MOT Success Made Easy: Handy Tips for a Stress-Free Inspection

Getting ready for your annual MOT inspection can be a dreaded event for many drivers. It’s that time of the year when you need to ensure your vehicle meets the necessary safety and emissions standards. Even a minor fault can cause an MOT failure, making it essential to be well-prepared. 

Fortunately, about 50% of all MOT failures can be easily prevented with some simple, regular maintenance. This means that with a little preparation, you can not only save yourself from failing the MOT test but also avoid the inconvenience of unexpected repairs down the road.

The most common causes of MOT failures often include things like faulty light bulbs, problems with tyre condition and pressure, and issues related to mirrors, wipers, and washers. These are often simple issues that can be addressed with some routine maintenance.

At In Town Automotive, we are a government-approved MOT centre. Our years of experience in conducting MOT tests have enabled us to understand the common pitfalls that drivers face during these inspections.

To help you mitigate these problems we have listed six handy tips for passing the MOT. These measures will help you avoid unnecessary stress, and expenses and ensure a hassle-free experience during your MOT inspection. 

Let’s get started!

1. Inspect Your Tyres

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) reports that more than 11% percent of MOT failures occur due to tyre issues such as insufficient tread depth or inflation, cuts, punctures, cracking, or bulges. You don’t need to be an expert to spot some of these issues, they can be very easily identified through a simple inspection. 

An essential tip for passing MOT tests is to inspect the condition of your tyres prior to the test. Check if the tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, which is the legal limit. You can check this using a 20p coin. Additionally, keep an eye on any cuts or bulges, and if needed get the tyre replaced.

2. Test Your Lights

Faulty lights are another major contributor to the failure of MOT tests, accounting for a total of 12%. What’s surprising is that fixing these lights is often the most affordable repair you can make on your vehicle.

Ensuring all the lights on your car are clean and working properly is not only essential for passing an MOT test but also for maintaining your safety while driving. 

Check if all the lights are working including the headlights, sidelights, hazard warning lights, fog lights, and number plate lights. If any of these have stopped working or become dim, you can easily get them replaced. 

3. Clean and Check Your Windscreen and Wipers

A clean windscreen and properly functioning wipers are important for maintaining clear visibility, which in turn helps you stay safe on the road. Surprisingly, as obvious as it may seem, this crucial aspect of your vehicle is often overlooked. 

For passing the MOT test, your windscreen should be free of cracks and chips that could block your vision. While small windshield chips usually don’t cause an MOT failure, larger ones (over 40mm) or those that obstruct your view can lead to a failure. Furthermore, if you notice your wiper blades moving slower than usual or not working at all, it’s likely time to replace the windshield wiper motor.

4. Ensure Maximum Visibility

Another major reason for MOT failures is obstructions that hinder the driver’s view. It includes anything that clutters the dashboard, such as hanging objects, air fresheners or any items placed in a way that obscures the driver’s line of sight.

Make sure you keep your dashboard free from such items, as this can lead to instant failure. Additionally, if you use a dash cam, see to it that it’s properly installed with its wires and cables neatly tucked away, so they don’t impede your vision or obstruct your view.

5. Ensure Your Number Plate is Visible

Even though it may seem obvious, passing MOT tests requires that your number plate is not excessively damaged, obscured, peeling, or deteriorated. Therefore, if your number plate is in poor condition it would be ideal to get it replaced or repaired before your MOT.

In addition to that, make sure that your number plates have the right style of lettering and proper spacing. If your number plate isn’t easily readable from a distance, it could result in an immediate MOT failure.

6. Check the Oil Levels

Inadequate oil levels can damage your engine and result in expensive car repairs. Therefore, it’s wise to keep a check on the oil levels and fill your fuel tank consistently, not only for maintaining the health of your car but also for passing the MOT test. 

Although it may be evident, another frequent note on MOT reports relates to oil leaks. Hence, it’s a wise idea to inspect your vehicle for oil leaks on a routine basis.

Contact In Town Automotive to Get Your MOT Test Booked Today 

In addition to the tips discussed above, there are other measures you can implement to maintain the condition of your car before your MOT test. One of the most important things is regularly servicing and maintaining your car. Additionally, choosing a trusted and experienced MOT centre is equally essential. 

At In Town Automotive, we boast extensive experience in conducting successful MOT checks for countless car owners in Northampton. We conduct MOT tests at half the price compared to other garages and our technicians will explain the results properly. 

We also provide a wide range of car servicing and maintenance services to ensure your car is in top condition. Some of our services include cambelt changes, brake replacements, air con repairs and more! 

You can take a look at our services or call us at 01604 666 700 to book an appointment today!