How to Prevent Your Car from Failing an MOT?

 

Okay, so is it your time with the dreaded MOT? Is it that time of the year again when you are in the car and all its faulty errors will be exposed? Are you worried this time around Luck will not be on your side, and you may fail your MOT Newton Le Willows? If these are all the worries going on in your mind right now, we believe you are at the right place. If you are up for a bit of preparation, you can easily prevent your car from failing its MOT, but not without a little help from us. So, let’s quickly dive into some practical tips that will not only keep your car roadworthy but also help your vehicle pass the MOT.

1. Lights and Indicators

First things first, it is very important to check all the lights in the car, including the headlight, the brake lights, the indicators, the fog lights, and even the small little lights that are present on your registration plate. You may think that all of these small little checks will take a lot of your time, but wouldn’t it be better than feeling your MOT? Since, faulty lights are one of the biggest and most common reasons for MOT Newton Le Willows failures.

Checklist:

• Headlights (both high and low beams)

• Brake lights

• Indicators

• Fog lights

• Registration plate lights

• Hazard lights

2. Tyres

Okay, so the next thing is the tyre of your car. Before you go for your MOT, it is important to check that the tyres of your car are following the minimum tread depth of 1.6 MM and they are free from any cuts, blisters or bulges. Apart from that, you should also ensure that your car tyres are properly inflated and not too under-inflated or overinflated.

Checklist:

• Tread depth (minimum 1.6mm)

• No cuts, bulges, or damage

• Correct tyre pressure

• Even tyre wear

3. Brakes

Brakes are one of the most important components of your car and should be given equal importance before an MOT. Before you go for your MOT, ensure that you are thoroughly inspecting the brake pads and the discs of your car brakes for any sign of error. If you hear any unusual noises like squealing and grinding when you’re applying the brakes, it is an indication to get them checked at the earliest.

Checklist:

• Brake pads and discs in good condition

• No unusual noises when braking

• Handbrake works effectively

4. Windscreen and Wipers

The windscreen and wipers are other important factors that will help you pass the MOT. Your windscreen should be free from any major chips or cracks, especially in the driver's line of sight, and your wipers should also clean your windscreen effortlessly without leaving any streaks or spots.

Checklist:

• No cracks or chips in the windscreen

• Wipers in good condition

• Washer fluid topped up

5. Fluid Levels

Fluid levels are often overlooked by car owners when they are preparing for the MOT. However, that should not be the case, and all the fluid levels in your car should be topped up before the big day, including the engine oil, the brake fluid, the coolant and the power steering fluid.

Checklist:

• Engine oil

• Brake fluid

• Coolant

• Power steering fluid

• Washer fluid

6. Suspension

The car suspension system also plays an important role when it comes to your car safety and is inspected during an MOT. So, if there are any knocking sounds coming when you’re driving or if your car feels small bouncy, then, it can be because of a faulty suspension system or faulty suspension components.

Checklist:

• No knocking sounds over bumps

• The car doesn’t feel overly bouncy

• No visible leaks from shock absorbers

7. Exhaust System

The exhaust system of your car should also be in good condition with no leaks and excessive noises if you want to pass the MOT. Another reason that can lead you to fail would be excessive smoke or hazardous emissions coming out of your car.

Checklist:

• No leaks in the exhaust system

• No excessive noise

• Check emissions (no unusual smoke colours)

8. Bodywork

If there are any minor scratches or dents on the body of your car, you may not fail the test. However, in case of significant damage such as sharp edges, you will fail the test. So make the judgement accordingly before your test and get your car bodywork fixed, if there are any, major dents and cracks visible.

Checklist:

• No significant damage to bodywork

• Mirrors intact and undamaged

• Registration plates clearly visible

9. Seatbelts

The seatbelts of your car should also be in good working order, should retract properly from their place and click back in no time.

Checklist:

• Seatbelts retract and lock correctly

• No fraying or damage

10. Horn

The horn of your car should also be checked before the MOT. Remember that it should be loud enough to catch all the attention on the road and alert all the other drivers and pedestrians walking on the road effectively.

Checklist:

• The horn works effectively and is loud enough