Want to know some of the most common reasons cars fail the MOT?
Give your car the best chance of passing the MOT test, with these quick and simple checks.
Pre MOT Checks to Help Your Vehicle Pass First Time
Tyres
Tyres should have 1.6mm or more tread depth across 75% of their width.
Replace any tyres that are visibly damaged or deteriorated and check the tyre pressure is correct.
MOT TIP: If you don’t have a tyre gauge to test the tread, use the edge of a 20p coin – if the rim around the edge of the coin is smaller than the tread level, you’re good to go!
Next, check the bulbs.
Lights
Check that all of the lights are working, clean and the correct colour:
- Headlights: white
- Rear lights: red
- Sidelights: white
- Brake lights: red
- Indicators and hazard lights: yellow
- Number plate lights: white
Test the brake lights by pressing the brake pedal and looking in the mirrors for the red light reflecting off other surfaces.
Test the other lights (indicators, headlights, sidelights and rear lights) by turning them on and getting out of the car to inspect them. If the number plate is dirty, make sure you give it a good clean so it’s clear and easy to read.
MOT TIP: If any lights flicker when you tap them, the bulbs either need tightening up or replacing.
Next, check the wiper blades.
Wipers
Wiper blades must be clean and intact, leaving no smears on the windscreen that could obscure the driver’s view.
MOT TIP: If your wipers have picked up a lot of grease from the road that’s smearing the window, give them a wipe over with some white vinegar.
Next, check the whole windscreen carefully.
Windscreen
The windscreen needs to allow the driver a clear view.
Any chips over 10mm in size in the area directly above the steering wheel (top to bottom of the window) are likely to cause an MOT failure. Elsewhere on the windscreen, the limit is 40mm.
Make sure the screenwash is topped up and spraying effectively, too!
MOT TIP: If the washer jet is a bit weak (and the screen wash tank is not empty), wiggle a pin in the nozzle to see if that clears it.
Next, assess the mirrors.
Mirrors
There must be at least two rear view mirrors or indirect vision devices (cameras) fitted with a clear view towards the rear of the vehicle. One of these must be fitted to the driver’s side.
Doors and bonnet
Make sure all the doors and the bonnet can be opened and closed properly.
Front doors need to be able to open from both inside and outside. Rear doors only have to be opened from outside.
MOT TIP: While you’re checking the bonnet, make sure that your brake fluid is topped up.
Horn
Give the horn a quick test to make sure it works – this is part of the MOT test.
Fuel and oil
It might seem obvious – but you’ll need enough fuel in the tank and oil in the engine to test emissions levels.
Seatbelts
Last but by no means least, check your seats and seatbelts.
Test the movement of the driver’s seat and pull the seatbelt all the way out, to inspect it for any tears or damage. Give every seatbelt in the car a sharp tug, to make sure they’ll lock under heavy braking or in the event of an impact.
Book your MOT
Book an MOT in Eastleigh today, with We Only Do MOTs. We promise to provide an impartial, independent MOT test to everyone – and will carry out most minor repairs for free!
Send your message to enquiries@onlydomots.co.uk or call us on 023 8064 7180
