A Guide to What a Car Requires to Pass an MOT
All cars more than three years old require a yearly MOT test to ensure the vehicle is still roadworthy. Tests should be carried out at a reliable garage such as BGS. If the vehicle fails the MOT, it needs to be repaired to conform to roadworthy standards. Many of the checks in an MOT are basic, so even if you aren’t familiar with car maintenance, it is possible to perform a pre-MOT check. This check will reduce any chance (and inconvenience) of failure.
1: The General Checks
Certain items are considered ‘general checks’ in an MOT. To improve your chance of passing the MOT, you should do the following:
- Ensure the windscreen washers and wipers are operative
- Ensure the screenwash is filled
- Check the rubber blades on the windscreen wipers are not damaged. Damage can be experienced if the wiping edge or loose strips have pieces missing. If chunks are missing, it is recommended that you replace the runner blades.
- All seat belts need to be working correctly without any sign of cuts or fraying
- All mountings need to be secure with straps free from any damage. The belts should also be cleaned.
- Ensure that the inertia reel of a seat belt works properly. Test this by pulling on the strap and reviewing whether or not it locks in the reel.
2: The Tyres
To inspect the car’s tyres, you should walk around the vehicle and view all four. When checking the tyres, it is crucial to consider these elements:
- Ensure no cuts or bulges can be seen on the sidewalls, and no objects are stuck in the tyre tread
- The tread must measure a minimum of 1.6 mm deep. To measure the tread, you can use either a tread depth gauge or the edge of a 20