Top tips for passing your car's MOT test

21st Jul 2022

Any car that’s over three years old has to undergo a yearly MOT test. An MOT test involves checking the overall safety of the vehicle, to ensure it complies with road safety standards. Things checked include the steering and suspension, seatbelts, lights, tyres, body structure and emissions. If there are any ‘major’ or dangerous defects with your car, you’ll need to have them repaired straight away in order to get back on the road safely. But how can you avoid your vehicle from potentially being marked down with these dangerous defects? We’ve got some tips for you on how to help pass your car's MOT test first time.

1) Lights

All lights must be clean, working, and fitted with the correct bulbs and be the correct colour. Get someone to walk around your vehicle, and individually switch on your headlights, rear lights, side lights, indicators, and hazard lights. Also, don’t forget to check the lights that illuminate the number plate too.

If one of them has blown, replacement bulbs are usually fairly inexpensive, and you can get them from your nearest auto parts store.

2) Mirrors

If you find that any of your mirrors are damaged, including both your wing mirror and rear view mirrors, you need to have these repaired as soon as possible.

Your mirrors need to give you a clear view from the driver's seat, and you must have a rearview mirror and a driver's side mirror to pass.

3) Wheels & Tyres

If your tyres look or feel underinflated, check the tyre pressure. You can check the tyre pressure needed for your particular vehicle either in your car's handbook, or on the driver's side door sill.

The legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm, and anything below this will mean you fail your MOT. If you think your vehicle has low tread, it’s worth getting your tyres replaced before your MOT.

Also check for any cracks or perishing, as this can result in a failure too.

4) Windscreen & Wiper Blades

Check for any chips or cracks on your windscreen. Any cracks larger than 10mm within the driver's view, or that would be in contact with the windscreen wipers, will mean you'll fail your MOT. Any damage elsewhere that’s larger than 40mm will also result in a failure.

Your wipers also need to be in good condition, and work effectively to give you a clear view of the road. If you find they’re smearing the windscreen when you operate them, or they’re skipping across the windscreen, this could mean it’s time to have them replaced. Also make sure to top your windscreen washer fluid up, and unplug the jets with a pin if you think they’re a bit blocked.

5) Horn and Seatbelts

Test your horn and make sure it’s loud and clear. Also check your seatbelts and ensure they’re not frayed or damaged. You can also test their effectiveness by pulling sharply on them, to see if it will operate properly in the event of a crash.

If you find your seat belts need replacing, you can get this done before your MOT test.