All you need to know about MOT test

Somersettyresltd
4 min readFeb 7, 2024

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It’s inevitable, but if your automobile is older than three years, you are legally required to undergo a MOT. What is a MOT, though? What is the duration of the process? Is it comparable to a service?

We’ll address all of the aforementioned queries in this brief post, along with a few more often-asked concerns by car owners regarding the MOT Wincanton and its requirements.

MOT: What is it?

Let’s begin with the fundamentals: what precisely is a MOT? An annual MOT test examines the roadworthiness and safety of cars licensed in the United Kingdom that are older than three years (or four years in Northern Ireland).

What does MOT stands for?

The Department for Transport (perhaps a DFT test) replaced the Ministry of Transport in the UK, which inspired the MOT’s name.

Why is a MOT required for my car?

To make sure the car satisfies the minimal safety requirements, it must have a current MOT. This section will discuss the legal framework of MOTs, the significance of performance and safety, and the necessity of MOTs.

To travel lawfully on public roads, all automobiles older than three years old must pass an annual MOT test and receive a pass certificate. You may be fined up to £1000 if you are found driving without a MOT. Since new automobiles should fulfil the norms of road worthiness, they do not require a MOT until they are three years old.

MOTs are essential for making sure your automobile is in optimal condition to extend its lifespan and preserve performance since they inspect several parts of the vehicle. High-performance cars with gadgets like turbochargers require more frequent service than other models.

Your yearly examination examines the car’s safety elements, including the airbags, lights, seatbelts, wheels, and any locations that may be corroded or broken. This is for other drivers’ safety as well as your own.

Which tests are performed during a MOT?

A thorough inspection will be performed on a number of items that are dispersed throughout your automobile. Some of these parts are listed here; however, please contact your MOT tester or go to the GOV.UK website for a more comprehensive list.

  • Bodywork: This is done to inspect the vehicle’s general structure for significant corrosion, poor welding, or repairs that can compromise safety.
  • Exhaust System: This is a check to make sure the exhaust system is in excellent working order, isn’t too noisy, and is securely fastened to your car.
  • Fuel System: This is a general check to make sure the fuel cap is complete and tight, the hoses are in excellent condition and there are no fuel leaks.
  • Seatbelts: This is to make that the seatbelts are securely fastened, in excellent operating condition, and appropriate for the kind of car.
  • Doors: Perform a simple check to make sure your car’s doors close securely, open from the inside and the outside, and have functioning hinges and latches.
  • tyres: This is a comprehensive examination of the tyres on your vehicle, encompassing the depth of tread, general state, and appropriateness of kind and size.
  • Brakes: This general check verifies that the brakes are in good working order, have not been modified, that the fluid levels are correct, the car stops within the permitted stopping distance and that the ABS (Anti-Locking Braking System) is functioning properly.

How do you check your MOT history?

On the official government website, you may review your record. The registration number is required, and it will tell you when the MOT certificate expires. In addition, Peter Vardy provides value MOTs, seasonal checkups, and value services here. They also provide free courtesy cars and the best customer service around. Our knowledgeable body shop professionals can assist you with dings, scrapes, and repairs, and we promise to match any estimate from another store of auto parts.

Does a MOT include an oil check?

Indeed, the condition and levels of all the fluids in your car, including the coolant, brake fluid, and screen wash, are checked.

How much time will it take for a MOT?

Depending on the state of your car and how the testing station conducts the test, a MOT could take anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour.

What Takes Happen If Your Car Doesn’t Pass the MOT?

When your car satisfies all the requirements, it will pass the MOT test. Should it not, you will be notified of the problems that have been found and the car will not pass the test. In these situations, it is your duty to take care of the problems and set up any required replacements or repairs. The car can be retested to get a valid MOT certificate when the necessary repairs are finished.

MOT testing is done regularly (yearly for cars older than three years) to make sure cars remain safe and roadworthy.

What is the cost of MOT test?

As of right now, the maximum amount you may pay for a motor vehicle MOT test is £54.85. Feeling less than enthusiastic about giving up your money? Think about the fact that you risk receiving a punishment of up to £1000 if you operate a vehicle without a current or valid MOT. Now that doesn’t sound all that horrible, does it?

Sincerely, even if your car’s MOT is expired by one day, you cannot drive it on the road! except if you are transporting it to or from a location for Engine Diagnostics Wincanton or a scheduled MOT.

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