You must be familiar with a MOT Test if you drive a car. If not, there’s a good possibility you’re breaching the law. MOT tests are mandated by law, but what are they exactly?
We will give you an overview of the MOT test in this guide, along with information on what is checked, how long it takes, and why it is so crucial.
Every year, road vehicles must undergo a mandatory MOT Rugby test to determine their safety. The test examines your vehicle’s adherence to traffic safety regulations as well as its environmental impact.
Annual MOT testing for your car will be necessary starting in the third year following registration.
How Long Does an MOT Take?
An MOT test should take 45 to 60 minutes on average, but you’ll probably be without your car for a little longer than that.
Test facilities frequently ask that you drop off your car as soon as possible in the morning, and they’ll let you know when the test is done. Experiencing a service concurrent with your car’s MOT will inevitably result in a lengthier time. You should schedule your journey such that you anticipate being without your car for most of the day.
What is the Duty of an MOT?
Furthermore, until the problems are fixed, you won’t be able to drive your car away if it fails its MOT test. If you are driving straight to a garage for repairs, this is the lone exemption.
An MOT test includes a thorough inspection of your complete vehicle, save from a few essential parts like the engine, gearbox, and clutch. This comprises—without being restricted to—
- Suspension and steering
- Both seats and seatbelts
- lights (back, side, registration plate, indicator, and front)
- Mirrors, both internal and external
- Windscreens on the front and back
- Tyres and wheels
- Boot lid, loading doors, doors, and bonnet
- Braking
- Engine body and construction
- Wiring and batteries
- emissions and exhaust (including the catalytic converter)
All general wear and tear, structural damage, and system malfunctions that can make driving your car risky will be inspected.
What Should I Do to Prepare for My MOT?
Paying for a MOT and then having minor issues that might have been easily fixed makes no one happy. Your chances of passing easily can be increased by doing something as straightforward as making sure your engine oil, screen wash, and antifreeze levels are all proper.
Before you leave for your exam, make sure your lights are working properly. Although it’s easy to overlook, broken or blown bulbs are rather frequent, and they can be replaced with ease.
What if My Car Fails Its MOT?
First and foremost, unless your prior certificate is still valid, you will not be allowed to drive your car once it has failed its MOT. In a similar vein, you won’t be allowed to drive your car if your MOT has expired.
Once any necessary repairs have been made, you can request a retest. You are only allowed to drive your car to the garage for repairs and return to the MOT test facility (if not the same location) during this period.
What is MOT Failure?
MOT Failure is a very self-explanatory word. Your automobile fails its MOT if it does not meet the government-mandated standards. If your automobile fails its MOT, it is proof that it is not fit for city driving. A common question is whether a car with a failed MOT may still be driven. The response is emphatic NO. But, the failed MOT shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
MOT tests are intended to address all of the vehicle’s essential components. Always ask the mechanic to fix the problematic portion before reapplying. In the event of a breakdown, the majority of auto repair shops provide free MOT or MOT retest processes, or at a discounted rate thereafter.
You should obtain your MOT at least three to four weeks before the expiration date, just to be cautious. An early MOT test provides ample time for any necessary repairs to be completed.
Why Do You Fail Your MOT?
Now that we understand what a MOT failure is, let’s examine the causes. Many of our clients enquire about what constitutes a failed MOT test as well as the key components of the examination. Naturally, you would earn a failed MOT certificate if the DVSA’s standards are not followed.
An MOT highlights four different problem types: dangerous, major, minor, and advisory.
As the term implies, a dangerous or major problem will be the cause of your failed MOT. You may not be permitted to drive until your automobile issues are resolved if they fall under this category.
A minor or advisory issue won’t result in a failed MOT, but you’ll be urged to keep an eye on it and address it as soon as possible for the safety of you and others.
Approximately 40% of automobiles fail the MOT test on their first try, according to data from MOT testing. If you’re wondering what often fails a MOT, the most frequent problems are with the windscreen, wipers, mirrors and lighting, and signals. The typical motorist frequently overlooks these locations. Before undergoing a car servicing Rugby make sure you inspect the aforementioned components.