Why is an MOT Test Important?

Is it almost that time of year to have your car put to the test to ensure it is roadworthy and safe? An MOT test, (Ministry of Transport Test) is performed by a qualified mechanic to make sure your vehicle is running smoothly and safely, limiting your risk of accident and injury. It is important that all vehicles over three years old receive this test annually to meet the environmental and safety standards set by the government. The MOT test checks key safety components such as brakes, lights, steering, suspension, and tires to ensure that they are in good working order.

Here at Vantage Auto Services, we are a committed car garage who offer professional MOT testing in Newcastle-Under-Lyme as well as the surrounding areas of Stoke-On-Trent. Our team has come together to create this helpful and informative article to highlight everything you need to know about your MOT test, some tips to help you pass, and some of the common reasons why your vehicle may fail its MOT test. 

mechanic with clipboard performing MOT test

What Does an MOT Cover?

While everyone who owns a vehicle must undergo their MOT test annually, a lot of people don’t actually know what goes into the testing process itself. Here at Vantage Auto Services, we have put together a guide to everything we check for when we perform an MOT test for you: 

  • Lighting and Signalling Equipment: During this section of the test, the examiner will check that all the lights on the vehicle are working properly, including the headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, and hazard warning lights. They will also check that the horn is working correctly and that the vehicle’s registration plate is visible and in good condition.
  • Steering: The steering system of the vehicle will be checked to ensure that it is working properly and that there is no excessive play in the steering wheel. The examiner will also check the power steering system, if the vehicle has one.
  • Suspension: The suspension system of the vehicle will be checked to ensure that it is in good condition and that there is no excessive wear or damage to the components. The examiner will also check for any leaks from the shock absorbers.
  • Brakes: The brake system of the vehicle will be checked to ensure that it is working properly and that there is no excessive wear or damage to the brake pads, discs, or drums. The examiner will also check the handbrake and brake fluid level.
  • Tyres and Wheels: The examiner will check the tyres and wheels of the vehicle to ensure that they are in good condition and that the tread depth is within the legal limit. They will also check the tyre pressure and that the wheels are properly aligned
  • Seat Belts: The seat belts in the vehicle will be checked to ensure that they are working properly and that there is no damage or excessive wear. The examiner will also check that the seat belts are securely attached to the vehicle.
  • Body Structure: The body structure of the vehicle will be checked for any damage or corrosion that could affect the structural integrity of the vehicle.
  • Exhaust and Fuel Emissions: The examiner will check the exhaust system of the vehicle to ensure that there are no leaks and that the emissions are within the legal limits.
  • Drivers Road Views: The examiner will check that the driver has a clear view of the road and that there are no obstructions to the driver’s vision.

All of these checks are important to ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive and that it meets the minimum environmental standards set by the government. By having an MOT test, you can help to keep yourself and your family safe on the road while also maintaining the functionality of your vehicle.

MOT vs. Servicing

It’s important to note that an MOT is not the same as a service, as above an MOT is a legal requirement in which your car has to undergo to be redeemed as roadworthy and safe to drive. An MOT is a visual check which needs to be passed or it will be deemed as unsafe and not allowed on the road until the issues are fixed.

A car service is set out by a car manufacturer rather than the government, so it’s specific to your vehicle. A service is more in-depth and checks far more than your MOT test. A specialist will change your oil levels, engine coolant, brake fluid, all of which might not have immediate consequences if they’re running low but can cause a lot of issues if they run out. This gives you security about the level your car is functioning.

raised vehicle having an MOT test performed

Simple Reasons for Cars Failing their MOT Tests

Did you know that almost 40% of MOT tests fail on the first attempt? This is often due to minor faults that could have been easily fixed by the vehicle owner before the test. Here are the top five reasons why MOT tests fail:

Screenwash not topped up: It only takes a few minutes to top up the screenwash, so don’t forget to do it before the test.

Dirty or cluttered car: Remove any clutter from the cabin and boot, and make sure to wipe the windows and mirrors to ensure good visibility.

Registration plate issues: Ensure that the registration plate follows the DVLA rules and is clean and visible. If you have a personalised plate, make sure it uses the correct typeface and spacing.

Stickers on the windscreen: Check that any stickers, such as parking permits, are placed outside the wipers’ sweep area to avoid blocking the driver’s view.

Dashboard warning lights: Since 2012, lit-up warning lights on the dashboard have been included in the MOT test. Make sure you know what these lights mean and address any underlying issues before the test.

By taking care of these minor issues before the test, you can improve the chances of passing the MOT on the first attempt and avoid the hassle of retesting.

If Your Car Fails Its MOT 

You will receive a VT30 Certificate to show the reasons for failure. The categories for passes and fails changed in 2018 and you may still be able to drive your vehicle away if there are no dangerous faults and your vehicle is still covered by its previous MOT. 

But, if your car has dangerous defects or its certificate has expired, then you can’t leave the test centre. If you do, you could face a fine of up to £2,500 and receive three penalty points on your licence, and possibly even a driving ban.

To fix the issues and get your car back on the road, you’ll need to have it repaired and retested. If it passes, then you can safely drive it away.

MOT testing checklist

Are MOT’s a Legal Requirement? 

Yes, MOTs are a legal requirement in the UK for most vehicles that are over three years old. The Ministry of Transport test, commonly known as the MOT test, is a mandatory annual inspection that all vehicles must undergo to ensure they meet minimum safety and environmental standards.

Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate can result in a fine of up to £1,000, and it could also invalidate your car insurance. In some cases, driving a vehicle that fails its MOT test can also result in penalty points on your driving licence.

There are some exemptions to the MOT requirement, such as for vehicles that are less than three years old, electric vehicles, and some historic vehicles. However, in general, the vast majority of vehicles on UK roads are required to undergo an MOT test each year to ensure they are safe and roadworthy.

Book Your MOT Test With Vantage Auto Services

If you choose to ignore the warnings and refuse to take your car for an MOT or drive your car without a valid MOT certificate could cost you dearly. If you do not tend to your MOT your insurance would become void and you wouldn’t receive any compensation if you had an accident. An MOT is simply one test a year, isn’t it worth it for a safe and driveable vehicle?

Simply call our MOT test centre today to find out more about the availability we have for your upcoming test. We will be happy to help. We even fit new tyres from our tyre garage.