MOT Test and Tips on Passing First Time

This month approximately 414,000 cars will be due their first MOT’s as they reach their 3rd birthday.
The MOT test was introduced in 1960 by the Ministry Of Transport (hence the name MOT) and is designed to ensure that the vehicles on our roads are safe and in a roadworthy condition. Earlier this year the decision was taken to keep the annual test as opposed to one every two years, once a car reaches 3 years old. Ironically this may help the motorists as although there is the cost of an annual test (currently the MOT test cost for a car able to carry up to 8 passengers is £54) it does provide an early warning of repairs that may be due via the advisory element of the test results

What is included in the MOT Test? VOSA (Vehicle & Operator Services Agency) have an excellent leaflet that covers all the items tested, details on where Testing can take place and how to make a complaint called “Your car and the MOT”

Common Failures Details from the DFT show that during the period April 2007 – March 2008 some 27 million cars had an MOT test, of which a staggering 35% failed first time. This is an alarming figure when you consider that the test is based on determining the safety and environmental impact of your car.
On closer inspection however it shows that many of the failures are more minor and that actually drivers with some simple thought beforehand could prevent failing.The biggest single failure category was Lights at 19%, then Brakes at 18.2% and tyres at 13.4%. Emissions counted for 5.6% of all failures

Tips for Passing Your MOT Drivers can help themselves with a little bit of preparation and avoid failing on silly items.
Lights – check all lights are working, get a friend to help check that brake lights and indicators are working
Screen wash – ensure your washer bottle is full (an empty bottle is a fail)Wipers – check not split and that clean the screen without marking/impairing visibility. Don’t forget the rear wiper if applicable
Tyres – ensure inflated and check tyre depth across the central three quarters of the tyre is above the 1.6mm minimum level. Also check there is no damage or cuts to the side walls or the valves
Emissions – there is some evidence that some engine treatments and premium fuels help keep an engine cleaner though this requires prolonged usage. Whilst perhaps not in the spirit of the test an engine that is up to operating temperature will have lower emissions
Seat belts – smooth retraction and not frayed/ cut

Advisory Notices and Extended Warranties For cars being tested for the first time there is another consideration. For motorists considering purchasing an extended warranty now that, in the most part, their original warranty has expired, they may wish to do so before having the MOT test. An exclusion of all car warranties is that cover cannot be provided for a known fault. If a driver waits until the MOT has been done and has an advisory notice, by definition that becomes a known fault. In the event of a warranty claim a warranty company is able to view, on line, advisory notices and so would probably reject a claim