How to Prepare Your Car for an MOT

In the UK, you are legally required to get a yearly MOT inspection when your car is more than three years old. This is an essential safety test that makes sure your car is roadworthy and safe to drive. If it’s almost time to book an MOT for your car in Maidstone, there are some simple checks you can do yourself to boost your chances of passing.

Your Pre MOT checklist

We understand you can’t fix any major problems with your car before an MOT. And that’s why we provide pre MOT checks to ensure your car passes. However, if you don’t want to pay for these checks, there are some basic checks you can do yourself to spot issues before the MOT.

Even small issues like faulty lightbulbs or door handles could make your car fail its MOT inspection, so it’s important to do some routine checks and mention any concerns to your mechanics before they do your MOT.

Here are some easy checks you can do at home:

Number plates

Both your front and rear number plates need to be clearly visible and well-secured. They also need to be appropriate for the year of the vehicle. If you have personalised plates, check on the DVLA website to make sure they are legal and will pass an MOT inspection.

Steering

When you’re driving the car, pay attention to the steering. If the car feels like it’s pulling to one side or your power steering isn’t working as it should, this is something that needs to be addressed before the MOT.

Horn

Yes, your car can fail its MOT if the horn isn’t working since it’s considered a piece of safety equipment. Beep your horn to check it works before your MOT so you’re not caught out. It needs to make a loud, clear noise.

Lights

It’s hard to check your lights yourself, so get someone to make sure your lights are working for you by going around and visually inspecting each one for you while you operate the brakes.

If you don’t have anyone to help, you can drive up to a wall and see if you can see the reflection of the lights in your mirrors.

Bonnet

Your bonnet needs to open and close easily and securely. If the catch doesn’t work properly, your car will fail the MOT. Make sure the hinges are well-oiled so they don’t cause issues.

Doors

Make sure all the doors (boot included) open and close easily and all the locks are in good working order.

Car body

Although dents and scrapes won’t make you fail your MOT, holes in the bodywork could. So do a full visual inspection and make sure there aren’t signs of rust and holes. If you’re concerned, ask our mechanics before your MOT is due and we’ll let you know if it’s something your car will fail on.

Book your MOT prep in Maidstone today

Those are all the simple checks you can do at home. If you want a more thorough inspection to ensure your car will pass its MOT the first time, our team can help. At Granville Garage, we are an approved MOT testing centre in Maidstone and regularly carry out pre MOT inspections. Call us today to get a quick, free quote: 01622 761 571