Pre-MOT Checks with PTA Garage Services Bicester

March is the most common time for MOTs, as it is either March or September when new number plates are released and cars over 3 years then become due for their first MOT test.

Vehicles are required to undertake an MOT test annually, once they are older than 3 years, to ensure that they meet legal road requirements.

Not all vehicles will pass the MOT test, and in this case you will be required to undertake repairs and have your vehicle re-tested to ensure that it is roadworthy.

Surprisingly, government figures have shown that in 2014/15 nearly 50% of MOT fails could have been avoided! So, before you head to your MOT test make sure that you give your vehicle the best chance of passing with this helpful checklist from PTA Garage Services Bicester.

Lights

Did you know that something as small as a blown light bulb can fail your MOT test? Before your test you should check that all the lights on your vehicle are working correctly. You can do this easily by switching on lights, indicators and hazards whilst the vehicle is parked and walking around the vehicle to check.

If you do notice any blown lights, you can replace them yourself or get them replaced fairly cheaply before your MOT test.

Mirrors

Your mirrors are your eyes on the road, so it is vital that they provide you with a clear and unobscured view. You will need to ensure that they are adjustable and have no large signs of damage such as cracks, which impact on your vision of the road.

Windscreen

Again, you can fail your MOT test if your front-facing view is obscured, so it is important that your windscreen is in good condition. Ensure that there are no cracks or other damage larger than 10mm directly in front of the driver or 40mm anywhere else on the windscreen. If there is such damage, you should have it repaired before your test.

You should also ensure that you have a sufficient amount of screen wash and your windscreen wipers are in good condition – meaning that they clear all water from the windscreen in one pass and do not contain any signs of damage such as cuts, splits, tears or fraying.

Tyres

If your tyres do not meet legal requirements they can cause you to fail your MOT test. You will need to check your tyre tread to ensure that it is not below the legal limit of 1.6mm. If it is below this, you must replace your tyres immediately. As tyre tread affects your safety on the road, PTA Garage Services would recommend replacing when tread drops to 3mm.

You should also ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct tyre pressure as outlined in your vehicle handbook and are free from any damage. Find out what sings of tyre damage you should look out for.

Brakes

It is vital that your brakes are in good working condition. If you have noticed any of the following signs you should have them checked as soon as possible: