Never feel foolish asking questions about what is involved before you book your MOT test. It’s far better to go your vehicle’s roadworthy exam with your eyes open than to go in blind and fail.
What is at a car’s MOT?
The tester will have a comprehensive list of to-dos to go through and these include:
- Tires
- Wheels
- Fuel system
- Steering and suspension
- Electrical components
- Exhaust
- Seatbelts
- Seats
- Doors
- Mirrors
- Brakes
- Lights
- Bonnet
- Windscreen and wipers
- Horn
- Number plate
- Dashboard
- Tow bars
- Cleanliness
This seems a lot, but by the time you book your MOT online, you should have an idea how your car is going to fare on the day. Also make sure your number plate complies by the DVLA rules. Learn more about DVLA Number Plates: https://myreg.com/dvla-number-plates/
How do I pass a MOT?
There are some things you can keep an eye on and rectify yourself such as keeping your car clean and tidy and checking for things like windscreen chips and cracks and fluid in the windscreen wiper reservoir. Regularly check the tyre pressure too, which can be done when you fill up with fuel.
Keep a good service record. Newer vehicles will display a service alert on the dashboard, don’t let that stay there too long or else you’ll be faced with unnecessary hassles when it come to MOT time.
So, to stand the best chance in passing your MOT, look after your car.
Is there a grace period after my MOT expires?
The answer is a definite no and if you are found driving your car without a current MOT certificate then you can be fined up to £1,000 and if your car looks visibly dangerous then it will be impounded.
So, it is important to check the due dates of MOT and tax online.
What happens if my car fails its MOT?
If your car fails with dangerous faults, then you can’t drive it away for repair. The repairs will have to be carried by the service station. The MOT examiner will give you a breakdown of the costs of parts and labour and an estimate on how long it is going to take. It will then be subjected to a retest, which you won’t be charged for.
A major fail doesn’t mean you can’t drive it away for repair, as long as it is on the same day your MOT expires or before. You might know of a mechanic who can do the repair quicker than the MOT service centre or is able to quote you a cheaper price.
What if the repairs are more than the value of the car?
If this is the case, then consider having the vehicle SORN. This stands for Statutory Off Road Notification, which you have to declare to the DVLA.
Ask the MOT examiner what would the best way to go on this, they have vast experience in this field, probably testing hundreds of cars in a year.
If you feel your most important questions have been answered, the feel free to book your MOT online.
