When you consider that 20% of cars fail their MOT first time round it is well worth taking the time to prepare your car prior to the test. It only takes around thirty minutes to carry out some quick checks. Doing so will save you the inconvenience of taking your car in for repair then back for its follow up test.
As well as saving yourself time, you will also save yourself the cost of a re-test. It will also give you the opportunity to put simple things like broken bulbs and windscreen wipers right yourself. This is far cheaper than paying a mechanic to sort this kind of thing out for you.
Pre MOT Checks
The most thorough way to carry out a pre MOT check is to find a site on the web, which lists what is included in the test. Doing so allows you to work your way through the list and check the items you can.
Alternatively, you could restrict your checks to just those items you know you can fix yourself. Whilst this approach will considerably reduce the chances of your car failing its MOT you will still run a significant risk of doing so.
At the least, check all lights, seatbelts and wipers work properly. Also, check the horn works and that there is water in the windscreen washer reservoir. Clean your car if you do not have time to do it all at least cleans the mirrors and windows. Make sure the MOT station can easily check your spare tyre. Put the right pressures in your tyres and make sure there is enough tread on them.
Booking Your MOT
Make sure that you do not book your MOT with a rouge garage. Some unscrupulous owners see the MOT test as a potential cash cow. They make it common practice to fail cars unnecessarily in the hope that the owner will simply ask them to do the work. Avoid this kind of garage by using a garage that is a member of a trade body who make treating customers fairly a condition of membership.
Book your MOT via the Auto Care UK website. Our members are all required to operate to a high set of standards.
