If you are new to motoring and your very first car is due for its MOT, this article was written with you in mind. As you probably know, every vehicle that is 3 years or older must pass an annual MOT test to ensure that the car is roadworthy, and with that in mind, here are a few aspects of the MOT test to check prior to booking your car in.
- Steering & Brakes – The steering will be checked for excess play, while the car will be put on a rolling road to test the brakes for efficiency, while the handbrake is also checked for the correct tension.
- Lights – If you are wondering where to check my MOT in Bristol, there is a very affordable local garage with very reasonable prices, and once the MOT check has been completed, they can carry out the MOT test while you wait. The lights would be checked, including the main headlights, all indicators, rear lights, brake lights, reversing lights and also the small bulbs that illuminate the rear number plate.
- Tyres – A critical element of the MOT test is inspecting the tyres, which should have a minimum of 1.6mm tread depth, while not having any bulges or tears on the sidewalls. The spare will also be checked, so make sure that is in good order. Obviously, tyres that have less than the required tread depth need to be replaced prior to the MOT test.
- Windscreen Wipers & Washer – The wiper blades should be in good order and the washer bottle should be filled prior to booking the car in for the MOT test, plus the windscreen must be free of cracks and splits.
If you find a good MOT test garage, they will retest the car for free in the event it fails.
