Unfolding the MOT secrets
MOT test could give stress to many drivers if they are not regular with their car’s maintenance. However, careful drivers make sure they take care and book their annual MOT test to ensure their car is roadworthy. This test is exempted only for the drivers with newly bought vehicles.
When is the Right Time to Get an MOT test done?
MOT tests are mandated in many countries for cars that are three years old. It is a great thought to get frequent car servicing in between to make sure you receive the pass certificate. If we talk about exceptions, vehicles used for public services like taxis and ambulances would require an MOT done every year since the day they were purchased.
What Happens in an MOT Test?
A detailed examination of your car, MOT checks all the aspects of your vehicle to ensure all the safety parameters. This test recognised the faults, if any, in your car, which would be required to be fixed by your mechanic after you receive a fail certificate. If you refuse to fix the problems, it would make your car unworthy and illegal to be driven on the road. All the important areas are checked during an MOT test. Areas such as tyres, brakes, seatbelts, and exhausts, to name a few, are thoroughly checked. The interior and exterior parts of the car, the lights, electrics, and overall state are inspected.
The Test Comprises of Checking:
- Any damage, corrosion, or pointy edges.
- The latch on the bonnet shuts securely.
- The car registration would be inspected from the front to the back. Hence, make sure you have it handy, and it is highly legible.
- The mirrors should be offering a clear view to the driver while driving without any obstruction. There shouldn’t be damaged as well.
- The exhaust should not be leaking and closed tightly.
- The fuel chamber should also not be leaking. For that, the cap is checked to ensure it is closed properly.
- The car’s exhaust would be examined for black or blue smoke.
- Make sure you get the electrics checked in advance. The entire circuit enabling steering, braking, headlamps, or vision is checked. The functioning of the warning signs on the dashboard is also inspected, along with oil levels in the engine and the airbag system.
- The car’s speedometer is inspected for legibility and damages.
- The condition of the seat belt is checked.
- The door latches are checked if they are working properly.
- The brakes are tested for their efficiency and condition.
- The horn is checked for its operability.
- The car’s steering is also tested.
Once the centre has completed these checks, they will provide you with a valid certificate that indicates your car’s overall health. If the certificate states pass, you will receive proof of the same. But if the certificate states fail, you would be handed over the reasons and the solution on how to get the problems fixed. Under this circumstance, you would not be permitted to drive your vehicle till the issues are resolved.
Documents You Require at an MOT Test?
The documents required at the test include:
- The car’s V5C (document of registration)
- The appointment letter that you received
- The present certificates you possess of your car (download and print it from the government site)
- The car keys
The servicing of your car regularly is the key to passing the MOT test. It would help save a lot of money and ensure the complete safety of your car. Conduct a test by yourself before taking an appointment for the MOT test. Check the level of the oils, the condition of the tyre, the wiper, the windscreen, the mirror, the horn, the windows, the brake, and headlights, along with the general condition of your vehicle. Conducting these simple inspections before the MOT Test Newcastle Upon Tyne could help avoid unpredicted costs or getting a failed certificate. If you still lack an understanding of the process in which the MOT tests work, seek guidance from an expert at a nearby facility. Gain knowledge and become more vigilant to the troubles your car might be facing. Passing the test once would instil confidence in you to carry out the winning strategy each year and each time before the test.
