Being a car owner in the UK, the car owner needs to know about the MOT test. The MOT test checks that your car meets minimum safety and environmental standards as required by law. Regular car servicing can also help keep your car in top condition and ready for the MOT.
What is an MOT?
It is needed in the United Kingdom for most cars over three years old. It is different from regular car servicing - it is for maintaining your car and fixing wear and tear.
The MOT test is a rigorous check of your car by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) that's in place to make sure it's safe and won't harm the environment.
Why is MOT needed?
Having a valid MOT Reading certificate is important for two main reasons: it is required by law, and it helps to keep your car safe. You could get fines and points on your licence if you drive without a valid MOT.
How often is an MOT required?
Most cars will need an MOT test every year when they are over three years old, but some - like classic cars over 40 years old—are exempt. Failing to get an MOT might lead to legal trouble of some sort while driving without a valid certificate could render your insurance invalid.
That's why it's important to keep track of your MOT due dates and book the test ahead of time. Additionally, it will be well worth getting a car service done in preparation for your MOT so that everything is in good working order.
What is tested during an MOT?
During an MOT, many parts and systems of your car will be thoroughly checked, including:
- Brakes
- Fuel system
- Lights
- Mirrors
- Seatbelts
- Windscreen
- Wipers and washers
- Exhaust system
- Tyres and wheels
- Suspension
Every part of the car is checked to make sure that it is safe, and these have to pass strict standards. Recent changes in the MOT test introduce tougher emissions and new categories for defects, classified as dangerous, major, or minor.
In addition to the MOT, frequent servicing will keep your car in good condition and help you breeze through the test.
What happens if your car fails its MOT?
If your car fails the MOT test, you will be issued a VT30 Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate, which describes why your car has failed. You then have 10 working days in which to make the necessary repairs and have it retested.
Repairs can range from minor to major, so the cost will differ accordingly. Do remember that driving your car after it has failed its MOT test can attract fines unless you have driven it directly to a car repair workshop.
How to prepare for an MOT
Take some time to make sure that your car is as ready as possible for its MOT test. Here's how you can do that:
- Check that all your lights are working properly.
- Check that tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure and have adequate tread depth.
- Check that essential fluids, such as oil, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid, are all at the correct level
- Check that your windscreen is free from chips and cracks
- Do not let mud build up on your mirrors and windows. There must be good visibility on both mirrors, clean and clear of any obstruction
- Check for any unusual sounds coming from your engine or braking system.
Regular servicing of your car will also help it be in good shape for an MOT test.
Tips to pass your MOT
To pass your MOT, try these tips:
- Keep your car well serviced.
- Check your dashboard warning lights. Act on any that may be on and get them sorted.
- Grasp small niggles; do not leave them until they develop into big mistakes.
- Keep the car tidy inside and out. Not because the examiner will care but for first impressions.
- Get your MOT arranged well in advance. This is to avoid panicking at the last minute and allows time to rectify any failures.
Where can you have an MOT?
You can get an MOT at any approved test centre throughout the UK.
You should choose to have the test in an approved centre so that your car's MOT is performed to the best standards. Such independent garages might have lower prices, but the dealership centres have the best facilities and experienced technicians to bring in for a car service.
Conclusion
Any car owner in the UK must know about the MOT. Always book your MOT test in advance; stick to a regular car service Reading schedule; and be observant of the car’s condition at all times.
Of course, it isn't going to help unless it does - remaining alert will let you dodge additional costs, thus saving you and your family money for safe travel on the road.
