What is checked in an MOT?
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment
Lights
(30% of all MOT faults relate to lighting and signalling)
Front, rear, brake, fog, indicator and registration lights and rear reflectors must:
- Be correctly positioned and secure
- Not be obscured
- Be in good condition
- Show the correct colour (a bluish tinge to the front headlights is acceptable as long as the predominant colour is white)
- Not be adversely affected by the operation of any other light
- Illuminate with a single operation of the switch
- Pairs of lights must emit light of the same colour, size and shape
- Headlight aim (both dip beam and main beam) should be below the horizontal, so as not to dazzle other road users
Horn
The horn must emit a continuous uniform note and must be loud enough to be heard by another road user.
Battery
The battery must be secure and not show any signs of leaking electrolyte. We are able to carry out a battery test that will give you an indication of how good the battery is and much life is left in it, and give you a report to this affect.
Electrical wiring
Wiring should be secure and must not be damaged to the point where it is likely to short ciruit or become detached.
Vehicles with a towbar
Any electrical socket will be tested for its condition and that it correctly operates the trailer parking lights, brake lights, indicators and rear fog lights.
Steering and suspension
Steering
The tester will check the strength and condition of the steering wheel by pushing the steering in various directions and inspecting for wear or damage to the steering components.
If your steering has a locking device, it will be tested to ensure it only locks when the engine is not running.
Vehicles with power steering must have at least the minimum level of power steering fluid in the reservoir.
Suspension
Suspension components and shock absorbers will be checked for excessive corrosion, distortion and fractures.
Brakes
(9.6% of MOT fails are due to brake issues)
The overall condition of the brakes, pedals and levers are inspected, as well as any relevant warning lights. A brake performance test will be carried out to test brake efficiency.
Tyres and road wheels
(10% of all MOT faults are related to tyres)
The tyres must be of an appropriate speed and load rating for the vehicle.
Tread depth must not be below the legal limit of 1.6mm, and tyres will be examined for cuts in excess of 25mm, lumps, bulges, tears, exposure of the cord and tread separation.
For vehicles with run-flat tyres, the warning light must operate correctly.
Road wheels must be in a good general condition.
Seat belts and restraint systems
Each seat belt (including the attachment and fittings) will be checked for its security and condition.
Body, structure and general items
Body
A general inspection is made of the body, chassis, engine mountings, seats and doors. All components must be free from excessive corrosion and must not have any sharp edges that might cause injury.
Registration plates
A registration plate must be fitted at the front and rear of the vehicle. The plates must be secure and clearly legible to someone standing 20 metres away from the car.
The characters on the plate must be correctly formed and spaced and not likely to be misread.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Every vehicle must permanently display a legible VIN, either on a VIN plate secured to the vehicle, or stamped or etched to the body or chassis.
Speedometer
A speedometer must be fitted, and the tester will check that it can be illuminated. It does not matter if the dial glass is cracked as long as the speed can be read.
Exhaust, fuel and emissions
Exhaust System
The exhaust system will be inspected to ensure it is secure and doesn't leak. If your vehicle was originally fitted with a catalytic converter, it must still be present.
Fuel system
The fuel system will be checked for leaks and the tank cap must seal properly.
Emissions
The tester will use a gas analyser probe while the engine is running to test the smoke emitted from the exhaust. Emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons must fall within legal limit.
The tester will make a visual check for excessive dense blue or black smoke emitted from the exhaust, which is a cause for an MOT failure.
Drivers view of the road
(6.6% of MOT fails are due to issues with the drivers view of the road)
Mirrors and wipers
Rear view mirrors and wing mirrors must be secure and provide adequate views to the rear and side.
Wipers and washers must sweep a wide enough area to give the driver an adequate view of the road.
Windscreen
In the area of the windscreen directly in front of the driver, there must not be any damage or obstruction to the view larger than 10mm. Outside this area (but within the swept area), there must not be any damage or other obstruction larger than 40mm.
9a Messenger Close
Loughborough
LE11 5SR
uk
MOT: 01509 631 838
We have customer parking bay’s available as well as disabled parking spaces.
If you are travelling to us and using the M1 Northbound, please follow the below directions:
- At junction 23, take the A512 exit to Loughborough/Shepshed
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A512
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Ashby Rd/A512
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on Ashby Rd/A512
- At Ashby Rd Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Epinal Way/A6004
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Epinal Way
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Warwick Way
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Bishop Meadow Rd
- Turn left onto Weldon Rd
- Turn right to stay on Weldon Rd
- Turn left onto Messenger Cl
- Destination will be on the right easily sign posted
9a Messenger Close
LE11 5SR Loughborough
Tel: 01509 631838
loughborough@fixauto.co.uk
North America > 1-800-INFO-FIX
UK > 08000 122 FIX
France > 0 825 800 150
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Owned and operated by S&A Auto Services. Registered number: 05896574. Registered office: The Old Rectory, Main Street, Glenfield, Leicestershire, LE3 8DG.