As a car owner it’s a legal requirement to have your car MOT tested every year, and failure to do so can result in hefty fines and even points on your license. However, preparing for an MOT test can be nerve wracking, especially if you’re not sure what to expect or what repairs might come up.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to get your car MOT ready so you can worry less.
Check your car battery
Maintaining your car battery is incredibly important as it’s an essential part to keeping your car running.
Before your MOT test, check that your car battery is fully charged and in good condition. You can do this by using a voltmeter to check the voltage, which should be around 12.6 volts when the car is not running. If the voltage is low, charge the battery or consider replacing it if the battery is old.
Check your lights
Before taking your car for its MOT test, check that all your lights are working correctly. This includes your headlights, indicators, brake lights, and fog lights. You can do this by turning on your car and walking around it to see which lights are working (you can ask a family member or friend to assist with brake lights).
If any bulbs need replacing, replace them before your MOT as this will likely be cheaper than paying the garage and will save a fail for something so simple.
Check your tyres
The next step is to check your tyres. Make sure they are inflated to the correct pressure and that they have a good amount of tread left. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but it’s recommended that you replace your tyres if they have less than 3mm of tread left.
Additionally, check for any cuts, bulges, or tears in the sidewalls of your tyres as this will be a failure also.
Check your brakes
Your brakes are one of the most critical components of your car. Before your MOT test, check that your brakes are working correctly by checking that the brake pedal has a good amount of resistance and that there are no strange noises or vibrations when you apply the brakes.
Check your windscreen
Your windscreen must be free from any chips or cracks that could obstruct your vision while driving. Many car insurance policies will include windscreen repair without it impacting your no claims bonus, this is often cheaper than going direct to a repair company.
If you have any chips or cracks, get them repaired before your MOT test to avoid paying for your garage to do this.
In summary, by taking the time to check these the condition of your car before your MOT test, you’ll be well on your way to passing with flying colours.
