SP88 explains what is checked when your vehicle is brought into the garage for its MOT. Servicing, repairs and MOT in central-london. Wherever you are in central-london, you’re not far away from.
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What is checked in an MOT?
Many checks are performed during an MOT to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy, and they can be divided into eight categories:
- Lights, reflectors, and electrical equipment
- Steering and suspension
- Brakes
- Tyres
- Seat belts
- Vehicle body and structure
- Exhaust, fuel, and emissions
- View of the road
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What is checked in an MOT – a complete list is provided.
Checks for lights, reflectors, and electrical equipment
Lights –
Check that your front, brake, rear, fog, indicator, registration plate, and rear reflector lights are:
- Correctly positioned and secure
- Not obscured
- In good condition
- The correct colour (a bluish tinge to front headlights is acceptable)
- Not overly affected by the operation of any other light
- Light up at a single operation of the switch
The same colour, size and shape must emit from pairs of lights. To avoid blinding other drivers, the dip beam and main beam headlights should be aimed below the horizontal.
Horn –
Your horn must produce a consistent, continuous tone. In addition, it must be loud enough for another road user to hear.
Battery –
The battery must be kept safe. It must not show any evidence of electrolyte leakage.
Electrical installation –
The wiring should be safe. The wiring must not be damaged to the point where it will short-circuit or become unattached.
If you suspect a problem with your wiring, you should have an Auto Electrician inspect your vehicle before its MOT.
If you suspect a problem with your wiring, you should have an Auto Electrician inspect your vehicle before its MOT.
Steering and suspension checks
Steering
The steering wheel’s strength and condition will be tested by pushing it in various directions. Steering components will be inspected for wear and damage as well.
Wheels with locking devices will be inspected to ensure they only lock when the engine is turned off. Furthermore, power steering vehicles must have a minimum power steering fluid level in the reservoir.
Suspension
The car’s suspension components and shock absorbers will be inspected for excessive corrosion, deformation, and fractures. An expert should perform any suspension repairs.
Checking the brakes
Brake checks
During an MOT, the overall condition of the brakes, pedals, and levers is examined, as well as any warning lights. A brake performance test will also be performed to determine the effectiveness of your brakes.
SP88 Tyre inspections
Tyre checks
Tyre tread depth will be measured and must be at least 1.6mm. Tyres will be inspected for cuts more significant than 25mm, lumps, tears, cold exposure, and tread separation. Furthermore, the warning light must function appropriately for vehicles with run-flat tyres.
Seat belt inspections
Belts for Seats
Each seat belt and its attachment and adjustment fittings are examined for safety and condition.
Structure and body of the vehicle
The body, chassis, engine mountings, seats, and doors are all inspected to ensure that there is no excessive corrosion and that there are no sharp edges that could cause injury.
Plates d’immatriculation
Registration plates must be installed on the vehicle’s front and rear. They must be secure and legible from a distance of 20 metres. The characters on the container must be suitably shaped and spaced to avoid misunderstanding.
Identification Number of the Vehicle (VIN)
Every vehicle must have a legible VIN displayed permanently on the VIN plate or on the body or chassis.
Speedometer
The MOT tester will determine whether or not a speedometer is installed and whether or not it can be illuminated. They will also look for cracks in the glass that impede the view of the speedometer.
Checks for exhaust, fuel, and emissions
Exhaust, fuel and emissions checks
The exhaust system is checked to ensure it is secure and not leaking. In addition, catalytic converters must be present in vehicles that were originally equipped with them.
The fuel system
The gasoline system of your car is tested for leaks during the MOT. If your tank cap does not correctly seal, your vehicle will fail.
Emissions
While the engine is running, the tester will use a gas analyser probe to test the smoke generated from the exhaust. Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions must be kept under the legal limits defined by the Euro Emissions Standards. Therefore, a visual inspection is performed to look for excessively dense blue or black smoke from the exhaust. If visible black or blue smoke is visible, your vehicle will fail the MOT.
View of the road checks
Wipers and mirrors
While driving, the vehicle’s rear-view mirrors and wing mirrors must be secure and allow good views to the rear and sides.
Wipers and washers on the widescreen should cover a large enough area to provide a good view of the road.
No damage or impediments must be larger than 10mm surrounding the driver’s side windscreen. If any damage or other obstruction exceeds 40mm within this region, but outside the driver’s view, your automobile will fail.
Visit https://www.gov.uk/ for up-to-date information on MOTs and the checks that will be performed during the test.
Frequently asked questions – MOT
Why do cars require an MOT?
That is an excellent question. After your vehicle passes its MOT test, you will be granted an MOT certificate. Once passed, it implies that the car meets the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety criteria needed by law at the time of your test.
How do I check the MOT history?
You may check a vehicle’s MOT history on the government website here.
How long does an MOT usually take?
An MOT typically takes about an hour to complete, depending on whether your vehicle passes the first time.
When is an MOT required for a new car?
After three years, a new car requires an MOT.
Is it legal to drive a car without an MOT?
Driving without a valid MOT is unlawful. This is one of the most common traffic violations, and if you’re caught, you’ll typically face a £1,000 punishment.
Can I tax my automobile if it doesn’t have an MOT?
In a nutshell, no. To be taxed, your car must have a valid MOT certificate.
