Taking your car in for an MOT test is one of those jobs which most drivers probably wish they didn’t have to do. Taking your car into the garage if it isn’t running properly, or if you’ve been in an accident is one thing, but having to pass an MOT test when it seems to be running perfectly smoothly can seem like health and safety for the sake of it.
The truth of the matter, however, is that the MOT test has been devised to ensure that all UK cars reach minimum levels of safety. This involves testing aspects such as the steering, brakes and seatbelts, as well as the exhaust system and the fumes which the engine is emitting. It’s not just about the owner of the car either – it’s a question of making sure that it’s safe for every other road user. After all, you might be perfectly happy with the state of your own cars tires, but the MOT test offers the reassurance that every other car on the road has to reach the same high standards. Another good reason to book your MOT test when it’s due is that it often manages to pick up developing problems before they become too serious. You may be told, for example, that your brakes are beginning to wear a little and that, while they passed the test, they may need replacing before too long. Armed with that information you can replace the individual brakes at your own speed, spreading the cost and booking the work when it’s most convenient.
As long as booking your MOT test remains a legal requirement, it’s probably worthwhile getting to know a few of the things which the test itself involves. An MOT test will cover the following aspects of your vehicle:
Vehicle Identification Number
Is your unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) present and is it clearly visible?
Registration plate
Is the number plate for your car in the right position and does the lettering meet the current regulations?
Lights
Are the lights on your car working properly, and are they all the right colour and pointing in the right direction?
Steering and suspension
Are the various sections of your suspension and steering system in good condition and working as they should?
Wipers
Do the windscreen wipers function properly, and are the blades in a good enough condition to ensure a clear view of the road?
Windscreen
Is your windscreen clear of chips and cracks? If there is a 10 mm fault in the drivers’ eye line or a 40mm fault on any part cleaned by the windscreen wipers, then your car will fail its MOT.
Horn
Does the car horn function properly?
Seatbelts
Are the seatbelts in the correct position and are they in good condition and able to operate effectively?
Seats
Are the front seats of the car secure and stable?
Fuel system
Is the fuel system of the car free from potentially dangerous leaks? Is the fuel cap itself securely sealed?
Emissions
Do the emissions given by the exhaust system meet current regulations on air safety? Is the exhaust system itself and its component parts free from faults, leaks and damage?
Bodywork
Is the bodywork of your car sound and free from damage and erosion?
Doors
Do the doors close securely, and can the front doors be opened from both inside and outside the car?
Mirrors
Are the mirrors in good condition and attached to the car in a stable manner?
Wheels and tyres
Are the car wheels in good condition? Are the tyres fitted the correct size, and do they have enough tread on them to ensure safe road-holding?
Brakes
Do the brakes perform as they should, and are the component parts free from excessive wear?
Because we understand that our customers are busy people who have to fit looking after their car around working and family life, we now offer MOT tests on a Saturday morning. Contact us today or pay a visit to our Denton depot and before you know it your car will be certified safe to drive for another year and legally entitled to take to the road.
Pugbitz will also match any quote, like for like, with the customer having the advantage of Specialist and fully qualified technicians doing the work as well as the coveted Pugbitz stamp of quality in their service manual.