How to prepare your car for its MOT

All vehicles in the UK aged over three year require an annual MOT test to ensure they comply with environmental and safety regulations.

While an MOT is something many drivers dread, a quick once over can save money and an extended stay in the garage.

Stephen Coles, Regional Manager for the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), advises: “There is no reason to fear the test if your car is prepared. The MOT test is actually a very reassuring way to get your car checked over by an expert and to make sure it is safe for you to drive and also meets legal requirements.”

“A car can fail the test on seemingly trivial things, so a quick once over could enable motorists to find out if their car is likely to pass the MOT or not.

“There is little point taking in a car with obvious faults, because it will simply waste your time and money.”?

Things to bear in mind include:

• Take your V5C document with you, as the tester may require information from this in certain circumstances.

• Make sure seats are locked in the upright position.

• Seatbelts should be clearly visible and not frayed.

• Make sure the boot is uncluttered and does not hinder the tester in any way, as the tester may refuse to test the car if the boot is full.

• Make sure the underside of the car is not caked with mud or dirt, as the tester can refuse to test excessively dirty vehicles.

• Check your lights are in good working order, clean and not damaged. tyre tread depth should be at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread around the entire circumference.

• Cracked or damaged number plates can result in a fail in certain circumstances.

The RMIF can advise on finding a reliable MOT testing station and garage.

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