If your next MOT is on the horizon and you’re keen to make sure your car’s in good shape before you take it in for the test, keep reading.
As MOT provider Kwik Fit points out, there are a number of simple but important checks you can make yourself before the experts take over. So, before you arrive for your MOT from Kwik Fit or another test provider, it’s worth remembering the following pointers.
Pay attention to your tyres
One of the areas that will be looked at during the test is the condition of your tyres. To pass, they must meet a number of criteria. For example, their tread depth must be a minimum of 1.6mm. You can test the tread depth using a special gauge or you can use a 20p piece. To do this, simply insert the coin into the deep grooves in your tyres. If you can see the outer band, the tread is below 1.6mm and therefore your tyres will need to be replaced.
Pay attention to the general condition of the tyres too. If you see any cuts or bulges in the sidewalls or any sharp objects embedded in the rubber, they may have to be replaced.
If you’re keen to test your tyre knowledge, you can check out the #TyreChallenge interactive quiz on the Kwik Fit website.
Give your windscreen and mirrors a once-over
Fortunately, when it comes to your windscreens, small imperfections won’t result in an automatic MOT failure. However, if you have a chip or crack in the area that’s swept by the blades of your windscreen wipers, you’ll have to get this fixed. Also, any damage located outside this area mustn’t exceed 1cm in diameter.
It’s important to note that your mirrors should be securely fixed in place and in good condition too.
Make sure your bodywork’s safe
The bodywork on your car doesn’t have to be immaculate, but if you spot any sharp edges that could injure pedestrians, it’s important to get these looked at by a professional before your test. In addition, your bumpers must be securely fixed in place and your doors have to work from both inside and out.
Take a look at your lights
Another easy check you can do yourself is to make sure that all of your lights are working, including your front and rear side lights, stop lights, front and rear fog lights, indicators, reversing lights and the lights over your registration plate. By far the easiest way to test your lights is to get someone to help you by standing outside of the car as you turn the bulbs on and off. If you find that any lights aren’t working, make sure you get them replaced before your test.
By doing straightforward checks like these before your MOT, you can avoid an unnecessary failure.