What happens during an MOT test and why?

15 June 2023
By Joy Pearson
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If you own a car in the UK, you're likely familiar with the annual MOT test. The MOT test is a legal requirement to ensure that your car is roadworthy and safe to drive on UK roads. But what exactly gets tested during an MOT and why is it important? In today's post, we'll explore the ins and outs of a MOT test and its importance for drivers in the UK. 

For those who are unsure, an MOT is a comprehensive test that assesses the safety, roadworthiness, and emissions of a vehicle. It's a legal requirement for any car over 3 years old to undergo an MOT test every year. The test must be carried out by an approved testing center, and a certificate must be issued if the car passes. 

During an MOT, a wide range of components are tested to ensure that they meet the minimum safety and environmental standards set by the UK government. Some of the key components that get tested during an MOT include: 

1. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - This is the unique 17-digit number that identifies your car. It's checked to ensure that it matches the one on your registration documents.
2. Lights - All lights on the car must be in good working order, including headlights, taillights, brake lights and indicators. 
3. Suspension and steering - The car's suspension and steering are checked to ensure that they're in good condition and not worn. 
4. Brakes - The car's brakes are tested to ensure that they're working properly and are able to bring the car to a safe stop. 
5. Tyres - The car's tyres are checked for tread depth and any damage or wear that could affect their performance. 
6. Exhaust Emissions - The car's exhaust emissions are tested to ensure that they meet the minimum environmental standards set by the UK government. 
7. Fuel system - The car's fuel system is checked for leaks and other potential hazards. 
8. Windscreen and mirrors - The car's windscreen and mirrors are checked for damage or defects that could affect visibility. 

The MOT test is an important measure to ensure that cars on UK roads are safe and roadworthy. It helps to identify potential hazards or issues with a vehicle before they can become serious problems that put drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk. The MOT test also helps reduce harmful emissions from cars, which is an important step in protecting the environment and public health. 

In addition to being a legal requirement, the MOT test is also important for maintaining the value and reliability of your car. By ensuring that your car is in good working order, you can help to prevent breakdowns and costly repairs down the line. 

The MOT test is a comprehensive assessment of a car's safety, roadworthiness, and emissions. It's a legal requirement for any car over 3 years old to undergo an MOT test every year. During the test, a wide range of components are checked to ensure that they meet the minimum standards set by the government. By ensuring that your car passes its mOT, you can help to ensure that your car is safe and reliable to drive on UK roads.