When it comes to car maintenance, one of the most important things you need to do is keep up with your MOT. This stands for Ministry of Transport, and it is the test that determines whether or not your car is roadworthy. In this article, we will discuss what an MOT is, why you need one, and how often you should be getting it done. Keep reading to learn more!
What is MOT and why do you need one?
An MOT is a test that determines if your car meets the minimum legal safety standard required for it to be driven on public roads. It’s important because otherwise, you could be driving around in an unsafe vehicle and putting both yourself and other drivers at risk of injury or death.
How often do I need one?
You should get an MOT for your car every year after it has been registered.
Also with MOTs, you might want to consider getting a pre-arranged mot test, before the renewal date for the reason that you don’t want to get caught out in the last-minute rush. The garage may not be able to accommodate your late request, and you will have to wait longer than expected for service and repairs if needed.
What kind of things will the MOT test for on my car, and how much will it cost me to get one done?
The MOT test will check the following things: brakes (including handbrake), steering, suspension system or any other major components that may affect your ability to control the vehicle safely. It’s worth noting here though that if there are no issues with these areas then it won’t cost anything extra on top of what you already pay for your MOT.
However, if there are any problems then you might have to pay for some or all of the following: repairs, replacement parts and even a full retest! This is why it’s important that you get an MOT certificate as soon as possible after your car’s registration – it will help to avoid any costly surprises further down the line.
How can I prepare my car for the MOT test, and what should I do if it fails the inspection?
The best way to prepare your car tested for an MOT test is by ensuring that it has been serviced regularly throughout its life and not just right before the inspection date.
You should also make sure there are no major faults with any of the components mentioned above such as brakes or suspension systems because these could cause problems when being tested if they haven’t been fixed.
Can I do the MOT test myself, or do I need to take my car to a garage?
You can do the MOT test yourself, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s a lot of work and if you don’t know what you’re doing then you might not be able to pass the inspection.
The best thing to do is take your car to a garage that offers MOT testing services. They will be able to do the inspection for you and ensure that your car meets all of the legal safety standards required by law. This is why it’s important to find a reputable garage that you can trust!
Also having a valid mot certificate is important, as it shows that your car is safe to be on the road. If you’re stopped by the police and your current test certificate is not valid anymore then they may fine you or even confiscate your vehicle until an up-to-date mot tests has been issued.
What if my car fails the MOT?
If your car fails the MOT, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do:
-You can have the faults fixed and then take it back for another test
-You can keep driving your car until the end of its current MOT period
-You can get a free re-test within 14 days (or before your vehicle’s next scheduled appointment)
Note: If you keep driving your car after failing an MOT, there will be a fine of up to £2500 and/or three penalty points on your licence for each offence!
What happens if my car passes?
If your car passes, then you are legally allowed to drive it on public roads for another year. You will also be eligible for a new MOT certificate, which you can use as proof that your car is roadworthy.
I would recommend getting one as soon as possible after vehicle registration – this means that it’s still easy for you to remember you mot expires and makes sure there aren’t any issues that could prevent your vehicle from passing its MOT test later down the line!
Final Thoughts
So, does my car need an MOT? The answer is most definitely yes! It’s important for the safety of you and other drivers on the road, and it also helps to keep your car running smoothly in the long run. Make sure you get one done every year after registration and don’t forget to keep an eye out for any potential problems so you can get them fixed before they become too expensive. Thanks for reading!