Complete Guide for Your Car’s MOT Testing
First introduced by the government in 1960, an MOT comprises a series of tests which are undertaken by registered mechanics. Essentially, they are in place to ensure the road worthiness of your car. This means essential parts of the car are checked for conformity to the law. Steering, lights, brakes and tyres were all part of the original test, but the various checks and procedures now include other elements.
Why Is an MOT Important for Your Car?
If your car is not roadworthy, then you are not safe driving around in it. Perhaps more importantly, your car’s occupants will also be unsafe. Indeed, anyone who happens to be near to you – including pedestrians – when you are driving could be in danger if your car is not correctly conditioned for the road. For example, if your tyres are misaligned or have bulges in them, then you could lose control when braking more easily. Don’t take a risk and book your car’s MOT testing online from reliable places like, DAT tyres that have local branches in London, Hammersmith etc
However, you shouldn’t wait until your MOT comes around if you suspect your tyres – or another crucial part of your car’s safety mechanisms – are faulty. Get them checked over immediately.
The Dangers of Avoiding an MOT
Without an MOT being undertaken, a fault might not be picked up on. It is all too easy get used to a rattle that you hear when driving and ignore it until a catastrophic failure occurs. MOTs are a good opportunity to work working out how much your car will cost to keep on the road in the following year, perhaps pointing out that it might be time to trade in. Most importantly, without a valid MOT you are not legal to be on the road. Your insurance may well be invalidated without the right test paperwork and you could end up facing a big fine, or worse!
How Local Garages Can Help You Pass Your MOT
Failing an MOT can mean that you are off the road until parts are ordered to bring your car up to scratch. If you have your car serviced regularly by a mechanic as well as putting it through an MOT, then it is simply more likely to pass first time. Without a check up here and there, you might need to hire a car temporarily until your vehicle is in a position to be handed back to you. In short, a little expenditure on servicing may well save you time and money in the long run.
Recent Updates to the MOT System
Unless you drive a three-wheeler, your car will need to undergo a Class IV MOT test. The government has recently said that it may shift the first time a car needs to have one carried out to when it becomes four years old. However, some say that this is too long given that around 17 percent of cars fail their first MOT at three years of age. As the majority of first-time failures are down to worn out tyres being driven on, the most important thing you can do to ensure your car does not fail at either three or four years – whichever is finally decided upon – is to keep your tyres inspected regularly.
