Last updated: April 24 2024
Whether you live in a big city, like London, or in a commuter town near to one, such as Basildon, Bishop’s Stortford or Romford in Essex, you will need to look after your car properly if it is to pass its annual MOT. As soon as a car is three years old, it needs to go through an MOT every year even if you only drive a few thousand miles popping from Tottenham to Tooting or from Harlow to Haringey once in a while. Given that car ownership – even for people who don’t drive very far – is a lifestyle choice, failing your MOT could spell trouble. Here’s what you need to do before your one is due.
1. Check Your Interior to Ensure Your Car Will Pass
You might think that an MOT is all about the mechanical and emissions-producing sides of cars but this is not so. Although checks are made to the motors and exhausts of cars, there are plenty of reasons to check your interior, too. For example, if you have a frayed seatbelt or one that won’t retract properly because it has become too twisted, then your car will fail. Adjust it or replace it to avoid a likely failure. Equally, visibility is important to check, too. Make sure your screen demister works properly and isn’t blocked. Your rearview mirror should also be replaced if it is cracked or murky when you look into it.
2. Book an MOT Before One Becomes Due
Wherever you live, you can book an MOT well before it becomes due, up to a month beforehand, in fact. If your car had an MOT on the first of June, then you can book your MOT from the first of May the following year. Crucially, having your MOT carried out early, like this, won’t affect the subsequent renewal date. In this example, it would remain the first day in June even if your MOT was carried out in mid-May. You can also book an MOT in Basildon from Elite Direct or somewhere close to you and don’t wait until your MOT has expired. There’s no ‘grace period’ and you’ll be illegal on the road without insurance unless you have yours carried out within the time limit.
3. Inspect Your Lights
Many cars fail their MOTs due to something as simple as faulty lights. Headlamps, sidelights, indicators, brake lights, fog lamps and reversing lights should all be checked. If yours does not light up, then change the bulb. This simple step could save you from having to put your car through its MOT twice. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, then you may have an electrical fault or you might need to replace your battery. Either way, consult a professional mechanic to have the problem sorted out for you.
4. Make Sure Your Brakes Work
Brake pads may be something that is relatively easy to fit on most modern cars, these days, but it doesn’t mean that every motorist does it. If your brakes squeal when you press the pedal or feel spongy and unresponsive, then you probably have worn-down pads. Change them for new ones and drive them in a little so that your MOT won’t be adversely affected by them. In London, and other built-up areas, brake pads don’t last as long due to all the braking that city traffic causes.
