MOTs: What Is Checked?
Introduced in the 1960s, the MOT test determines whether a
vehicle is roadworthy, and involves a thorough check by a Department for
Transport-approved garage. But what exactly do we check during your car’s MOT?
We’ve outlined the main components below.
Brakes
An efficiency test will be carried out on your vehicle’s
brakes to test condition, operation and performance. Most vehicles’ brakes will
be tested on a roller brake tester, but if your vehicle is 4-wheel drive it
will be tested on a road with a decelerometer, or with a plate brake tester.
Doors
All doors should open and close and be latched securely when
closed. We should also be able to gain entry to the front doors from both
inside and outside the vehicle.
Exhaust Emission
This check varies depending on the age and fuel type of your
car, but we will check that the vehicle meets the correct exhaust emission
requirements.
Fuel System
The fuel system is checked for leaks, and the fuel cap needs
to be secure and correctly fastened. Don’t forget to give us a key for your
fuel cap if there is one – we will need to open it!
Horn
We’ll simply check that the horn is working and is the
correct type for your vehicle.
Lights
All lights are carefully checked to ensure they are in good
working order, that they are the right colour, and that the headlamps’ aim is
correct.
Mirrors
Your vehicle’s mirrors should all work correctly and be in
good condition.
Registration Plate
The registration plate must be in good condition, easy to
read and safely secured to the vehicle. We also check that the letters/numbers
comply with the correct font and spacing required by law.
Steering and
Suspension
The different components of the vehicle’s steering and
suspension will be checked to make sure they work properly and are in a safe
condition.
Seats and Seatbelts
We check that all seats and seatbelts are secure and that
backseats can be put in the upright position. All compulsory seatbelts must be
present, be the right type and must be fully operational.
Vehicle
Identification Number
For all vehicles first used on or after 1st
August 1980, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must be permanently and
legibly displayed.
Vehicle Structure
A few bumps and scratches are acceptable, but it is
important that specific areas of the vehicle structure are kept free from
excessive corrosion or damage.
Wheels and Tyres
The wheels and tyres will be tested for their condition and
security. Tyres need to be the correct size, type and pressure for your vehicle
and the tread depth needs to be at least 1.6 millimetres.
Windscreen, Wipers
and Washers
We will check the windscreen for chips and cracks (A 10mm
crack in the driver's line of vision or 40mm anywhere else will need to be
failed). It is also important that we check the wipers and washers during an
MOT test; they need to give the driver an unobstructed view of the road.
For more information about what is checked during an MOT
test, or to book your next MOT, please feel free to get in touch with the team
here at Express Service.
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Published: 23/03/2016
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