MOT Test: Everything You Should Know

June 23, 2021June 23, 2021 Jacob Taylor MOT Test

All vehicles that are three years old or more have to take the MOT test. The main motive of performing the MOT test on a car is to ensure that adequate safety principles are met. If you pass the MOT test, you are given a passing certificate which shows that your vehicle is in proper condition.

If you fail an MOT test, it means that your vehicle is risky while driving, and you are not permitted to take your car until all the conditions are met and damaged parts are repaired.

Preparations For An MOT Test

Before taking your car out for the MOT Scunthorpe test, you must make sure some car areas are in proper condition.

Many people do not give due importance to the number plate. The number plate must be clean, adequately placed, and visible.
Clean the window wipers and make sure that there are no stains on them.
Thoroughly clean the car from inside.
All the indicators, headlights, etc., should be in proper working condition.
Tyres should be adequately inflated. They should not be under or over-inflated. It not only helps you in your mot test but also ensures a safe and smooth ride.
Sound of horns, indications, warning signals, etc., must be in proper working condition.
Side mirrors, rear mirrors, windows, etc., should be cleared.
There should be a proper level of oil and fuel present in the car.
Most importantly, brakes and exhaust should be adequately working.

All the areas mentioned above are checked thoroughly in an MOT test. An ordinary MOT test takes 45 to 60 minutes. If any of These areas are not in proper condition, then the repairs are performed, for which you will be required to leave your vehicle for at least a day.

If you want to avoid the hassle, make sure that all the points mentioned above are checked.

Areas Of Focus

Electrical Aspects: all the electric elements, such as fog lights, indicators, headlight, brake lights, rear camera, etc., are checked thoroughly as these elements ensure the safety of your vehicle.
Exhaust: during the MOT test, the exhaust system is checked to ensure that the fuel is efficiently working and there is no leakage of gas or liquid from the vehicle.
Tyres: many aspects are looked upon while checking the tyres in an MOT test. Tread depth is given the utmost importance. Tread depth plays a very important role in ensuring proper traction and grip of the tyres on the road.
The tyre’s durability, condition of rubber, any cuts and cracks present on the tyre’s surface, etc., are also checked. It is also important that you keep your tyres properly inflated.
Brakes: brakes are tested to ensure the quality of the brake pads and if they are efficient and are effectively working.
Steering wheel: during the MOT test, the steering wheel is examined to know whether it is durable or not. The steering wheel is also checked to make sure that it has enough strength to take the vehicle’s load and give it a proper direction while driving.
Wipers & Mirrors: wipers and mirrors of the car are tested to ensure that there are no barriers at sight. The driver must be able to see if any obstacles are in his way.

All the above-given points are the main factors upon which the MOT test is based, and you are considered passed or failed. Commercial vehicles or vehicles with the age of more than 40 years do not require an MOT test. But every other car owner should get their vehicle passed in an MOT test.

It is only for the benefit of you and your vehicle. Even if your vehicle is not in perfect condition, you can be considered as passed in an MOT test, but you will be issued an advisory paper in which all the areas that require repair or replacement will be listed.

You can get them fixed according to your convenience. These points are the warning signs which are shown to you to ensure safety. If you ignore the areas of improvement, there are high chances that you might fail in the next test.