Why Getting an MOT Test on Time Is Essential

 

In the UK, if your car is more than three years old, your car requires an MOT test to be driven legally.  This test is to check whether your car is safe to drive. The test checks all the important parts of the car to make sure they are in good working order and aren't risky for you, your passengers, or anyone else on the road. This test makes sure your car meets the legal and environmental rules. Let’s have a look at the things that the testers check at the MOT centre. 

Checking the Car's ID and Basics 

The MOT tester first checks the car’s ID. They check the VIN against the registration and make sure the licence plates are easily readable, spaced correctly, secure and in good condition.  This might look like a very small thing, but your car will not pass the MOT test if the licence plates aren’t correct or in proper condition. 

Checking the Lights, Signals, and Electrical Things 

The tester checks all the headlights (both main and dipped beams), turn signals and hazard lights, brake lights, fog lights, licence plate lights, and backup lights (if the car is new enough) to ensure you can drive safely at any time of the day. 

Brakes 

Brakes are undeniably the most crucial parts in a car. Without them functioning well, it is impossible to drive safely on the roads.  So, during the MOT test, brakes are thoroughly checked to ensure they are in good condition. The tester uses a roller to see how well the brakes in your work are, i.e., how fast or slow your car stops when you hit the brakes. If your car takes too long to stop, then your car will fail the MOT test. The MOT professionals check the brake pads and discs and verify if brake fluid is leaking. Plus, they also check the brake hoses and pipes and handbrakes.   

Tyres and Wheels 

Damaged tyres can be a safety risk. Driving on with such tyres increases the risk of an accident. It is hard to drive with such tyres, as they offer inadequate grip and control. Hence, the MOT tester checks each tyre thoroughly to ensure the tread depth is at least 1.6 mm. When the tread depth drops below 1.6 mm, the tyres offer less grip, which can jeopardise the safety of the driver, passengers, and others on the road.  Apart from this, the testers also look if there is any damage to the tyres, such as cuts, cracks or bulges. Plus, they also check the wheel alignment of your car. 

Steering and Suspension 

Good steering response and suspension are needed for safe and smooth driving. The MOT tester takes a look at the steering wheel and column, power steering, steering rack or box, shock absorbers, springs and suspension arms and the ball joints and linkages. 

Seatbelt Inspection 

Seatbelts don’t seem very important, but they play a crucial role in keeping you safe while driving. During emergencies and sudden braking, seatbelts prevent you from getting seriously injured. Hence, the MOT tester also checks whether the seatbelts are in proper condition or not. They make sure all the seatbelts lock and release properly, retract smoothly, and do not have any signs of wear or tear. 

Visibility Check: Windscreen, Wipers, and Mirrors 

To drive safely, you need to see clearly.  Hence, the MOT tester also checks the windscreen for chips or cracks in your view, wipers and washer system, and rear-view and side mirrors. If the windscreen of your car is badly damaged, or even if the wipers don’t clean the windscreen well, your car won’t pass the MOT test. 

Exhaust System and Emissions 

To make sure your car is meeting environmental standards, the MOT tester will also check the emissions.  The tester will check how much smoke your car is emitting and also the colour of the smoke. Too much smoke can mean your vehicle is burning fuel more than necessary. Plus, the tester will see how much noise your vehicle creates while it is on the move. If the noise is louder than the legal limits, then your car will fail the MOT test. Plus, they also check if the exhaust system is loose or wobbly; it could be a safety issue, and it might also lead to leaks. 

Fuel System 

Finally, the tester will check the fuel tank, fuel lines, and cap for any leaks. A tight cap is important to keep fuel from evaporating and to prevent fires. 

Conclusion 

It is highly important to get your car’s MOT test done. The test makes sure your car is safe to drive. MOT helps identify problems in your car early, thereby preventing them from turning into bigger issues in the future. Most importantly, you cannot drive your vehicle on the roads of the UK if you don’t have a valid MOT certificate. So, to keep yourself and others on the road safe and to avoid fines, it is important to get the MOT Coventry test done as soon as possible. 

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