As more than twenty per cent of cars fail an MOT test each year, a few minutes carrying out basic checks can save you some sleepless nights and possibly some money, especially if you find any minor repairs that you can do yourself rather than let the garage charge you.
On the outside of the car, make sure you fill up the water bottle and check for any cracks in the windscreen. In particular the area that is covered by the wiper blades should be free from cracks, as you are likely to fail a test if there are cracks in this area. Check all your lights to make sure not only that they are working, but also that they are the correct colour. Headlamps, parking lights, reversing lights, indicators and registration plate bulbs, all need to be correct and in good working order. Make sure your registration plate is in good condition and tightly fastened to the car, and also that they are the correct fonts.
Car doors need to be properly working. They should open and close freely. And remain shut when closed. You should be able to open front doors from the inside and outside of the car. Walk around the car, and make sure there is no excessive corrosion, in particular anything that may restrict you from breaking or steering properly.
You must have the correct tyres and that they are inflated to the correct pressure. You will also need to ensure that there is sufficient tread depth, 1.6mm all the way around and also across the central three quarters of the pattern. You also need to ensure that there are no bumps or cuts in the sidewall of the tyre.
Once you have checked the outside of the car, it pays to have a quick look under the bonnet to make sure everything is as it should be. First of all, however, make sure that your steering and suspension is in good working order. Look for excessive play in the steering wheel. Apply your weight to each corner of the car to make sure the suspension settles down quickly. Check the exhaust to make sure there are no bits broken or missing. Switch on the car and make sure there are no extra noises indicating a leak or break in the system and that your silencer is working. Although you cannot check your exhaust emissions yourself without the proper equipment, you will certainly be able to check whether there is an excessive amount of smoke coming from your exhaust, indicating there may be a fault. Visibly check the fuel cap to make sure the seal is not broken. This can cause you to fail an MOT. Also make sure that the fuel system components, such as pipes and hoses are free of leaks and secure in their mountings.You will need to have a quick check of brakes and handbrake, and ensure there are no visible leaks from the brake pipes.
Inside the car; make sure the seats are not loose and able to be locked in the upright position. Importantly, seat belts should not be damaged and should be in good working order. Check that your mirrors are clean and properly positioned, giving good all round vision and finally, make sure that your horn works and is easily accessible.
None of these checks will guarantee an MOT pass, but this extra bit of preparation may ensure it is more likely.
Further Car MOT Information
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