Pre MOT Test Checklist

 Everyone wants to pass their MOTs with flying colours. To save time and money, a lot of us schedule repairs or minor fixes in advance. It might be difficult to determine what needs to be fixed, which is why having a copy of the MOT checklist on hand can be helpful.

Based on data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in 2015, basic maintenance problems account for over 50% of MOT failures. You may go over key MOT components for your automobile with the help of the checklist provided below. If you're not an expert in auto maintenance, make sure you obtain Car Service Dartford from a professional if you find any problems because doing repairs yourself might wind up costing considerably more!

MOT Test Checklist

You may simplify your pre-MOT test check by printing this document and marking each area as you complete it.

Signalling and Lighting

According to DVSA data lighting problems including a blown lightbulb, a malfunctioning indication, or a non-functioning number plate light accounted for 14% of all Class 3 and 4 automobile MOT failures. If your headlights are broken, misted, or misaligned, your automobile may also fail.

Take a close look at your car during the pre-MOT inspection and have a friend or family member verify that all of the lights, including the headlights, indicators, sidelights, brake lights and number plate lights, are working.

Fluids

Fill up on fluids like a screen wash, since these will be checked during your MOT test.

To pass the exhaust emissions test, your car's engine must have enough oil. Remove the oil dipstick and clean it when your automobile is parked on a level area. Make sure the level on the dipstick is between the MIN and MAX markers by inserting it back in for a minute and removing it afterwards.

Be certain you have adequate petrol in the tank because your tester will also need to do emissions testing.

Additionally, it's a good idea to replenish other vital fluids, such as engine coolant, while completing this pre-MOT checklist.

Suspension and Steering

18% of automobiles failed because of suspension problems, such as a leaky shock absorber or a cracked coil spring, according to the same DVSA data. These are difficult to see when parked, so when you're driving, keep an ear out for any strange sounds or oddities in your driving when you're braking or cornering.

As you go through your MOT preparation checklist, you may also do the "bounce test." Just press down on each corner of your car, then release the pressure. Instead of bouncing up and down, the automobile should instantly spring back to its regular position.

Verify the Responsiveness of Your Steering As Well.

Chassis, structure, and body

Structure, Chassis, and Body Accounted for 7% of All MOT Faults.

Your automobile may not pass the test if there is rust or corrosion within 12 cm of a structurally significant location. Furthermore, a breakdown might occur if any sharp edges could cut someone.

Examine the outside surfaces of your car and the engine compartment carefully to look for them.

Brakes

The MOT brake efficiency test reveals brake faults, which account for 17% of automobile MOT failures. Warped, pitted, or worn brake discs and/or brake pads are the most common causes of this. Make sure to properly inspect each pad and disc since you might be able to see them through your alloy wheels.

Additionally, when going through the MOT test checklist, pay attention to any grinding noises made when operating a vehicle. Does the car pull to one side when you apply the brakes, or does the brake pedal seem spongy?

Also, check your handbrake. Would it adequately keep the car in place if you parked on a steep hill?

Tyres

According to the legislation, the middle three-quarters of the tyre must have 1.6mm of tread depth. With a 20p coin, you may verify this with the 20p test. In each tire's tread groove, place the penny. The tread is less than 1.6mm if the 20p coin's outside band is visible.

Are every tyre the same size and equipped with the appropriate load and speed rating? Does the tyre tread or wall have any bumps or bulges? Are your tyre pressures accurate and following the manufacturer's recommended values?

When evaluating your tyres for this MOT checklist, if you have any questions, bring your car to one of our branches, and we will inspect your tyres for free.

Plate Numbers

The visible, undamaged, and fully laminated number plate is required. They are not allowed to have any features or adjustments that obstruct their lawful view, including background overprinting.

Every vehicle registered after September 1st, 2001, is required to have a honeycomb structure as well as correctly attached licence plates.

Visibility

Check the wipers' functionality and your ability to shoot washer fluid over your windscreen in your MOT checklist.

Does the windscreen have any fractures that the wiper blades can reach? A 40mm crack on the passenger side results in a failed MOT, whilst a 10mm crack on the driver's side might prevent you from passing. Finally, make sure you have enough screenwash.

Major Fault List for MOT

A serious fault is any item on the MOT Dartford that might endanger the safety of other road users, pedestrians, drivers, or the environment. As a result, any item on this checklist may be flagged as seriously flawed.