The latest UK MOT testing data shows that nearly 30% of cars fail their MOT at the first attempt, according to the DVSA. But, if regular maintenance and pre-MOT checks were carried out on these vehicles ahead of an MOT test, some of these fails could have been avoided.
Booked your MOT but not sure where to begin when preparing your vehicle for it? We’ve put together a pre-MOT checklist to help you remember the small things to check before your MOT that could make a big difference to the result.
1. Check headlights and indicators work properly
Checking your headlights and indicators before an MOT is essential as faulty or misaligned lights are a common reason for failing an MOT. Taking just a few minutes to make sure lights are properly aligned and any blown bulbs are replaced can make a significant difference in passing your MOT smoothly.
2. Check your brake lights work
When you’re driving, you might not realise that one of your brake lights is no longer working. Ensuring that all lights, including your brake lights, are functioning correctly is essential to prevent accidents by improving visibility and signalling your intentions to other drivers. If you don’t have someone to help you check your brake lights while the vehicle is on, try reversing close to a window or reflective surface to ensure you won’t be caught out in your MOT.
3. Check wheels are fitted securely with no cuts or bulges to tyres
When doing a pre-MOT inspection, ensuring your wheels are securely fitted and tyres are free from cuts or bulges is paramount for both safety and compliance. Damaged tyres, such as those with cuts, bulges or embedded objects, can lead to serious accidents if they burst suddenly on the road. This is why tyres with visible damage or improper fitting can result in an MOT failure, leading to additional costs and inconvenience. Regularly checking your tyres for these issues helps maintain vehicle safety and increases the likelihood of passing your MOT without a hitch.
4. Check there is enough screen wash
It seems trivial, but an empty screen wash container will cause your vehicle to fail its MOT as a clear windscreen is crucial for safe driving. Any good garage will top you up and bill you for the fluid, but why not do this simple pre-MOT check yourself? Better to be safe than sorry – and out of pocket.
5. Check your windscreen wipers can spray enough screen wash liquid
Now you’ve checked that you have enough screen wash, it’s time to check that your windscreen wipers are working as well. If the washers fail to supply sufficient cleaning fluid, the wipers won’t be able to clean the windscreen effectively, which can lead to an MOT failure. Properly functioning wipers and washers are essential for maintaining a clear view of the road, especially in adverse weather conditions. Ensuring they work correctly can save you from the inconvenience and cost of a failed MOT, whilst also enhancing your safety on the road.
6. Check both windscreens for cracks and chips larger than 10mm
The final MOT pre-check involving your front and rear windscreens should be looking for cracks or chips larger than 10mm. These can obstruct the driver’s line of vision, posing a significant safety risk, and sudden changes in temperature or vibrations from driving along the road can make them crack further and expand over time. Addressing these issues promptly not only helps you pass the MOT, but also ensures your safety and that of other road users.
7. Check there is enough fuel or engine oil
Ensuring your vehicle has sufficient fuel and engine oil before an MOT is crucial. The MOT tester needs to run the engine to check exhaust emission levels, and if the fuel or engine oil levels are too low, they might refuse to conduct the test. This could lead to delays and additional costs to rebook your test. Regularly checking and maintaining these levels not only helps you pass the MOT, but also means your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently.
8. Check that your number plate can be easily read
Number plates are under strict regulation, simply so they can be easily read. Make sure yours is unobscured by checking that is free of any mud or dirt, as well as checking for cracks. Additionally, unreadable plates can prevent automatic number plate recognition cameras from identifying your vehicle, which is crucial for law enforcement, toll collection and some car parks. Finally, if you’ve gone off-piste with a non-regulation number plate, don’t expect to pass your MOT.
9. Check that your brakes work and that your brake pads don’t need replacing
Are you hearing a squealing sound? It might be your brake pads crying out to be replaced. We don’t need to tell you how important brakes are to your safety, so getting any issues sorted in preparation for your MOT means you remain safe on the road and your local garage doesn’t have to waste time during the actual test.
10. Regularly service your vehicle
The best way to pass your MOT with flying colours is to have regular servicing so that any problems are all sorted before your test. It’s easy to find your local Eurorepar garage and book online for your service.
What do I need to take to an MOT test?
For your MOT test, there are three essential things you should take with you: your V5C registration document (which shows you're the registered owner of your vehicle), your current MOT certificate from the vehicle's most recent MOT, and your appointment confirmation.
We hope our guide has helped you know what to check before an MOT. If you need to book your MOT test or would like more assistance with assessing the condition of your vehicle, why not find a car service and MOT centre near you? Or for general motor advice and information, head over to our blog.
