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Pass the MOT Test: How to Prepare Your Car for the Annual Test

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Pass the MoT test! - How to check & prepare your car for the annual MoT test (RAC Handbook)

by Mark Paxton

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The MOT test is an annual requirement for all vehicles in the UK. It's designed to ensure that your car is safe to drive and meets environmental standards. Failing the MOT test can be costly and inconvenient, so it's important to prepare your car thoroughly before taking it in.

How to Check Your Car

Before you take your car in for its MOT test, it's a good idea to check it over yourself to identify any potential problems. Here are some things to look for:

Tyres: Check your tyres for any signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or uneven wear. Make sure that the tyres have enough tread and that the pressure is correct.
Lights: Check all of your lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators. Make sure that they are all working properly and that the lenses are clean.
Windscreen: Check your windscreen for any cracks or chips. If there are any, you may need to have them repaired or replaced before your MOT test.
Brakes: Test your brakes to make sure that they are working properly. You should be able to stop your car quickly and smoothly without any juddering or squealing.
Steering: Check your steering to make sure that it is working properly. You should be able to steer your car easily and without any play in the steering wheel.
Exhaust: Check your exhaust for any signs of damage or leaks. If there are any, you may need to have it repaired or replaced before your MOT test.

How to Prepare Your Car

Once you have checked your car over, you can start to prepare it for its MOT test. Here are some tips:

Clean your car: Washing and waxing your car will help to remove any dirt or debris that could obscure any potential problems.
Check your fluids: Check your car's oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels and top them up if necessary.
Inflate your tyres: Make sure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. You can find the correct pressure for your car in your owner's manual.
Fix any minor problems: If you find any minor problems with your car, such as a blown light bulb or a loose trim panel, fix them before your MOT test.

What to Expect on the Day of the MOT Test

When you take your car in for its MOT test, the tester will check a number of things, including:

Tyres: The tester will check your tyres for any signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or uneven wear. They will also check the tyre pressure and tread depth.
Lights: The tester will check all of your lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators. They will make sure that they are all working properly and that the lenses are clean.
Windscreen: The tester will check your windscreen for any cracks or chips. If there are any, they may need to fail your MOT test.
Brakes: The tester will test your brakes to make sure that they are working properly. They will check the brake pads and discs for wear and tear, and they will also test the brake fluid level.
Steering: The tester will check your steering to make sure that it is working properly. They will check the steering rack and ball joints for wear and tear, and they will also test the power steering system (if your car has one).
Exhaust: The tester will check your exhaust for any signs of damage or leaks. They will also check the emissions from your exhaust to make sure that they meet the legal limits.

What to Do if You Fail Your MOT Test

If your car fails its MOT test, you will be given a list of the problems that need to be fixed. You will then have 28 days to have the repairs carried out and take your car back for a retest.

If you fail your MOT test because of a dangerous fault, you will not be allowed to drive your car until the fault has been fixed.

By following the tips in this article, you can help to ensure that your car passes its MOT test. This will keep your car safe to drive and will help you to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Pass the MoT test! - How to check & prepare your car for the annual MoT test (RAC Handbook)

by Mark Paxton

5 out of 5