning light needs to function. The handbrake or parking brake must work and keep the automobile firmly in position, even when the inclination is high. The brake condition is checked on the necessary pipes and cables, as well as the discs, pads, and callipers. Under the hood, the master cylinder and brake servo will also be examined.

2. Bodywork: Because they might injure pedestrians, sharp edges on bodywork caused by corrosion or accident damage are forbidden. Rust is a frequent MOT issue, particularly with older cars. It is not advisable to have excessive corrosion on safety-related parts like the brakes and steering, since any rust within 30 centimetres of these parts may lead to failure.

3. Openings for the doors, bonnet, and boot: MOT UK inspectors will verify that the doors can be opened from the inside as well as the exterior of the car and that all openings, including the bonnet and boot, can be shut fully and securely.

4. Emissions and exhaust: In fuel-powered cars, emissions are assessed by the use of specialist equipment connected to the exhaust. The age of the vehicle determines the legal limit, with newer cars subject to much higher limits. Boy racers, take note: excessive loudness or visible exhaust smoke may result in a failed MOT. In order to prevent leaks, the tester will also ensure that the gasoline filler cap and exhaust system are securely secured.

5. Horn: This is a sensible choice. The horn has to sound clear and loud enough for pedestrians and other drivers to hear. Please be advised that "gimmick" car horns—those that play different tones or tunes—are forbidden and will not pass a MOT test.

6. Lights: All lighting fixtures, such as the headlights, taillights, side lights, brake lights, and rear fog lights, must be in good working order. They must activate a tell-tale sign on the dashboard to alert the driver when they are switched on, and they are only required for cars manufactured after 1986. We carefully inspect and, if necessary, correct the headlight alignment to prevent blinding oncoming cars. After April 1, 1980, all cars must have two red rear reflectors. A blown bulb or a non-functioning light is another frequent reason for a failed MOT test, if you check your car's MOT history.

7. Seats and seatbelts: Seats need to be securely secured, and seatbelts are both highly recommended and legally required for any cars produced after 1965. Belts must be in perfect operating condition and securely fastened, including the clip or locking mechanism. Inertia-reel-equipped belts need to completely retract to accommodate the driver.

8. Steering: It's difficult to identify and fix steering issues on your own. The tester will ensure that there isn't too much "free play" in the system and that the steering wheel and column are in perfect operating condition. In addition to checking for wear on all bolts, clamps, gaiters, and universal joints, one should also check the steering bearings. The power steering, which is standard on almost all modern cars, is tested while the engine is running. The entire lock must be applied so as not to damage the bodywork. Verify the MOT status of your vehicle and have these issues fixed beforehand.

9. Wheels and tyres It should go without saying that every one of the four wheels has to be securely secured to the car and that there are no loose bolts. The state of the wheel bearings and any damage to the rims, such as cracks or deformation, will be examined. It is mandated by legislation that tread depth on tyres be "at least 1.6mm along a continuous zone comprising the centre three-quarters of the tread width around the full outer circle of the tyre." You could get a notification that new rubber is going to be required soon if your tyres are getting close to this limit. In addition, testers will check that all axles have the same size tyres and search for any cuts or bulges in the tyres. If the spare wheel is left outside the car, it has to be correctly mounted even if it isn't tested during the MOT.

10. Windows and mirrors: Damage to the windscreen and mirrors is a common cause of MOT CARAVAN Ash vale failure. Any chips or cracks that are inside the area that the windscreen wipers are sweeping must be less than 10 mm in width. Up to 40mm is allowed outside of this area. The rubber blades need to be in excellent condition, and the wipers need to function correctly. Additionally, rearview mirrors need to be safe and in good enough condition to not impede the driver's vision.

11. Tow bar: If your automobile has a tow bar (for pulling a caravan or trailer, for instance), it has to be stable and corrosion-free.

12. Vehicle identification: The VIN, also on the V5 registration certificate and sometimes referred to as the chassis number, of your automobile must be clearly visible and readable. Usually, it may be found on a stamped metal plate under the bonnet or at the bottom of the windscreen.

How can I have my MOT done?

Although MOTs are relatively simple, there are a few things to consider about cost and where to acquire one. While directories and the internet are obvious places to go, the best place to look is somewhere you already know and trust, like a reputable garage that has been recommended to you.

How much does a MOT cost?

There is a maximum cost for a MOT test, although the cost varies depending on the kind of vehicle. The GOV.UK website has the whole list of costs. In conclusion, the maximum MOT fee for a vehicle with up to eight passenger seats is 54.85. A motorcycle costs 29.65 dollars. Larger vehicles often have higher maximum fees.

Which pre-MOT checks are there?

You can help your automobile pass its MOT by doing a few simple things as a driver. We go through each of the following things in further detail below:

Keep the inside and outside of your car clean. If the car is very dirty and has a congested trunk, the examiner could decline to do a MOT.
In order for the MOT to pass, the number plates must be clean.
Verify that your windscreen wipers are in excellent operating condition and that the windscreen is free of significant cracks or tears.

Verify that each and every light is operational.
Inspect the tyre pressure and tread of the tyres.
Add as much fluid as recommended to all of the containers, including brake fluid, oil, and screenwash.
Quickly blow the horn to see whether it's functioning.
You should be able to securely use all of your mirrors if they are in excellent operating condition.
Your car's bodywork VIN and the VIN recorded in the V5C logbook should match.