Wondering what actually happens during an MOT? MOTs are required by law to ensure your car remains safe and roadworthy. But what is actually checked during your MOT? Let’s find out…
First things first, what does MOT actually stand for? An MOT is a “Ministry of Transport” test.
How Long Does an MOT Test Take?
The test itself takes around an hour to complete plus the time needed to carry out any repairs.
Often, people’s cars fail their MOTs from something simple that can be checked by you before you come! Don’t risk failing your MOT and acquiring extra costs for something you can fix yourself!
General
Turn the car on and check:
- The horn is working
- The windscreen washers and wipers are working
- The wipers have no chunks missing if they do, replace them
- The screen wash is topped up
- The seat belts aren’t fraying
Tyres:
Walking round your car check the tyres for:
- No bulges or cuts
- The tread needs to be at least 1.6mm deep
- Check the tyre matched the opposite on the same axle for size and type
- Check the spare tyre too
Lights:
Lights are a frequent fail point. Check:
- All bulbs are working
- Each light’s lens is free of cracks
Bodywork
Check for any sharp edges and that all doors are accessible
Brakes
- Check the brake fluid
- Pull the handbrake on and make sure it doesn’t need pulling up too far
By running through these basic checks, your car won’t fail on basic things, saving you money having to have them repaired in the garage before passing its MOT
