Pre-MOT Checks to Prepare for Your Next MOT Test

16.8 million MOTs were performed at UK garages between July and September 2021. There were 4.1 million MOT failures out of these, which is approximately 25%! Worse, 9% of vehicles, or 1.5 million, were found to have a dangerous fault. Many of the failed tests may have been prevented if the MOT checklist had included certain pre-MOT assessments.

You'll learn the following by the conclusion of this article:

• The most common reasons for MOT failure
• How to prepare your vehicle for the test and how to prevent them.

Here's our comprehensive MOT checklist, together with instructions on how to perform the pre-MOT tests at home:

1. Front, rear, fog, brake, and indicator lights

You should check that all of your lights are working correctly on a regular basis. Turn on all of the lights in your vehicle, both inside and out, and take a walk around it. Ask someone to stand behind the vehicle while you check the rear brake lights with your foot on the brake pedal. Replace any bulbs that are dim or dead as soon as possible. Most car part stores provide low-cost bulbs that you can install yourself. Some bulbs however may need a car mechanic to replace so ensure the check MOT status of your vehicle and the faulty bulbs replaced beforehand.

2. Horn

To alert other road users of danger, the horn should be loud and clear. Firmly press it and listen for the tone. Check MOT and make an appointment with a garage to have it repaired if it's weak or non-existent.

3. Electrics & Battery

Your vehicle will struggle to start if the battery is dead or not retaining a charge. Contact your breakdown recovery company if you have any worries about your battery. On your driveway, they may recharge the battery. Before you book MOT online, schedule an appointment with a mechanic to get a new battery installed.

4. Steering

The steering wheel should be easy to turn and feel secure. Schedule a repair immediately if the steering is either exceedingly heavy or feels very loose and easy.

5. Suspension

If you press down on the side of your bonnet and boot, it should quickly rock back into place. If it doesn't, or if your car seems to be imbalanced, schedule a suspension repair before taking your vehicle to the MOT centre.

6. Handbrake and Brakes

Your handbrake should keep the vehicle in place. Make an appointment for repairs before your MOT if there is no resistance when you engage it. Check your brake fluid reservoir as well. If the brake fluid seems to be contaminated or there isn't enough of it, schedule a brake fluid change straight away. Your car's stopping distance may be affected by filthy brake fluid. During your MOT, this is considered a dangerous fault.

7. Tyres

Inspect the tyres for any cracks, punctures, or other damage. As these are dangerous faults, you must replace your tyres before your MOT. Put a 20p piece in each groove to inspect your tyre tread. If the inner rim is visible above the groove and is constant across the tyre, it should be replaced as soon as possible. When the tread depth falls below 3mm, it's time to change the tyres. This will aid your vehicle in generating friction on all road surfaces, even wet or snowy ones. You will struggle to drive the vehicle and stop in slippery conditions if the tyre is bald.

8. Seatbelts

Inspect all seatbelts for rips or damage, as well as that they are securely fastened. Sit in each seat and yank forward abruptly to simulate unexpected braking. If your seatbelt doesn't catch you right away, there's a problem that has to be fixed before your test. Place each seatbelt in its proper location and ensure that it is properly fastened in the buckle.

9. Bodywork

All bodywork, including the body, boot, and bonnet, should be free of corrosion, rust, and sharp edges. If your vehicle has been in an accident, it may be worthwhile to restore the bodywork in order to prevent a potentially dangerous MOT failure. The boot and bonnet lids should shut correctly and rest flat. As part of your pre-MOT inspection, make sure you can open and close both.

10. Licence Plates

To pass the MOT, your licence plates must be proper and clean. The Drivers and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) provides guidance on how to design your licence plates. Make that the licence plate light is working as well; otherwise, the bulb will need to be replaced.

11. Dashboard

Your speedometer and dashboard warning lights should be checked as part of your pre-MOT inspection. When you turn the key in the ignition, ensure sure you see all of the warning lights. This includes, for example, the engine management light. Ascertain that your speedometer and rev counter correctly represent your current speed. If you're driving 70 mph on the motorway but your speedometer shows you're only going 30 mph, you should schedule an electrical repair immediately. An MOT failure is caused by an incorrect speedometer.

12. Fuel System

Any oil or fuel leaks should be repaired right away. There might be a problem with the fuel system if you detect pools of fluids under the car or find yourself filling up more regularly. Make sure your fuel cap is securely fastened at all times. If not, you may get a replacement at a reasonable price from a variety of sources. Check the oil in your engine as well. To do so, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, and then return it completely. Return it to its original position and examine the level. Top up your oil if it's near to or below the minimal amount. Check your vehicle's owner's manual to ensure you get the right oil for your vehicle. No matter what sort of oil you require, you can get a bottle from most automotive outlets. When the automobile is parked on a flat surface and the engine is cold, check the oil level. As part of your MOT checklist, make sure to check your fuel level. If the technician believes your vehicle does not have enough fuel to run, he or she may refuse to run the emissions test.

13. Emissions

Excessive smoke, rattling from your exhaust, or blue smoke are all signs of a problem with your emissions. These are frequently signs of a problem with the exhaust system, which might be causing your car's emissions to rise. If you suspect this, make an appointment for an exhaust repair straight away.

14. Windscreen & Mirrors

Repair any chips or cracks as soon as you see them, as replacing a windscreen may be costly id this is not covered by your insurance provider. If you use a satnav, a hands-free phone system, or air fresheners in your car, be sure they don't hinder your eyesight of the road. Otherwise, your vehicle may fail due to a blocked windscreen.

15. Wipers

The windscreen wipers should clear the windscreen properly and without leaving stains. Check for tears or rips in the rubber by running your finger over the blades. Also, make sure your screen wash reservoir is full. If you can't see the amount of screen wash, go to an automotive store and buy a bottle, then follow the directions to top it up.