Many drivers are concerned about whether or not their vehicle or van will pass or fail the MOT tes which is a critical factor in vehicle maintenance. While cars in Northern Ireland are inspected after 4 years most motors older than three years of ownership in England, Scotland and Wales should go through the MOT (Ministry of Transport) check. We’ve created a comprehensive MOT checklist designed to help you keep an eye on your vehicle’s protection, emissions, and universal circumstances so that it passes the check on the first try. A dependable MOT Walsall from reputable local experts can guarantee that your car remains roadworthy and compliant.
The Value Of A MOT Examination
According to the UK government’s MOT testing handbook, the MOT test is necessary to maintain environmental and road safety requirements, as was previously indicated. The following crucial elements emphasise its significance:
- Safety assurance: To make sure cars are safe to drive the MOT test examines vital parts including the brakes, lights and steering.
- Environmental compliance: By evaluating emissions the MOT emissions test verifies that automobiles adhere to environmental standards therefore lowering pollution.
- Legal requirement: Vehicles older than three years must have a current MOT certificate. Driving without one can result in fines and license points, among other consequences.
Levels Of Oil And Coolant
When the engine is cold, it’s a good idea to reach under the hood of your car and check the cooling system and oil levels each month or every few gas fill-ups, and especially preceding any longer road trips. To find both on your particular car, consult your owner’s handbook.
The Air Filter
You can extend the life of your engine reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency by ensuring sure your air filter is operating correctly. Check your owner handbook for advice on how to do this at home and how often it should be replaced.
Visual Examination
Structure and Bodywork
- Examine the body for any potentially hazardous sharp edges, rot, or dents.
- Keep an eye out for any protruding pointy things since they may pose a risk.
Mirrors and Windscreen
- Check the windscreen for any scrapes or broken glass. It should be the main priority of the driver.
- Make sure every mirror is in its proper location and that none are damaged.
Tires
The tread depth of a tire must be at least 1.6 mm in a continuous band across the middle 3/4 of the tire. A MOT failure will be recorded for any tires with less than this. Since most tires include tread wear indicators, which are elevated ridges that run across the tire in the grooves at the bottom, checking the tread is simple.
Oil
Every car our patrols visit has its oil level checked, and they discover that one in three of them is dangerously low. If this is not fixed, it may result in a breakdown and severe engine damage.
Verify that the oil level on your automobile is between both the lowest and highest marks on the dipstick, and fill it off if needed. Consult your owner’s manual or your neighborhood dealer if you are unsure about the sort of oil you should use.
Washers, Wipers And Windscreen
Examine the car’s windscreen carefully for any chips or cracks. A MOT failure will occur if the A-zone of the windscreen—a 290mm region immediately in front of the driver—has damage of 10mm or greater.
Additionally, a failure will occur if the remaining “swept” portion of the windscreen—the area that the wipers cover—has any cracked or chipped surface of 40 mm or greater. Any damage to the windscreen that occurs outside of the “swept” area will not fail, although you can still be recommended to get it rectified.
Brake, Parking, Turn Signals, And Headlights
Making certain your automobile’s lights are running effectively is vital, however, it’s easy to neglect this. Turn on the headlamps as soon as a month when you’re located within the middle of a level area, and make certain both spotlights are placed successfully. Visually take a look at you’re parking lights and flip alerts as you cross around your automobile. To make sure your brake lights are working, have a pal stand in the back of the vehicle while you use the brakes.
Final Words
Maintaining a regular car maintenance routine and preserving thorough records of your movements will assist your automobile closing longer and guard you from costly repairs, breakdowns, and other ugly surprises.
