Here’s what you need to check to get your car through its next MOT

An MOT is a mandatory inspection of all cars over three years old in the UK. It checks that a vehicle meets required standards for safety and emissions and without a valid MOT, your car won’t be permitted to drive in the UK, so it’s a very important inspection.

It’s one that thousands of cars go through each year, too, and can be a stressful time for motorists. However, we’ve got some easy checks to make that can help to make the whole process a little easier.

Lights

Lights are a core part of the MOT test. The good news is that they’re easy to check, so you shouldn’t have too many issues identifying a problem. To begin with, these checks are made easier if you’ve got a friend or relative who can look around the car as you operate the lights at the front and rear.

Don’t forget to try the indicators, too, and make sure you test your foglight as well. If there’s a blown bulb, then these can usually be swapped out at home though the vast majority of motoring stores will offer this service if you’d rather a professional looked at it for you.

Tyres

Tyres are absolutely crucial to the safe control of a car since they’re the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road. In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, though it’s advisable to change your tyres well before they reach this level. The easiest way to check a tyre’s tread depth is with a depth gauge – they’re inexpensive and can be purchased online.

While you’re looking at the tyre, check the sidewalls for cuts or bulges and inspect the outer edge of the tyre for excess wear. Keep an eye out for screws or bolts which may have lodged in the tyre, too.

Exhaust

Exhausts are a key area included in the MOT examination and it’s a good component to check over before your car is tested. One of the best ways to work out if there’s an issue with an exhaust is by listening. Does it sound louder than usual? If it does, there could be a hole in the exhaust system and this will need to be fixed ahead of your MOT.

Listen out for any clunking sounds, too, as this could highlight worn brackets. If your car is producing any smoke, then it’s a good idea to get this checked out as well, as it could suggest larger problems such as a blown head gasket or internal oil leaks.

Windscreen and mirrors

A windscreen takes a lot of abuse during a year’s driving, particularly during winter. A damaged windscreen can mean an instant MOT fail, too, so it’s important that you check it over. Look out for chips directly in the driver’s sight line and identify any cracks, too. Most small chips can be easily repaired, too, so catching them early can help avoid a much larger repair bill later on.

Take a look at your car’s mirrors, too. If they’re cracked, chipped or damaged, then they can often be the cause of an MOT failure, so make sure that they’re clear of issues.

Fluids

The correct fluids help a car to run as efficiently as possible and though an MOT won’t take an in-depth look at certain levels, there are some areas which you’ll need to have properly topped up.

Make sure that your car has at least a quarter a tank of fuel and check that there’s enough oil in the engine, too. It’s also a good idea to top up the windscreen washer fluid and coolant reservoir, if required. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines when adjusting fluid levels and, if you need to, consult with a professional.

Brakes

It’s a good time to check your car’s brakes, too. When moving, test to see that your brakes slow the car down smoothly without juddering and feel for any pulling to either side, as this could point towards a brake or suspension issue. If there is a problem, get it checked out by a professional.

Park on an incline and test the handbrake, too. It should hold the car in place without the need to raise the handbrake too high.

Interior

Some aspects of a car’s interior should be checked before an MOT, too. Ensure that all of the car’s seatbelts are working and securing properly, and double-check that the horn works as it should, too. If there are any warning lights on the dashboard then these should be checked out as well.

It can never harm to give your car’s interior a clean, too. It’ll help testers to move through the interior more easily and will help with that new-car feeling when you get it back following its MOT.