Prepare your vehicle for an MOT

MOT tests are source of anxiety for many drivers. Process complexity, increasing demands and difficulty in understanding, in this article we will seek to help you prepare your vehicle for the roadworthiness test.

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Which items are covered by an MOT?

During an MOT, every angle of your vehicle will be inspected, but we can identify 8 points of interest that will form the basis of the check carried out in the workshop:

  • Engine, whose oil and coolant levels will be checked.
  • Tyres, to check wear and deformation.
  • Exhaust system, to detect a potential hole in the exhaust pipe or excessive wear or poor fixing.
  • Bodywork, which must not contain any dangerous appendages and must comply with fixing standards. A check of the opening elements will also be carried out: bonnet, boot, doors to see the state of the hinges. 
  • Visibility, everything that concerns impacts or obstruction of visibility on the windscreen, mirrors, or rear deck as well as the correct functioning of the windscreen wipers.
  • Brakes, checking the level of brake fluid and the reliability of the brakes.
  • Passenger compartment, regarding the seat belts, the fixing of the seats and other removable parts and finally the operation of the horn.
  • Registration, which must be perfectly visible and legible, in good condition and above all in conformity with the latest regulations.
  • Lighting, on the functioning of the lights, the condition of the bulbs and headlights and the adjustment of the latter.

What can you do before an MOT?

To prepare yourself as well as possible before the MOT test, you can carry out a few small checks yourself to feel more confident before the vehicle be examined. Of course, for the more complex elements we advise you to go to a car centre.

First, the identification of the vehicle. The first thing you can do is to check your number plate. It must not be cracked, bent, or broken and the lettering must be in accordance with the information given on the registration card. It is obvious, but the type of fuel must also match the one on the registration document.

Next, check all the fluids in your vehicle. Indeed, before the visit, make sure you fill up with brake fluid, coolant and with windscreen washer fluid. After that, use your information in the passenger compartment to check whether any tanks are leaking or have other problems.

Checking the visibility is also easy to do! Make sure that there are no impacts larger than a €2 coin on the front or rear windscreen. Also, check that your mirrors and windscreen wipers are perfectly fixed and functional. To complete the visibility, you can easily take care of your lighting. Check all your bulbs, whether they are for the lights, indicators, headlights, or any other bulbs in the passenger compartment. Most are easy to change.

Another easy part to check is your tyres and wheels in general. There are indicators on your tyres to give you an idea of how worn they are. This wear should not exceed 5mm on both tyres on the same axle, if this is not the case replace them. As for the rims, make sure that no serious deformation is visible.

Finally, for the bodywork and interior, check gross problems. Try to put back dangerous pieces of sheet metal and check that the seats are well fixed and that the belts and airbags are in perfect working order.

What we offer at Point S

At Point S, we do not offer MOT tests. However, we do offer you complete check-ups of your vehicle in preparation for MOT so that your vehicle is as ready as possible to avoid a second inspection. We have the expertise and tools to make your vehicle as good as new and avoid pressure.

To find out more about our services, please contact us or make an appointment in your nearest centre! We look forward to meeting you in our Point S centres.

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