To drive legally on the roads of the UK, you not only require a driving license but also an MOT certificate for your car if it is over 3 years old. MOT is a mandatory test that inspects all the critical parts of the car to ensure they meet the legal and environmental requirements.
Let’s take a look at the car parts that are inspected during an MOT:
Checking the Car’s ID and Basics
The first thing that the MOT tester checks is the car’s ID and VIN against registration to ensure the car has the correct identification details. They also check that the license plate is properly secured and the numbers on it are easily readable and spaced correctly. You might think this isn’t very important, but accurate identification is crucial for safety, legal compliance, and ensuring that the car passes the MOT inspection.
Checking the Lights, Signals, and Electrical Things
The MOT tester makes sure that all the lights in your car are working properly so that even in dark and bad weather, you can drive comfortably. From the headlights in your car (both main and dipped beams), turn signals and hazard lights, brake lights, fog lights, and license plate lights, to backup lights, all are inspected by the MOT tester.
Brakes
There is no debate that brakes are the most crucial part of a car. If they do not function properly, the risk of a road accident increases significantly. This is why the MOT tester checks all the brakes thoroughly. Plus, they also inspect the brake discs and pads, handbrake, pipes, and brake hoses, and check for leaking brake fluid. The brakes shouldn’t be too spongy or springy, as this means there is air in the brake line, which can increase the stopping distance of the car. So, the MOT tester checks the distance covered by your car after pressing the brake. If your car takes longer to stop, it may fail the test.
Tyres and Wheels
Tyres are responsible for influencing the performance of your car. If you drive on damaged tyres, it may affect the grip of your car. You may even lose total control of your car if the tyres are worn out, have less than 1.6 mm tread depth, or have uneven tyre wear. Driving on such tyres means putting your life and others on the road at risk. This is why the MOT tester checks all four tyres of your car to ensure they don’t have deep cuts or cracks. Apart from this, the wheels are also inspected by the tester to make sure they are properly aligned and balanced.
Steering and Suspension
If the steering of your car is too playful or tight, you may not be able to drive smoothly. You have to keep adjusting the steering to drive straight, leading to reduced control over your vehicle. So, the tester makes sure that the steering of your car works fine and isn’t too playful or too tight. They also make sure that the suspension of the car is in good working order.
Seatbelt Inspection
Seatbelts may not seem like such an important part of a car, but they play a crucial role in providing safety. They help prevent severe injuries during sudden brakes and turns. Without a properly functioning seatbelt, you may get into a severe accident if you suddenly need to press the brake during an emergency. This is why the MOT tester checks the condition of the seatbelt.
Visibility Check: Windscreen, Wipers, and Mirrors
To ensure that your visibility is not blocked, the MOT tester also checks your car’s windscreen, wipers, and mirrors. A damaged windscreen or mirror can disrupt your visibility while driving. You may not be able to clearly see the road if the windscreen is damaged. Apart from this, the wipers are also checked to ensure they are fully functional and can easily clear the windscreen when needed.
Exhaust System and Emissions
To ensure that your car complies with the environmental standards of the UK, the MOT tester also thoroughly checks the exhaust system of your car. If the exhaust of your car emits excessive smoke, your car will fail the test. Apart from the smoke, they also inspect whether the exhaust system is well secured and not too loose or shaky. If the exhaust system is too loose, it can impair your driving.
Conclusion
The MOT test is an essential test for all vehicles that are older than 3 years. This test includes inspecting all the critical parts of the car to ensure it is safe and roadworthy. So, if you want to drive confidently on the roads of the UK, get your vehicle’s MOT test done from a genuine MOT Centre Rochester — Micks MOTs. Getting a valid MOT certificate means your car meets all the legal and environmental standards of the UK.
