Understanding the MOT Test: Your Complete Guide to Keeping Your Car Roadworthy

If you own a car in the UK, you surely must have heard about the MOT. The test ensures that vehicles on British roads meet minimum safety and environmental standards and is held on a yearly basis. For many people driving, and particularly with new drivers, the whole MOT test can seem rather complicated and even stressful. What exactly do they check? How do you prepare? What if you fail? This guide acts as a walk-through of everything you must learn about the MOT Park Swindon test in plain and simple language, so you will be able to negotiate this crucial part of car ownership.

 

What exactly is an MOT test?

 

The acronym MOT started from the Ministry of Transport, code originally for the name of the department which once undertook testing. Today, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency 

(DVSA) manages MOT testing throughout the UK.

 

The MOT basically is the set of safety checks that ascertain if your car is safe or not according to road safety and environmental standards. It is not a service- an MOT test does not maintain your car; it only determines if it is safe to drive.

According to UK law, any car that is over three years of age needs an MOT certificate to be driven on the road. This certificate is valid for 12 months, after which the car needs to be subjected to another test.

 

What happens during an MOT test?

 

Once you drop your car off at a certified MOT test centre, a qualified tester is set to subject the car through a number of checks under the approved standards.The vehicle usually goes through the testing procedures within 45 minutes or an hour.

In detail, the following is what will be checked during the MOT:-

 

Body and Vehicle Structure

The tester will test your car for excessive corrosion and damage, especially in "structural" areas. They will verify that there are not sharp edges that could cause injury to someone.

 

Fuel System

Your fuel system is checked for leaks, and the fuel cap must be able to seal the fuel compartment properly. While testing, the fuel cap will also be opened so fuel can be supplied to the vehicle.

 

Exhaust Emissions

Your car will have to meet stringent exhaust emission standards laid down depending on its age and type of fuel it uses. Different standards exist for diesel as opposed to petrol cars. The tester will then ascertain whether your exhaust is producing undue smoke and whether the catalytic converter, if it was originally fitted in your vehicle, is still there.

 

Exhaust System

In addition to checking emissions, the tester will check to see that the exhaust is secure and complete, and that noise levels are within limits allowed. Serious leaks will also be checked for, and the existence of all components will be confirmed with correct fitting. 

 

Seats and Seat Belts

Each seat has to be firmly fixed, and all seat belts must be in good working condition. The tester will also check the security, condition, and operation of the seat belts, including retracting functions.

 

Doors, Mirrors, and Bonnet

All doors must open and close properly, and door latches must operate in both open and closed positions. Mirrors shall be secured, providing adequate rearward view. The bonnet must close securely.

 

Wipers and Washers

All front windscreen wipers and washers must work properly, their use should provide a clear view of the road by removing water. Rubber blades must also be good enough to clear the windscreen without causing any scratches or smudges.

 

Windscreen and Windows

Windscreens are checked for condition. Any damage larger than 10mm in the driver's direct line of sight will cause it to fail, and any damage in the swept area larger than 40mm will likewise cause failure. Windows should be able to raise and lower.

 

Horn

Horn must be in working order, and it must be suitable for the vehicle. Must be loud enough to be heard by other road users.

 

Lights

All lights have to be in working condition, including headlights, sidelights, rear lights, brake lights, indicators, and hazard lights. Headlights must be positioned in such a way so as not to dazzle oncoming drivers.

 

Brakes

Your braking system is thoroughly checked. The tester will check performance, condition, and operation of brakes, including hand brakes. They will use special equipment to determine braking efficiency.

 

Tyres and Wheels

Your tyres must have good tread depth, i.e., minimum 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, and be free from any major damage. They must be the correct size and type for your vehicle. Wheels must be secure with no damaged or missing wheel nuts or bolts.

 

Suspension and Steering

The tester checks all suspension components and steering components for any excessive wear or damage, and ensures that your steering response works as it should.

 

Conclusion

 

The MOT test is an important safety checkpoint that contributes to the overall objective of making roads safer across the UK. As a car owner, it can help to know what happens during the test and prepare for it in advance, so that you can consider the annual test as a 'check, with confidence, rather than concern'. Keeping your car maintained throughout the year (and not just for the MOT) is the primary way to keep it roadworthy, reliable, and safe to drive! 

 

If you are uncertain about any part of the MOT process, please contact a qualified mechanic or Car Servicing Swindon. Safe travels

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