Has the time come for your next MOT test? Any car that is aged above three years old must pass an MOT test every year to prove that it is eligible for operation and functions properly. A lot of people remain uncertain about what the MOT test is and what they can do to ensure their vehicles are prepared for the test.

In this article, we’ll answer these two questions in detail.

What is tested on MOT?

Perhaps those of you who haven’t been through an MOT test are wondering what is tested on MOT. The MOT test is a test inspecting the safety of your vehicle on a yearly basis and checks its roadworthiness, exhaust emissions, and other details. But what is truly the MOT test meaning?

There are certain MOT test requirements that must be men in order for your car to be approved as safe to use on the road. The professional who is responsible for an MOT check goes through a range of elements to analyze their condition and establish the condition of the car. Let’s go over what is tested on MOT in more detail.

  1. Steering wheel – The steering wheel will be thoroughly inspected and its locking device checked. The level of power steering fluid will be checked along with the suspension components and shock absorbers.
  2. Electrical equipment & lamps and reflectors – The MOT in Leicester and other parts of the country will check the car’s front, rear, brake, fog, indicator and registration plate lights. The inspector will examine the horn, the battery, the electrical wiring, and electrical sockets.
  3. Brakes – The condition of the brakes, pedals, and levers will be examined and a brake performance test will be conducted.
  4. Seat belts – The condition and length of all seat belts in the vehicle will be inspected. The inspection will also cover the attachment and adjustment fittings.
  5. Tyres – The MOT test will also examine the speed and load rating of your tyres to see if they appropriately match your vehicle. They’ll be analyzed for cuts, lumps, bulges, tears, and tread separation. If you have a run-flat tyre, the warning lights will be inspected to establish if they work.
  6. Vehicle structure – An overall check will be conducted on the automobile’s body, chassis, engine mountings, seats, bonnet, boot, and doors. The registration plates will be inspected to determine whether it’s appropriately fitted and secured.
  7. Exhaust, fuel & emissions – The exhaust system will be checked for leaks. The car’s emissions will be inspected to see if they abide by legal requirements and restrictions.
  8. Mirrors, wipers, windscreen – Finally, the rearview mirrors, wing mirrors, and windscreen will be checked.

MOT test checklist

A qualified MOT test centre in Leicester will go over every element of the inspection in detail to ensure your vehicle is in perfect working condition. You can save yourself a lot of money and ensure you pass the test by using an MOT test checklist to ensure everything is working properly. Most of the car parts checked at MOT can be inspected by you prior to the test.

We’ll share with you a useful MOT test checklist that you can stick to in order to guarantee that your vehicle is always in top condition.

  • Check the headlights and indicators: Focus on the front, rear, headlights, hazard lights, and indicators. Sometimes, if you notice a problem in these areas, it may be a result of a faulty bulb that needs replacement.
  • Check the tyres: Make sure that there is at least a tread depth of 1.6mm by using a 20p coin. Inspect for any splits, bulges, or cuts and buy new tyres if necessary. Check your tyre pressure and ensure it’s correct by looking into the car manual.
  • Handbrake: Inspect the handbrake’s tension. If you notice that there’s no resistance, you may need the help of a professional mechanic.
  • Seatbelt inspection – start from the driver’s seat by checking if it moves forwards and backwards and examine the length of the seatbelt. Move on to the other seats and see if they can be secured and whether they lock properly. Examine the seatbelts latch.
  • Windscreen: If you notice damage that is more than 10mm wide on the driver’s central view, the vehicle will not pass the MOT test. The same goes for any other damage that has a size larger than 40mm. Make sure the windscreen wipers work and clean as desired. Check for holes in the wiper rubber as this may be another reason to fail the MOT test.
  • Suspension: By putting your weight on the corners of the car, check the shock absorbers. You want the car to return to its initial state immediately.
  • Check the horn: Make sure the horn works and it creates a loud enough noise.
  • Inspect for exhaust leaks and check the engine oil levels.

Be prepared for your MOT test

One of the best ways to ensure that you pass your MOT test and maintain the legitimate right to drive your car is by being prepared. We hope that the information we’ve shared with you will help you stay more informed and prepared for your next MOT in Leicester. Make sure that you choose a reliable and professional MOT testing centre for the service. Get in touch to book your next MOT test.