Essential Guide to MOT Test

 


An MOT test is an annual check of your car to ensure that it meets standardised safety and emissions requirements recognised by the UK Government. This is an acronym that stands for Ministry of Transport.

The MOT Stockport certificate is also an important and compulsory document to produce every year to pass the test; otherwise, your insurance becomes null and void for the particular car in case you are involved in an accident.

Of course, most drivers know that to drive their car, they would have to have an MOT test once a year, but very often they are uncertain as to what this test includes about assessing the condition of the car, or as it is often referred to, “wear and tear.”

Therefore, below, we have provided answers to your frequently asked questions. 

What does an MOT test include?

While undertaking an MOT test, the mechanic will have to conduct some checks on various parts of the car to see whether they are in a condition that conforms to the legal requirements. These include: 

  • Seat belts (as for the safety of seat belts, it is possible to check every time whether they are working or not by pulling their straps sharply and they are supposed to lock into place )

  • Brakes 

  • Driver’s view of the road. All mirrors and windscreens.

  • Car battery, car electrical, lamps and reflectors ( you have to check your lights and reflectors all year round and change bulbs or casings when necessary because it is unlawful to drive without properly functioning lights and the consequences are steep fines and hefty penalties!) 

  • Suspension and steering

  • Tyres and wheels

  • Structure and body as in carriage and general exam, where one looks at the speedometer, registration number, and the virtual identification number (VIN). 

  • Exhaust, fuel, and emissions 

MOT test failures: 

  • It is observed that 30% of the MOT test faults are associated with lighting and signalling. 

  • It was also highlighted that 10% of all MOT test failures are attributed to tyres.

  • A total of 9.6% of all MOTs carried out fail because of issues concerning the brakes.

  • 6.6% of all MOT test failures are attributed to a problem with the driver’s view of the road.

What Does An Mot Test Not Include?

An MOT test does not include things like

  • Checking all the mechanical parts of your car beneath the hood are functioning correctly, so you should not use your MOT test result to know if you require replacement parts unless, of course, the mechanic who conducts the MOT test on the car informs you that something is wrong and needs to be fixed instantly, as an observation.

  • Your wheel alignment or balancing is not tested by an MOT test, but your MOT test will check your tyres and wheels. 

  • MOT tests will also not consider items such as wear and tear of your gearbox, oil filters, battery, anti-freeze and screenwash levels, heating, and condition of the air conditioning systems, among other things that are not listed below, which explains what the MOT test includes.

For this reason, you should also get your car serviced once a year and take it in for an MOT. Occasionally, it is possible to have those booked in simultaneously to enable the minimum time needed to park the car in the garage as opposed to two journeys.

An MOT test (depending on the level of service offered by the garage) will uncover some mechanical problems that may not be easily identified during test practice and will ensure that your car is in the best possible condition sooner rather than later. A malfunction is unlikely to occur.

What Are The Consequences Of My Car Failing An Mot Test?

If your car has been rejected by the MOT test, your mechanic will inform you about the necessary repairs and maintenance that must be carried out on the car to qualify for the MOT test.

You will then have to schedule another test, and again, you cannot use your car on the road until you get a pass for your MOT test. Every garage provides an additional test free of charge within a 10-day period, as long as you have your car repaired with them.

How Much Will A Mot Test And Car Servicing Cost?

The majority of garages offer MOT tests at a relatively cheap price, with the minimum price set at £37.50 and providing great value (sometimes larger cars attract extra costs depending on the size of the car, such as a long wheel-based car), which most garages can handle.

Car servicing normally costs £65, and most garages welcome all car makes and models. When you book a car service Stockport with any of the garages, they can also help you take advantage of their free check services. For example, some offer a free wheel alignment check service that will be conducted during the booked appointment.


 

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