If you find your MOT a scary prospect, it might simply be because you are not sure what to expect. You can find the MOT checklist online and work your way through it, fixing any minor problems that do not need any mechanical skills. Let us take a look at some of these.
General Condition
The general condition of your vehicle is a feature on several points on the MOT checklist. The MOT inspector looks at the inside of your car, underneath the hood and the bottom of the car – the chassis – as well as carefully inspecting the interior. They will be looking for signs of damage, whether from aging, from accidents or, indeed, from any cause. Your vehicle must be in good condition to be allowed on the UK’s roads, and this includes not having any loose parts that might break on the road, leaking toxins or shedding debris where other road users might be impacted.
Numberplate
Your numberplate should be firmly attached in the right position on your car, back and front for easy identification by ANPR (automated numberplate recognition) systems. For this same reason, it should always be clean and clear of obscuring mud or dirt. But what many people do not realise is that if they have opted for a vanity plate, there are rules that are relevant to them. The numberplate must be registered – and this is not a cheap process – and must be in one of the few valid fonts. If you have a vanity plate, spend a few moments making sure that you are legally compliant before booking your car for its MOT. If you are unsure about it then we recommend calling the MOT experts at Elite London and checking with them. You can also inquire about other details like MOT duration, MOT fees etc.
Beep the Horn
Most UK drivers seldom use their horn, keeping them – as intended – for emergencies and unusual situations. However, this means that when it comes to maintaining your car, the horn can easily be overlooked – and that it can sometimes fails when you desperately need it to work. Ensure you are in a safe place, and test your horn, making sure that it works readily when you press the button.
Lights
The same applies to your lights – they should all be carefully tested before you book your MOT test. They should light up readily, beam steadily and be of a uniform brightness when in pairs. Have a friend on hand to help you check your lights, and then take your car in, happy to know that, at least, you have checked and crossed off the number one reason for MOT fails.
