Any vehicle that runs on the road has to be in an appropriate state. Broken auto parts and battered bodywork can cause a car or SUV to lose its roadworthy status. But with so many variable components involved in the maintenance, a systematic approach has to be taken. That is why every vehicle needs an MOT test.
What does an MOT test refer to?
The Ministry Of Transport test, commonly abbreviated as the MOT test, is a yearly exam taken by cars in the UK. It is a legal method of determining the vehicle’s condition and how safe it is to drive on the road. From the hood to the Tyres Sutton in Ashfield, almost everything is checked during this examination. The engine, clutch, and gearbox are, however, not inspected for faults.
When and why do you need an MOT test?
Any car or SUV registered for more than three years requires an MOT test. Upon passing it, you earn a certificate that indicates the road worth of your vehicle. That document is valid for one year from the date of issuance. However, once this period passes, your car will not be considered safe on the road, making driving illegal. Not following this legal requirement can lead to prosecution and incur heavy fines. Your insurance company might also back out if your car with an expired MOT certificate gets into accidents or other road mishaps.
What happens during an MOT test?
To take an MOT test, you have to drive your vehicle to a testing centre. Only those garages authorised by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) are permitted to carry it out. A complete examination should take around 45 minutes to an hour. However, if your car has defects, it might require more time.
During an MOT test, internal auto parts such as lights, horns, indicators, filters, batteries, et cetera, are checked. Exterior components such as tyres, boots, wipers, windows and doors, et cetera, are also examined. Steering, braking, suspension and other systems are also inspected for defects.
What happens if your car fails an MOT test?
Broken head or tail lights, brake problems, tyre tread depth and inflation issues are common defects found in vehicles. These are dangerous since they can cause you to lose control of your car while driving. That, in turn, could lead to accidents, harming you and other individuals on the road.
If any of the above faults are found during the inspection of the above vehicular components, your car can fail the test. In case the defect is minor, you can get away with a warning. If the problem is severe, then you have to fix it before taking a retest. Most garages allow a partial retest for free, provided you get the repairs done at the testing centre itself. But if you choose to go to a different garage to fix the diagnosed issues, you have to pay the entire price for the retest.
How is an MOT test different from car servicing?
Although an MOT is a legally mandated check for a vehicle’s roadworthiness, it is not adequate for determining its overall condition. In fact, during an MOT test, three major systems or components of a car – engine, clutch and gearbox – are not even tested. As for the remaining parts, they are lightly inspected by the mechanic.
An MOT differs largely from servicing. The latter is not compulsory for any vehicle as per the law. However, that does not make it any less critical. During servicing, a car is surveyed thoroughly for faults, big and small. All of them are corrected, and preventative measures are taken to ensure they do not pop up until the next session. Besides, servicing ensures positive results during an MOT test. It is thus crucial for keeping you safe on the road.
What is the conclusion?
Any system that constitutes several intricate elements needs maintenance. That is why your car or SUV requires a Ministry Of Transport test to check it over. Its external bodywork, Michelin Tyres Sutton in Ashfield, electrical and suspension systems, etc., come under yearly professional inspection. If they are functioning appropriately, your vehicle will pass the test, earning the MOT certificate. That will make the automobile suitable to be driven on the road.
