MOT test information for a smooth experience

Every vehicle comes with an owner's manual. This document is important because it has essential information about car servicing and maintenance. Car servicing guidelines include visiting a service station regularly for a complete checkup of your vehicle.

Car servicing is an essential procedure for car maintenance and safety. However, it is not a legal procedure. Therefore, car drivers may ignore the guidelines, or they may not want to visit a car service center due to other reasons. The case of the MOT test is different. The MOT test is a legal test. Therefore, drivers must Book MOT Newbury after the third anniversary of their vehicles. After a successful end of the test, drivers get a certificate that is proof of the roadworthiness of their vehicles.

Do not worry if you are near your next MOT test. This blog provides essential information about the test. After reading this article, you will be able to get the test easily without any problem.

MOT basics

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport. This is an annual test that is mandatory for vehicles that are more than three years old. During the test, the MOT technician will check your vehicle for its roadworthiness. If your vehicle does not have any safety issues, you will clear the test and get a certificate. This certificate is valid for only one year. If your car has mechanical defects, you will fail the test. In this condition, you must repair your car properly to get the certificate. The message of MOT is simple that you cannot drive your car legally on public roads if you do not have a valid MOT certificate.

What should you expect during the MOT test?

When you enter the MOT center for the test, the MOT technician will check your car for safety issues. They have a list of components that they check during the test. This list of components includes car brakes, exhaust, tyres, suspension, transmission, number plate, seat & seatbelts, door, and mirrors.

When does a car need an MOT?

You need to have the test for the first time after your car is three years old from the date of registration. After you clear the test, you get your MOT pass certificate for one year. After one year, your current certificate will expire, and you will need a new certificate.

Is there any grace period inthe  MOT test?

As soon as your current certificate expires, you will not be able to drive your car on public roads. You need to book your MOT instantly after the expiry date. You can get your test one month before the expiry date. So, you should get your new certificate before the expiry date.

Can you drive your vehicle without an MOT?

You cannot drive your car without a valid certificate. As an exception, you can drive your car without the certificate if you are driving to reach the MOT center after booking your MOT.

How to prepare for the MOT test?

Your chances of success in the test will increase if you prepare well before the test. Sometimes, vehicles fail the test just because of easily manageable issues. You can avoid this condition if you check your vehicle before the test.

You can check your car before the test according to this checklist:

MOT expiry date

To avoid any problem, check the expiry date of your current MOT test. You can book your MOT a month before the expiry date.

Essential documents:

Enter the center with registration V5C and the most recent MOT certificate.

Visual checkup

You should check the following components of your vehicle to avoid failure:

Assess the body of your car for dents, rot, scratches, and sharp edges. Moreover, check the exterior for any pointed objects that may stick out to cause damage.

Check the windscreen and mirrors for scratches and damage. Damage to the windscreen may affect the driver's view. Broken mirrors seem a small fault, but they can cause a serious road accident.

Check headlights, taillights, and indicators. Moreover, check the electrical components for their functions.

Check your tyres for issues like tread wear and cracks. Moreover, check the air pressure in the car tyres.

Check the car brakes for damage. Moreover, look at the brake fluid to ensure smooth functioning of the brake system...

Check your suspension for warning signs, such as unusual sounds. Since you cannot repair the suspension, you need to see your mechanic after detecting a warning sign. Examine the steering for unusual behavior like stiffness.

How to deal with failures

You must repair your car after it fails its test. After repairing your car, you can visit the center for retests or full test.

There are three main types of retests in the UK called same day, partial, and full retest.

If you are successful in repairing the vehicle on the same day at the original center, your vehicle is retested by the end of the next day. This type of retest is normally free.

Partial retest is possible if a part of your car needs more extensive work or the garage needs a part that is not available instantly. You can have this type of retest within 10 working days.

For more serious faults, your car needs a full retest. If it happens within 10 working days, there may be a small fee for this retest.

If your car is tested after 10 working days, you need a full test again.

MOT tests and car servicing

To get the MOT certificate, you must maintain your vehicle by visiting a service center at regular intervals. Car Repair Newbury guidelines are essential for proper car maintenance. At the same time, following car servicing guidelines helps you to detect safety issues that may affect your result in the MOT. So, do not ignore car servicing even if you have a valid MOT certificate.