In many cases, it’s the simplest problems which can cause motorists to fail their MOT test. Although carrying out checks on your vehicle yourself may seem like a rather daunting task, by taking just a few minutes out of your day to check for the most common problems, you could be saving yourself a great deal of hassle and money in the long run. This article will serve to explain the most important checks you should make on your vehicle before its MOT to help it pass the test.

1. Lights

Prior to your MOT, you should check that all lights on your vehicle are working properly. These include:

– Headlights

– Sidelights

– Rear lights

– Hazard lights

– Indicators

– Brake lights

To test your brake lights, you could either park your car next to a reflective surface or ask a friend to stand at the end of your car to check that your rear brake lights appear when you press the brake pedal.

If you notice that your lights are not appearing when required, it could be that the bulbs have blown or that faulty bulbs have been fitted. If you decide to change the bulbs yourself, you will need to consult the owner’s manual to find where they are located in the vehicle.

2. Seatbelts

The condition of your seat belts can be the difference between life and death in an accident, which is why the importance of regularly checking the seat belts in your vehicle can not be stressed enough. To do so, you should inspect the full length of the seatbelt for any damage – such as fraying, a cut in the fabric or damage to the buckle – and pull sharply on it to see how it would cope should you have to brake suddenly in an emergency situation.

If you identify any of these problems, you must have your seat belt replaced by a professional immediately.

3. Screen wash

While it may seem like a minor problem, an empty screen wash container can fail your MOT test. Therefore, you must check that your screen wash is filled to a suitable level – more information about this can be found in your owner’s manual.

4. An illegible number plate

As a driver, it is your legal obligation to ensure your number plate is clean and easy to read. A dirty, illegible number plate can cause your vehicle to fail its MOT, so it’s worth giving it a quick clean before you take your vehicle to the garage.

5. Fuel and engine oil levels

You should note that the person conducting the MOT will need to check the emission levels of your vehicle, and, as such, can refuse to carry out your test if your fuel and engine oil levels are not suitably topped up.

Therefore, you must check that the fuel and engine oil in your vehicle reach the correct levels. Using the incorrect oil can damage your vehicle, so you should consult your car owner’s manual if you are unsure about what oil is recommended for your car.

Dedicating just a few minutes to checking over your vehicle before it goes in for its MOT can go a long way to reducing the chance of it failing the test. By doing so, you can avoid having to shell out a hefty cost for repairs, and won’t have to resort in taking your vehicle off the road while it is being fixed.

 
Here at Universal Tyres, our thorough servicing and MOT tests will ensure your vehicle complies with legal requirements and regulations, and is completely safe to drive. To find out more about our competitively priced services, simply contact our expert team today.