Preparing your car for an MOT 

Every car that is more than three years old legally needs an MOT test to ensure it is roadworthy and safe to drive. If your car fails its MOT, it must be repaired to conform to the standards to make sure it is safe and legal to drive. There are certain things you can check yourself to minimise the inconvenience of a fail.

Keep your car clean and tidy

A messy car won’t mean an MOT failure, but if there’s excessive dirt and a boot full of clutter, the examiner could refuse to perform the MOT test. On that note, make sure your number plates are clean, as they’ll need to be readable to pass the MOT.

Ensure tyres are safe

Check the tyre tread depth to make sure it is above the legal requirement of 1.6mm. An easy way to do this is to insert a 20p coin into the tread. If you can’t see the outside rim of the coin, your tyres are safe! Also make sure they’re inflated to the correct PSI for your vehicle, and that there are no bulges, punctures, or cuts.

Give your windscreen the once-over

Check your wipers are in good condition, with no tears in the rubber or a build-up of dirt. They should glide across the windscreen without sticking or squeaking! Ensure your washer fluid is topped up and that your windscreen is clean and free of damage.

Check your lights

Exterior

Your headlights, brake lights, hazards, indicators, number plate lights and reversing lights should be clean and in good working order. The casing for the lights should not be damaged or foggy.

Interior

If a warning light was showing on your dashboard, we would assume that you would identify the issue and book your vehicle in for a repair as soon as you can. However, if you have let this go, now’s the time to get it looked at!

Top up your fluids

Ensure your oil, water, and brake fluid are all topped up to the required amount. Open your car’s bonnet on a flat surface with the engine cool. After checking your fluid levels and topping up what you need to, make sure your bonnet is fully shut.

Check your mirrors

You must have your obligatory mirrors intact and clean to pass your MOT. This includes your interior mirror. They should be free of cracks or damage, and must not impair your view.

General maintenance 

Make sure your horn works, the seat belts are in good condition, and your handbrake works. Your steering wheel should be fairly tight and should be free of noises when in use. Finally, ensure your exhaust is secure and free of corrosion and rattling noises.

Book your MOT here.