If you own a car, then you will know that you need to get an MOT each year to make sure that your car is roadworthy and safe. If your car fails the MOT, then you will need to ensure that it is fully repaired before you can legally drive it on the roads again. Going for an MOT can be nerve-racking, especially if you don’t know what might be found and how much it might cost to have the repairs carried out. Keep reading for some top tips to help you make sure that your car passes.
Check for Easy Fixes
Often, a car can pass an MOT over small things that could be easily fixed, such as having the wrong tyre tread depth or not having enough windscreen washer in the reservoir. Before booking your Car MOT Birmingham, it’s a good idea to check everything that might be an easy fix such as making sure that the lights are in good working order, and getting new tyres fitted if the tread depth is getting close to the legal minimum of 1.6mm. Make sure that there are no cracks or chips in the windscreen, and check and top up your car’s fluids.
Check the Brakes
Any problems with the brakes can be seriously unsafe and is therefore often an automatic fail on an MOT. So, you should always check the brake pads and discs before going in for the test. Make sure that there are no signs of damage, and the brakes are in good condition. Ensure that the brake fluid level is topped up enough and there are no signs of fluid leaking.
Check the Seats and Seatbelts
To pass the MOT, all seats and seatbelts should be in good working condition. Any seatbelts that don’t click shut securely, even if you don’t use them, should be repaired before the test. Make sure that none of the seatbelts are damaged or frayed.
Check the Horn
If your car’s horn isn’t clear, this will be an automatic MOT failure. It’s a quick test with a push on the horn to make sure that the sound is loud and clear enough for anybody else on the road to hear you. If your horn is not working correctly, or not very loud, then it should be replaced.
Consider Getting a Service
It’s a good idea to book your car’s annual service before the MOT is due. This way, anything that might come up on the MOT will be spotted at the service. The difference between a service and MOT is that with a service, you are not legally obliged to get the issues repaired before you can drive away. Booking your service with a few weeks or months to spare before the MOT is due gives you plenty of time to figure out what needs to be repaired and get it done before testing.
An MOT is a legal requirement for all cars over three years old. Keep these tips in mind if your MOT is coming up and you want to make sure that your car passes.