Pre-MOT Check, How to Avoid an MOT Fail

Written by Petro Olekhnovych, mobile mechanic in Aylesham, Kent

A pre-MOT check is an inspection of the items an MOT tests, done a week or two before the test so you can fix problems first. Many fails come from simple things like bulbs, tyres and wipers. Fixing them beforehand saves a retest and the hassle of a car that can’t legally be driven.

MOT rules worth knowing

• You can have the MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date. More in how early you can MOT a car.
• A car needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of its registration.
• The maximum a test centre can charge for a car MOT is £54.85.
• Driving without a valid MOT can bring a fine of up to £1,000.
• Faults are graded dangerous, major or minor. Dangerous and major faults are a fail. Minor faults are recorded but the car passes.
• If your car fails with a dangerous fault, you can’t drive it away. Doing so can bring a fine of up to £2,500, a driving ban and 3 penalty points.
• The MOT does not check the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox. A pass doesn’t mean the car is mechanically healthy.

Pre-MOT checklist you can do yourself

1. Lights: headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, fog light, number plate lights. Ask someone to watch while you press the brake.
2. Tyres: at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters, no cuts or bulges, correct pressures.
3. Wipers and washers: blades clear the screen without smearing, and the washer bottle is full.
4. Windscreen: no chips or cracks in the driver’s line of sight.
5. Horn, mirrors and seatbelts: all working and secure.
6. Warning lights: none left on once the engine is running. An engine management light that stays on is a major fault (what the engine management light means).
7. Number plates: clean, readable and secure.
8. Fluids: oil, coolant and brake fluid at the right levels.

What a mechanic checks that you can’t easily see

Some MOT items need the car lifted or a trained eye:

• Brake pads, discs and pipes, and how evenly the brakes pull (signs your brake pads need replacing)
• Suspension and steering joints, bushes and springs
• Exhaust leaks and mountings, and smoke from diesels. On diesels with a particulate filter, smoke of any colour is a major fault.
• Corrosion near brake, steering and suspension mountings

How we can help

We come to your driveway or workplace around Aylesham, Canterbury, Dover, Deal and Sandwich. We go through the MOT items, show you anything likely to fail, and send a price on WhatsApp for any repair before we start. Common fixes like bulbs, wiper blades, brake pads and discs can usually be done there and then, so the car goes to its test ready.

Labour is £30-£50 per hour depending on the job.

Frequently asked questions

How long before the MOT should I book a pre-MOT check? One to two weeks gives time to order parts if something needs replacing.

Is a pre-MOT check the same as a service? No. A service replaces oil, filters and other wear items. A pre-MOT check looks for faults that would fail the test. Many people book both at once. See interim vs full service explained.

Does a pre-MOT check guarantee a pass? No one can promise a pass, because the test centre makes the final call. It does catch the common faults before the test.

Need help? Send a WhatsApp to 07563 350335 with your car’s make and model and we’ll come to you.

Sources

• GOV.UK: check MOT dates and fines
• GOV.UK: MOT fees
• GOV.UK: after the test
• GOV.UK: how the MOT test works
• GOV.UK: MOT changes May 2018