It’s one time of year that every driver dreads, after all who knows what problems are hidden underneath your car bonnet! Running a car is after all notoriously expensive, particularly for young drivers hit by insurance price hikes, but is there anything you can do to ensure your car passes its MOT first time?
Astonishingly one in five cars fails its first MOT test, but unbeknown to many you don’t have to be a mechanic to complete the basic steps that prepare your vehicle for its MOT. The following tips and topics will ensure every driver receives that coveted pass certificate and avoids the expense of additional repairs and retesting.
Ensure your lights do the job
The external lights on your vehicle need a little tender loving care every now and again to ensure your car remains roadworthy and can pass its MOT with flying colours. Checking that external lights are in good working order is the quickest step every car owner can take to ensure they don’t fail their MOT on a problem that could be sorted relatively easily and cheaply.
To pass your MOT all lights must be operational, clean and free from damage, whilst your number plate must also be visibly lit. Any bulbs that are not working should be replaced, whilst the wiring must also be checked for loose connections. Before you leave your car in for its MOT walk around your car – in the dark! – and check that your lights and indicators are working. If you spot any problems tell your garage and they will sort these out before carrying out the MOT.
Double-check your driving essentials
There are certain aspects of your vehicle that must be checked to ensure that your vehicle is not a danger to other drivers and during certain weather conditions. The horn, windscreen washers and wiper blades are all essential to the safe operation of your car, and worn items and screen wash should be topped up and replaced where necessary.
Your mirrors are also an important part of your vehicle and ensuring these are in good condition is vital. Brake pedals that feel particularly spongy may also indicate that your brake fluid level is low.
Replace worn tyres
Not only is it illegal to drive with tyres that have a tread depth of less than 1.6mm, it is also extremely dangerous and puts you and other road users at risk. Check your tyres for damage and wear, after all its better to replace tyres before your MOT rather than wait for a fail and potentially the delay of a retest.
As you check all of these items on your car before your MOT make a note of any problems and tell your garage about that when you drop your car in. They can then attend to these items before putting your car through the MOT.
Book your car in for a MOT at Collisons, we will give you a fair honest price and ensure your car drives away without any faults.
