What Is Checked During An MOT Test
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- 14-08-2023
What is checked during an MOT test? Discover the comprehensive checklist covering brakes, lights, emissions, safety features, and more. Godstone Mercedes Ltd offer Mercedes servicing & MOT in Godstone and Surrey. Understand the key components that ensure your vehicle's roadworthiness.
Why Get An MOT Test?
An MOT test check is a crucial requirement for all vehicle owners in the UK. This examination evaluates whether a vehicle meets the necessary safety and environmental standards, determining its roadworthiness.
According to data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (formerly VOSA), a significant percentage of cars and vans fail their MOT tests, underscoring the importance of ensuring your vehicle's condition before the examination.
It is a legal obligation for vehicles over three years old to undergo an MOT test check every 12 months. This annual assessment ensures your vehicle complies with the required safety and environmental standards, promoting road safety.
What Stops A Car From Passing An MOT?
Even brand-new vehicles eventually need their first MOT test once they reach three years of age. Knowing when your new vehicle requires its first MOT is crucial to meet legal requirements. Beyond safety considerations, possessing a valid MOT certificate holds significant implications for vehicle owners. Driving without a current MOT certificate is illegal.
Regular MOT checks ensure your vehicle remains roadworthy, promoting safety on the road. Renewing your road tax requires a valid MOT certificate. Avoid difficulties with road tax renewal by obtaining a renewed certificate.
Law enforcement and mobile camera units can remotely check a vehicle's MOT status. Driving without a valid MOT certificate may lead to severe consequences, including a £2500 fine and three penalty points.
What's Checked In An MOT?
The MOT test is a crucial assessment of your vehicle's roadworthiness, ensuring it meets the required safety and environmental standards for driving on UK roads.
During this comprehensive examination, qualified technicians meticulously inspect various components of your car to ensure they meet the necessary criteria.
Understanding what's checked in an MOT can help you prepare your vehicle and increase the likelihood of a successful test.
By undergoing these thorough checks during the MOT test, your vehicle's safety and roadworthiness are meticulously assessed, allowing you to drive confidently and responsibly on UK roads.
Ensure your car is well-maintained and in good condition to pass the MOT with ease and enjoy a safe driving experience. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues identified during the MOT test will not only help you pass but also contribute to the longevity and reliability of your vehicle on the road.
With that said, here's a detailed breakdown of the different aspects examined during the MOT:
Registration Plates & Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):
Registration plates must be secure and clearly legible from 20 meters away. The VIN must be permanently displayed on the vehicle, either on a VIN plate or stamped/etched on the body or chassis.
Body, Structure & General Items:
The overall condition of the vehicle's body, chassis, engine mountings, seats, bonnet, boot, and doors will be assessed. Components should be free from excessive corrosion and have no sharp edges that may cause injury.
Speedometer:
A speedometer must be fitted and illuminated for easy reading during driving.
Exhaust, Fuel & Emissions:
The exhaust system will be checked for security and leaks. If the vehicle was originally fitted with a catalytic converter, it must still be present. Emissions, specifically carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions, will be measured to ensure they fall within the legal limit. Adequate engine oil and fuel levels are necessary for these emission checks.
Steering & Suspension:
The steering and suspension of your car are critical for maintaining control and stability. During the MOT, the following checks will be performed:
The steering wheel must be secure and in good condition. The technician will inspect the steering components for wear or damage.
If your steering has a locking device, it should only lock when the engine isn't running.
Vehicles with power steering must have the minimum power steering fluid level in the reservoir.
Suspension components and shock absorbers will be checked for excessive corrosion, distortion, and fractures.
Lamps, Reflectors, & Electrical Equipment:
The lights and electrical equipment of your vehicle play a vital role in ensuring visibility and safety on the road. During the MOT test, the following aspects will be inspected:
Front, rear, brake, fog, indicator, and registration plate lights must be correctly positioned, secure, and not obscured. They should be in good condition and emit the correct colour, with the front headlights predominantly white with a bluish tinge acceptable.
Pairs of lights must emit light of the same colour, size, and shape. The headlight aim, both the dip beam and the main beam, should be below the horizontal to prevent dazzling other drivers.
The horn must emit a continuous uniform note and be loud enough to be heard by other road users.
The vehicle's battery must be secure and free from any signs of leaking electrolytes.
Electrical wiring should be secure and without damage that may lead to short circuits or detachment.
If your vehicle has a towbar with an electrical socket, it must be in good condition and operate the trailer lights correctly.
Brakes:
Your vehicle's braking system is crucial for safe driving, and during the MOT, it will be subjected to thorough checks, including:
The condition of the brakes, pedals, and levers will be assessed.
Any relevant warning lights must work correctly.
A brake performance test will be conducted to check brake efficiency.
Seat Belts:
Seat belts are crucial for occupant safety, and their condition is thoroughly examined during the MOT:
All seat belts, including the attachment and adjustment fittings, must be the correct length and in good working order.
The belts should not show signs of excessive wear or damage.
They should retract properly and securely hold the occupants in place in the event of an accident.
Driver's View Of The Road:
This vital aspect ensures the driver has an unobstructed view of the road and surroundings:
Rearview mirrors and wing mirrors must be secure and provide adequate views to the rear and sides of the vehicle.
The windscreen must not have any damage or obstruction larger than 10mm in the area directly in front of the driver, and no obstruction larger than 40mm within the swept area.
Windscreen wipers and washers must effectively clear the windscreen, providing the driver with an adequate view of the road.
Tyres & Road Wheels:
Proper tyres and road wheels are essential for road safety and vehicle performance. During the MOT test, the following inspections will take place:
Tyres must have an appropriate speed and load rating for your vehicle and tread depth of at least 1.6mm.
Cuts, lumps, bulges, tears, exposure of the cord, and tread separation will be checked.
Vehicles with run-flat tyres must have a warning light that operates correctly.
Road wheels must be in good general condition, and all-wheel nuts should be in place and tightly secured.
Key facts about MOT Tests
The MOT test is a crucial annual requirement for vehicles in the UK (four years in Northern Ireland) to ensure they meet the necessary road safety and environmental standards. Commonly known as the 'MOT,' this examination is conducted at authorised test centres scattered across the country, easily recognisable by the official blue sign displaying three white triangles.
Comprising a comprehensive series of checks, the MOT evaluates numerous aspects of your car to ensure it complies with essential safety and environmental regulations.
These examinations encompass vital components such as the brakes, fuel system, lights, mirrors, seatbelts, windscreen wipers, and exhaust system. Through these meticulous assessments, the MOT aims to uphold the highest standards of road safety and environmental protection.
However, it's important to note that the MOT test does not cover the condition of certain key elements within the vehicle, including the engine, clutch, and gearbox.
These areas are not subject to inspection during the MOT, making it essential for vehicle owners to regularly maintain and address potential issues with these components outside of the test.
Ensuring your vehicle successfully passes the MOT test is of paramount importance to maintain its roadworthiness and uphold safety standards. In the event of an MOT failure, necessary repairs are required to address any identified faults before the retesting can take place.
Therefore, proactive vehicle maintenance and addressing any potential issues beforehand are instrumental in avoiding unnecessary inconveniences and expenses.
To ensure a smooth and stress-free MOT experience, it is advisable to book the test at an authorised centre well in advance of its due date. Driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and may result in penalties, including fines and possible points on your license. By adhering to the regular MOT schedule and staying proactive with your vehicle's maintenance, you not only meet legal requirements but also contribute to road safety and environmental standards.
Are you looking for Mercedes servicing & MOT in Surrey? If you are a Mercedes-Benz owner you will want to ensure your car is in the right hands.
Follow the links below for Mercedes servicing and repairs in Godstone, Crawley, Croydon, Sevenoaks and the surrounding areas.