What is an MOT?

An MOT test is an annual check that aims to make sure that your vehicle is safe to drive and meets road safety and environmental standards. Each MOT test includes a list of standard tests and checks that are performed on every vehicle.

Your vehicle’s front, rear, brake, fog, indicator and registration plate lights and rear reflectors must:

– Be correctly positioned

– Secure

– Not be obscured

– Be in good condition

– Show the correct colour

– Not be affected by the operation of any other light

– Illuminate with a single operation of the switch

The horn have one uniform note that is loud enough to be heard by another road user.

The battery must be secure and not show any signs of leaking electrolytes.

Wiring should be secure and must not be damaged.

Electrical sockets must be in a good condition and correctly operate the trailer parking lights, brake lights, indicators and rear fog lights.

Your steering wheel must be secure and in a good condition. Your steering wheel should only lock when the engine isn’t running. Vehicles with power steering must have at least the minimum level of power steering fluid in the reservoir.

Suspension and shock absorbers are checked for corrosion, distortion and fractures.

Brakes, pedals and levers should be in good condition and any relevant warning lights must work. A brake performance test is also carried out to check the breaks are in working order.

Your tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm and have no lumps, bulges, tears, exposure of the cord and tread separation. Road wheels must be in good general condition, and all wheel nuts should be in place and tightly secured.

All your seat belts need to be the correct length and work effectively.

The body is checked to make sure all components are free from excessive corrosion with no sharp edges that might cause injury.

These must be secure and clearly legible to someone standing 20 metres away from the car and fitted to the front and rear of the vehicle.

Every vehicle must permanently display a legible VIN, either on a VIN plate secured to the vehicle, or stamped or etched on the body or chassis.

A speedometer must be fitted.

Your exhaust system should be secure and free of leaks.

Your vehicle’s carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions must fall within the legal limit.

Rear view mirrors and wing mirrors must be secure and provide adequate views to the rear and side of the vehicle.

In front of the driver, there must not be any damage or obstruction to the view larger than 10mm. Outside this area, the obstruction cannot exceed 40mm. Wipers and washers must sweep a wide enough area to give the driver an adequate view of the road.

If you are in need of an MOT, Car Doctor is on hand to help. We pride ourselves on the quality of our service and offer you great value for your money. We promise to repair only what you need repairing with no false extras, a practice someone mechanic establishments have been known to do.

Check out our MOT services or to book your car in with our friendly, local team, call us on 01634 730 684!