Any car registered for use on the road in the EC has to pass some form of mechanical and emissions examination – known in the UK as the ‘MOT’.
UK cars must be tested at the end of their third year, and on a yearly basis afterwards. You can have your car tested up to one month before expiry. Better late than never!
A mot check will be issued once the car passes all fundamentals of the test. Failing to have a legitimate MOT certificate for a car over three years old is a crime.
So, here is a list of basic things you can check before delivering that old banger of an automobile down to the local garage…
1. Tyres: Make sure all the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, and there is at least 1.6mm of tread across the the tyre. Ensure there are no lumps, bulges or cut areas.
2. Lights: Ensure the following lights are working correctly- front position lights (side lights), headlights, rear lights, rear registration plate light, rear fog lamps, headlamps, brake lights and indicator lights. Check all bulbs are working even when light is tapped lightly
3. Hazard Lights: Check all indicator lights sparkle when the hazard light switch is selected. Check with the ignition off and on.
4. Horn: Make sure it sounds correctly and is not a two tone type horn.
5. Registration Plate: Check it is not cracked, firmly fastened and not obscured. Also ensure the letters are of the correct size and spacing.
6. Vehicle Identification Number: Verify the car has a Vehicle Identification Number displayed.
7. Seat belts: Check all the seat belts fasten and unfasten correctly and are not damaged (tiny frays can sometimes warrant fixing)
8. Mirrors: Mirrors should be fitted where required, usable and not damaged.
9. Wipers and Washers: The washer bottle should be full of liquid and wipers undamaged.
10. Windscreen: Chips in the windscreen are a big no no! In an area in front of the driver a chip cannot be bigger than 10mm, in other areas swept by the wipers that damage cannot be more than 40mm.…