Everyone wants their MOTs to go off without a glitch. It might be challenging to determine what needs to be repaired, so having an MOT checklist on hand can benefit. According to the DVSA, over half of all MOTs fail to owe to simple maintenance concerns. You can go over the main components of your car's MOT with the MOT preparation checklist below. If you find any problems, seek professional help if you aren't a car maintenance expert. Many of the most prevalent causes of MOT failure are things that can be easily verified at home. As a result, by examining these ahead of time, you can address any concerns and improve your chances of passing your MOT. Especially if you’re working towards an MOT qualification, it is essential to know all the pre MOT test checks or MOT checklists in your MOT classes. It will support students to concentrate on the theoretical and practical sessions to gain MOT Testing knowledge.
The following areas should be included on a pre-MOT checklist
• Lights and Signals
All of your lights must be in functioning order. It comprises your headlights, sidelights, indicators, brake lights, and number plate lights, among other things. When examining the brake lights, you may need to enlist the help of a friend or family member or back up to a wall and read them via reflections. MOT failure can also be caused by things like insecure light mounts. So make sure to inspect your vehicle for any swaying lights.
• Tyres
Vehicle tyres should be adequately filled for the recommended tyre pressures. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual or use our tyre pressure checker and have at least 1.6mm of tread on the entire tyre. The 20p test is a valuable technique to assess your tread depth. Because tyre problems are the leading cause of MOT failures, it's critical to inspect them ahead of time. Ask yourself, are all of the tyres the same size and rated for the same weight and speed? Are there any lumps or bulges in the tread or wall of the tyre? Are your tyre pressures correct and by the car manufacturer's recommendations?
• Exhaust System
When a vehicle is operating, listen for any unusual noises or rattling. It could indicate an issue with the exhaust system, resulting in a failed MOT. Another simple test is to look for smoke coming from the exhaust. It is typical for diesel engines when they start, but excessive smoke could suggest a problem. If fuel or oil is leaking from the exhaust, there's probably an issue farther up the line, such as spark plugs or glow plugs that aren't correctly warming or burning fuel.
• Wipers and Windshields
A failed MOT will come from any chip or crack in your windscreen larger than 40mm. The limit is significantly smaller on the driver's side; any damage in the area covered by your driver-side wiper more than 10mm will result in a failing. Examining your wipers is just as vital as checking your windscreen for flaws. To provide the driver with a clear view of the road ahead, your wipers and washers should be in good working order. If your wiper blades are breaking or your washer feed is clogged, you'll need to get them fixed before your MOT. You can fail your MOT if you don't have any screen wash, so make sure the container is full.
• Oils
The vehicle must have sufficient fuel and oil levels to pass the required emission tests. Remove the vehicle dipstick from the engine and wipe it to check your oil levels. Replace it in the engine and draw it out once more. The oil level in the vehicle should be between the minimum and maximum values (check the vehicle manual for specific instructions). It's also a good idea to top up other critical fluids like brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid when going through this MOT checklist.
• Brakes
Check the braking system of the vehicle is in good operating order. When you press the brakes, the automobile pulls to one side, indicating a fault that needs to be addressed before your MOT. If you have alloy wheels, a visual evaluation of the braking system may be conducted without removing the wheel. Examine your brake pads for excessive wear or pitted brake discs since this may indicate that your brakes need to be replaced. Also, listen to grinding sounds while driving throughout your MOT test checklist session. As a future MOT Tester, also check the vehicle handbrake, which should be strong enough to keep your car still, especially if you're driving up an incline.
As an MOT Qualification student, it is crucial to understand all the MOT pre-checks, MOT checklist and MOT testing guide to become a competent MOT tester. In the MOT classes, it will be beneficial to the student to understand the critical underpinning rules and regulations of road safety.
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