Automobiles, other light vehicles, private buses, and motor bicycles above a particular age are inspected at least once a year to ensure that they meet roadworthiness and environmental regulations, contributing to the government's road safety programme. Did you know that 40% of automobiles fail their MOT test on the first attempt? It's possible that more than half of the faults found during the MOT test could have been avoided. Before going to the MOT test centre, do some easy checks and maintenance to save time and money and help your car pass the first time. Even if you're sure your automobile is in perfect working order, an MOT tester's expert eye can spot something you've overlooked. You're not alone if your automobile failed its MOT in 2020, as more than 30% of vehicles failed their MOT.
At our MOT Northampton Training centre, we will imbibe a rule that prevention is better than cure in our practical training. Students in the MOT classes also will learn how to give the best customer service, the importance of the data protection act and how to improve continual professional development as an MOT Tester. Addressing the customers issues and educating them on how to avoid MOT test fails is crucial as an MOT tester. MOT Fails are classified as Minor, major, and dangerous. You will fail your MOT if you have major or dangerous faults. Minor flaws must be rectified as soon as possible, but they are insufficient to cause the MOT test to fail.
To guide customers to avoid MOT testing fails, first identify the common MOT fails
• Signals, lights, and lamps
• Tyres
• Suspension
• Brakes
• Visibility
Checking the above list is one of the simplest things you can do before your MOT test, and it just takes a few minutes. Enlist some assistance and have a friend check your outside lights while driving the car, ensuring that all interior and dashboard lights are operational. However, Suspension is a little more challenging to examine, so if you're concerned, you might benefit from a professional pre-MOT inspection. It is recommended to keep an ear out for any strange noises when travelling through corners or across uneven terrain. When applying your brakes, listen for any grinding or squeaking sounds since this indicates the wear and tear of brakes. If you have severe rolling when engaging the brakes on a slope, you must have a mechanic opinion ASAP. Keep an eye out for any physical damage or abnormalities while you inflate or deflate your tyre to the proper pressure level. Also, you can fail for poor vision due to various reasons that affect a driver's ability to see the road. It's more than just a chip or scratch on your windscreen. It is because of malfunctioning or damaged windscreen wipers or a rear-end blockage.
Inspect Vehicle Exterior before MOT Test
Check that all tyres have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm around the pattern and across the central three-quarters. Inserting a 20p coin into one tread groove is a quick way to verify. The tread depth is sufficient if the coin's outside edge is concealed. For your automobile to pass the MOT test, all of its lights (including headlamps, parking lights, reverse lights, indicators, and registration plate bulbs) must be in good functioning order. For your automobile to pass the MOT test, all of its lights (including headlamps, parking lights, reverse lights, indicators, and registration plate bulbs) must be the correct colour and in good functioning order. The wipers and washers should be effective enough to allow you to see the road. Wipers that smear could be worn out, so replace them before the MOT, and if you have them, inspect your headlamp washers. Ensure that your registration plates are in good working order and that they are securely affixed to your vehicle. All of the letters and numerals should be legible from a distance of 20 metres.
Inspect Vehicle Interior before MOT Test
MOT Testers examine dashboard warning lights to see if they are illuminated or not. The engine management light and ABS warning light is the common red flags that need to be assessed before MOT Test. Examine the front seats before the MOT to ensure they're appropriately fastened and don't shift around when they're not intended to. Seatbacks in the front and back should lock into an upright position. Remove child seats or child boosters which may obstruct the MOT inspection process. Seatbelts Check that they work correctly and are firmly attached to the seats or the car's chassis and that they click into place securely and release correctly before heading to the MOT test centre. To make sure your horn is operating, give it a quick toot. The horn should be heard and reachable from the driver's seat.