PASS YOUR MOT WITH FLYING COLOURS WITH OUR SIMPLE 10 STAGE SIMPLE CHECKLIST

The best way to save money before heading to your MOT test is to go through a series of simple checks to avoid excessive costs or a MOT failure. It is a great idea to go though these simple checks a couple of weeks before you are planned for a MOT to make sure you have time to resolve any issues and fix any problems with your vehicle. Go though our simple 10 point check list and let us help you save money before going for your yearly MOT.

Did you know that? 1.5 million vehicles fail their MOT due to simple things such as faulty bulbs, too little tyre tread, or even empty windscreen washer fluid bottles. By carrying out some simple checks in our list you can save the cost of failing your MOT and make sure your vehicle is road safe.

MOT Checklist 

1. Lights 

There a few different lights that you want to be checking here. Please check your headlights, indicators, sidelights, rear lights, hazard lights and brake lights to make sure they are all functioning correctly and work. 

TOP TIP: Get a friend or family member to help you out! Ask them to check whilst you press the brake to ensure your brake light is working. 

A common MOT failure are unsecured light mounts so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for any wobbly lights. 

Have any problems with your lights or need something replaced? Why not have a look at our green parts for cost effective and quality used parts that can be delivered next day or ready in time for your next MOT.  

 2. Tyres & Tyres 

There are a couple of checks to carry out here. Firstly make sure that all your tyres and wheels are free from damage and are inflated to the vehicle advised level. A good way to know your correct tyre pressure is to check out the vehicle handbook and use a tyre checker. Another key thing to check here is the tread around the whole of the vehicle - this has to be 1.6mm as a minimum legal requirement. We recommend that you change your tyres when the tread reaches 3mm and to ensure your vehicle is road safe. 

Is your thread below 1.6mm? Why not get in touch about our part-worn tyres that are affordable and great to get you back on the road, we also stock a wide range of new tyres too. 

3. Exhaust 

Avoid faulting your MOT with a problem in the exhaust system by taking a listen out for any excessive noise or rattling when your car is running and the engine is turned on. Also keep your eyes peeled for any smoke coming from the exhaust. This is very normal for when you start up a diesel engine but having excessive volumes of smoke insides a problem within your exhaust system. 

Top Tip: If you have fuel or oil leaking from your exhaust then this probably indicated that you have problems with your spark plugs or glow plugs and means that you are not warming/burning fuel properly. Get this checked out before your MOT to help you pass with flying colours. 

4. Windscreen and Wipers 

Any damage within your windscreen that is larger than 40mm will cause an MOT fail as well as any damage on the drivers side that is larger than 10mm in size. If you have any damage to your windscreen make sure to repair this before your MOT to avoid any failures. 

Another important aspect to check is your wipers. Simply just check that your wipers are keeping your windscreen clean without any damage to the rubber as this will lead to a failure in your MOT. Both your wipers and washers could be in suitable condition and have a consistent cleaning function. 

Top Tip: Make sure to top up your screen wash before heading into your MOT test as this is such a simple task but if you are caught with an empty or low screen wash cab result in an MOT failure so grab that screen was and fill it up! You will thank us later! 

5. Fuel and engine oil 

It is important for your vehicle has a suitable level of fuel and oil to carry out your MOT. You can be turned away from your MOT without sufficient levels so make sure not to make this mistake. 

A simple way to check your oil levels is to locate and remove your dipstick from your vehicle and then wipe it clean. Put the dipstick back in the engine and pull it out again - look at the level and this should sit in-between the minimum and maximum marks that are clearly presented.

Top Tip: make sure your car is parked on a level surface when carrying out this test and ensure your vehicle is cool when carrying out this simple test. 

 6. Mirrors  

Check all mirrors around your vehicle and inside. All mirrors need to be secure, free of damage and intact. Any damage to your mirrors is a fail on your MOT so make sure that these are all good before heading into your MOT. 

Need new wing-mirrors or an internal mirror? Get in touch to enquiry about our cost effective green parts. 

 7. Brakes

Are your brakes in good condition? If your car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes this then indicates a problem that will need to be addressed before going into your MOT. You should also test your handbrake as this will need to be strong enough to hold your vehicle when it is stationary, especially if your vehicle is parked on an incline. 

Top Tip: If you have alloy wheels, it is possible to carry out a quick visual inspection of your braking system. Make sure to look at the excessive wear of brake pads or pitted brake discs as this could be an indication that your brakes need replacing. A good thing to check before heading into your MOT.

8. Internal Check 

Do a thorough check of all the internal of your vehicle. Make sure to check your seatbelts are the correct length and function appropriately. A good way to check this is if you pull sharp on the seatbelt and it should lock into place 0- this is what you want to see.

Check any warning lights that appear on your dashboard as this will be included in any MOT test and could indicate any problems with your vehicle. 

Top Tip: Make sure all lights light up when you start your vehicle and then they should turn off immediately. If any of the warning lights remain lit then you should fix the errors or have your car seen to before your test. 

 One of the last checks internally should be an inspection fo your seats! Test that your seats can adjust forwards and backwards - this is very important to pass a MOT test!

9. Number Plate 

 A simple heck but can cause so many issues within an MOT is to make sure you a lean and legible number plate. Ensuring that the spacing of the letters complies with legal requirements is a must for passing your MOT so make sure before heading into your MOT that this is all correct and ready to go. 

10. Horn

Check your horn is working properly. Give it a short blast to check it is working. If your horn isn’t working then make sure to repair this at your local dealer or repair shop to repair or replace this. It is the simple things that can lead to an MOT failure. 

We hope this helped with helping you be prepared for your next MOT and ensuring you don’t waste any money the next time your vehicle goes through an MOT. Check out our website for all your green part and used part requirements to ensure your vehicle is road ready.