All There is to Know About the MOT Test

The MOT test is a comprehensive assessment of the vehicle to validate its efficient to be on the roads. The first MOT Test Preston happens when the vehicle has completed 3 years and then, the test is continued once every year. It is a test that works as supporting evidence confirming the eligibility of your vehicle as safe to be on roads.

When to go for an MOT Test?

If you own a new car, then you don’t have to worry about going for the MOT for at least the next three years. A new vehicle is highly functional and its functions do not deteriorate for the first few years. This is why 3 years are given before the MOT inspection starts to happen. Once it has reached the bar of three years, then undergoing the MOT becomes an annual necessity. From the first test, the MOT passing certificate is given mentioning its expiry date. Upon nearing this expiration test, your vehicle has to be retested for MOT.

So if you have a new vehicle, then you don’t have to care about the MOT for the next few years. However, if its age is more than that, then it should be a huge concern. Not carrying the MOT certification makes your vehicle illegal and unsafe to be on the roads. It doesn’t matter if all the components of your vehicle are working perfectly, you still have to undergo the MOT test. Ignoring the MOT test can put your vehicle under serious legal trouble and your vehicle registration may get cancelled as well.

Is it possible to drive with an MOT?

You can drive with an MOT but only if your vehicle is brand-new and hasn’t completed three years. Also, driving with an MOT may also work out in case you have booked an MOT test. However, vehicles above three years of age are not allowed to be on the roads without a valid MOT certificate. Otherwise, your vehicle will be subjected to certain penalties. Also, if you break the traffic rules, and you don’t carry an MOT as well, then you may have to face legal consequences. MOT plays a role in vehicle tax, as you are not allowed or liable to pay tax if you haven’t cleared the MOT test.

MOT certification is not needed if you do not intend to drive your vehicle or keep it away from the roads of the UK. A standing vehicle doesn’t need this certification and in case, you take it out and drive, you have to pay the penalty. So it is not possible to drive with an MOT, at least legally.

How to prepare your vehicle for the MOT test?

Before you take your vehicle for the MOT assessment, run a quick check on all parts and functioning of your vehicle. Also, a deep check of all the parts is crucial, and in case needed, get the repairing work done through Car Service Preston.

• The first basic thing is the cleanliness. Make sure that your vehicle is neat and clean. You don’t have to make your vehicle shine like a diamond, but there should be visible dirt marks on all parts of the vehicle. Remove unnecessary things or personal stuff from your vehicle before you give it for MOT testing.
• The windscreen, mirrors, and seatbelts should be in their best shape and working correctly. Mirrors and wipers should be clean and do their work right. Seatbelts should tuck easily and securely.
• Check if all the lights – indicator lights, brake lights, headlights, are working properly or not. Replace the fused and dim bulbs with new ones.
• Tyre tread should be below 1.6mm, and there shouldn’t be any damage to the sidewalls or improper inflation in the tyres. Check for the proper wheel alignment as well.
• Check the horns if they are clear and loud enough to be heard by the nearby passers. Make sure that the engine has sufficient fluids so there is no problem of gas leaks.
• Emissions system, exhaust, steering, and brakes have to be completely evaluated and corrected.
• At last, check the full bodywork of the vehicle for any cracks, dysfunctions, or erosion.

What is the duration of an MOT test?

MOT Test Preston usually takes around 50 minutes to an hour. The time taken may vary from vehicle to vehicle since all vehicles have different functions and therefore, slight differences in gauging the functionality of the different parts. For instance, if certain parts of your vehicle need repairing before you take the vehicle for MOT, then you have to get the repair done first from the garage, so in that case, the MOT test preparation and duration time for your vehicle will be longer.

At Hartley’s Automotive, we can help with passing the MOT test as we conduct an in-depth evaluation of your vehicle, and can do the repairing work of the faulty parts on the same day. If you want to go for the MOT on the same day, then we can do the repairs on the same day so you don’t have to take out another day for the MOT test of your vehicle.