Whilst getting an MOT is something that we have to do every year in order to keep our cars roadworthy, it can be quite daunting. In this article we will explore some of the ways you can get your car MOT ready and ensure that you are as fully prepared as possible for the test.
MOT pricing can range from £15 (check out MOT Birmingham) to just under £55 which is what the government say a garage can reasonably charge for the test. Of course, this pricing does not include fixes, so it is a good idea to do as much prep as possible at home first.
Prepping Your Car
The first thing you want to do, is ensure that your car is ready for the test. A good clean is a great place to start. Making sure that the garage can access the part of your car they need to is very important so ensure that there are no obstructions which could cause issues when driving such as rubbish close to the pedals.
You should also check the car’s windscreen wipers, tyres and lights before putting it in for its MOT, as these are things that are simple to change and could save you a failure! You also want to make sure that you have removed any car seats or anything that could restrict access to seat belts for checking.
Pre-Test
It’s a really good idea to think about putting your car in for a pre-test. This will allow you to gauge how much work needs to be done before the actual test, allowing you to potentially have the work done in advance saving you money, and time, without the unroadworthy status which comes with an MOT failure.
Remember an MOT is not just for safety; it also can help you track things like emissions and fluids to ensure your car is functioning at its best and not causing you any unnecessary expense.
What Is Covered in the MOT Test?
An MOT is due once every 12 months. It is designed to check safety aspects of the car to maintain a basic standard on the roads. Items included in this safety check involve:
- Lighting and signalling (Are the necessary lights and indicators functioning?)
- Fluids (screen wash and oil is topped up)
- Steering and suspension (shock absorbers, coil springs)
- Body chassis and structure (corrosion, rust etc)
- Brakes (brake pads and discs)
- Tyres (do they meet the tread requirements?)
- Number plates (damage free and easily visible)
- Visibility (windscreen wipers, obstructions to drivers view)
- Exhaust (noise, emissions)
- Bonnet, boot and doors (releases must work correctly)
- Interior (warning lights)
- Seats & seatbelts (working correctly and lock easily)
- Horn (ensuring it works correctly.)
As you can see, many of these items can be pre-checked at home free of charge and replaced at very little cost, so where possible you should always do this prior to your MOT. Many garages will also ask you if you want them to fix any problems and run the MOT again – this is always an option although not necessarily the cheapest.
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