THERE are some checks that all motorists should do before giving your car in for an MOT to save you THOUSANDS of pounds. Double-checking your horn, wipers, and tyres are just some of the things you should tick off before sending your car for an inspection, an expert said. Andrew Jervis, co-founder of ClickMechanic, an online […]
THERE are some checks that all motorists should do before giving your car in for an MOT to save you THOUSANDS of pounds.
Double-checking your horn, wipers, and tyres are just some of the things you should tick off before sending your car for an inspection, an expert said.
Andrew Jervis, co-founder of ClickMechanic, an online marketplace for car repairs, said: “MOTs are a fact of life if you own a vehicle and can sometimes lead to an expensive bill if there are lots of things to sort out.
“It’s always worth having your service before you have an MOT, as it should rectify some of the issues likely to be detected.
“Obviously, keeping up to date with any servicing and repairs is the best way to keep your car on the road without major problems.
“But a few simple checks that take only a matter of minutes are a handy way to ward off some of the minor niggles that can lead to a dreaded tick in the ‘Fail’ box.”
Malfunctioning headlights, brake lights, sidelights and indicators are one of the most common reasons for failing an MOT – responsible for a fifth of unsuccessful tests.
But a quick check will mean you can identify any problems and replace the necessary bulbs before heading into the garage.
Mr Jervis said: “It’s best to get a relative or friend to help you out, so they can let you know which ones are working as you switch them on and off.
“If no-one is available, you can move your car close to a wall, garage door or other reflective surface and check that way.
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“The stats on how many cars and vans fail on lights are astounding, so it’s a no-brainer to have a quick run through before your MOT.
“And don’t forget other lights – such as the one on your number plate and any interior bulbs – as these will also be checked.
“Look out for any wobbly lights as fittings must be secure to reach the required safety standard.”
One of the cheapest and easiest fixes, checking the rubber blades that clear your windscreen is a must.
Drivers should be looking for cracks and a deterioration in the material.
And a major part of the MOT is the emissions check, so you need enough oil to make sure this is possible. A quick check of the dipstick in a cool engine will tell you whether you need to top it up.
“While you’re there, look at the brake fluid reservoir to make sure the level is between the minimum and maximum marks,” said Mr Jervis
“Most vehicles have warning lights to indicate when it’s running low, but it’s definitely worth casting an eye to avoid an unwanted cross on the checklist.
“The same applies to the screen wash, which is undoubtedly the most galling way to fail an MOT. Avoid just using water and splash out on some proper stuff as it contains the right chemicals to clear away dirt and gunk while you’re driving.”
Having a check over your tyres also helps before an MOT – as well as making sure your horn is working.
And the final thing to look out for is your seatbelts, unless you want to face unnecessary MOT charges.
Mr Jervis said: “To ensure the garage isn’t pulling hard on your wallet, give your seatbelts a sharp yank before setting off.
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“If they don’t stop then you’ll need to do some investigating. The retracting device could be locked, in which case you’ll need an expert to take a look.
“But it could also be down to dirt and grime on the seatbelt material. If that’s the case, soak it for an hour in warm water and detergent, then leave it to dry before letting it retract.”
