Preparing Your Car For Its MOT

If your car is due for its MOT, it could very well be worth your while carrying out some pre-MOT checks. A surprisingly high number of vehicles fail their first test and have to be retested. This will not only cost you money it is also extremely inconvenient. However, with a few simple checks you can determine whether your vehicle is ready to pass. If it is not it is far easier to get things repaired before taking it for the test.

Most of these checks are extremely simple to carry out. A lot of cars fail their MOT because of simple things such as lights not working, bonnet or boot catches not working, worn windscreen wipers or simply not having working windscreen washer sprays.

Checking these common failures is a good starting point. You should also check your tyres to make sure that they are still within the legal spec. Take a look at your exhaust and if its billowing black smoke there’s a good chance he will not pass the emissions section of the MOT. Walk around the car to make sure that none of the bodywork trim is loose and sticking out in a way that could cause damage or injury to others.

Passing the Updated MOT

As well as these basic checks, you now need to carry out some other additional checks. Since January 2012, the MOT has been updated to include many electronic systems. If you have any warning lights on you need to check to see if a system involved is part of the updated MOT. Examples of systems which have recently been added to the MOT include the electronic parking brake, electronic stability systems, SRS, electronic steering systems, all air bags, all suspension systems and seatbelt pre-tensioners.

Use the Internet to Help You to Pass Your MOT

If you do want to carry out the pre-test check, the internet can be a great source of information. There are some great websites out there that explain each of the tests carried out during the MOT. Using this information, it is relatively easy for you to give your car a once over and make sure it will not fail any part of the MOT check.

To find out more about the MOT , and how to ensure that your car passes it first time, visit the MOT MOT website.