MOT Preparation Checklist - How to Prepare Your Car for MOT

The MOT test is a mandatory annual safety and emissions check for all vehicles in the UK over three years old. While you can't guarantee your car will pass, proper preparation can significantly increase your chances and save you money on repairs. In this comprehensive guide, Car-Pol Auto Services explains exactly how to prepare your vehicle for its MOT test.

When to Get Your MOT Test

You can get your MOT test up to one month before the current certificate expires, and the new certificate will be valid from the expiry date of the old one (not from the test date). This gives you flexibility and time to fix any issues without risking driving without a valid MOT.

We recommend getting your test done 2-3 weeks before your current MOT expires. This gives you enough time to repair any problems and retest if needed, while still allowing you to take advantage of the early testing option. Don't wait until the last day - if your car fails, you could be left without transport at a critical time.

Basic Pre-MOT Checks You Can Do Yourself

1. Lights and Indicators

Check all lights - headlights, tail lights, indicators, brake lights, fog lights, and number plate lights. Turn on each light and walk around the car to check they're working. Ask someone to help you check brake lights and indicators. If any bulb has blown, replace it - bulbs are cheap and easy to change.

Also check that the headlight lenses aren't cracked, badly scratched, or clouded. If they are, consider replacing them before the test. Make sure the headlights are clean - dirty headlights can affect their effectiveness.

2. Tyres

Check the tread depth on all four tyres. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but we recommend replacing tyres when tread drops to 3mm. You can use a simple tread depth gauge or the "20p coin" method - insert a 20 pence coin into the tread groove; if the outer band of the coin is visible, the tread is too shallow.

Also check tyre condition - look for cuts, cracks, bulges, or other damage on the tread and sidewalls. Check tyre pressures according to the manufacturer's recommendations (you'll find these in the owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door). Don't forget the spare wheel if you have one.

3. Brakes

While driving, pay attention to how the brakes feel. Do they brake evenly? Does the car pull to one side when braking? Are there any squealing, grinding, or other unusual noises? Is the brake pedal too soft or does it sink to the floor?

Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir under the bonnet. If the level is low, it could indicate a leak or worn brake pads. Check the handbrake - does it hold the car on a slope? Does it require too many clicks to engage?

4. Windscreen and Mirrors

Check the windscreen for cracks and chips. Cracks larger than 10mm in the driver's field of vision (the area swept by the wipers directly in front of the driver) will fail the MOT. Also, cracks larger than 40mm anywhere else on the windscreen are a problem.

Check that all exterior mirrors are present, securely attached, and not cracked. Also check the interior mirror. Make sure all windows are clean - dirty windows can make inspection difficult during the MOT.

5. Wipers and Washers

Check that the wipers work on all speeds and clean the windscreen effectively. If the wiper blades are torn, damaged, or don't clean evenly, replace them - they're cheap and take just minutes to fit.

Check the washer system - does it spray properly onto the windscreen? Are the nozzles blocked? Make sure the washer bottle is full. Use proper screen wash, not just water - water can freeze in winter and doesn't clean as effectively.

6. Horn

Check that the horn works and is reasonably loud. This takes a second, but a non-working horn will fail the MOT. If the horn doesn't work, it could be a fuse, switch, or the horn itself.

7. Seat Belts

Check all seat belts. Do they fasten properly? Are they frayed, cut, or damaged? Does the retractor mechanism work smoothly? Also check the belt mountings - are they secure and not corroded?

If your car has airbags, check that the airbag warning light doesn't stay on after starting the engine. An illuminated airbag warning light will fail the MOT.

8. Number Plates

Check that the front and rear number plates are legible, securely mounted, and not cracked or faded. Clean the plates if they're dirty. Make sure the plates meet current standards - correct font, spacing between characters, and yellow background at the rear (white at the front).

9. Dashboard Warning Lights

Turn on the ignition and check that all warning lights illuminate briefly then go out after starting the engine. Particularly important are the ABS, airbag, and check engine lights. If any of these lights stay on after starting the engine, the car will likely fail the MOT.

10. Fluid Levels

Check the levels of all fluids - engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid (if you have it), and washer fluid. Low levels can indicate leaks or other problems. Top up fluids to the correct level.

What's Checked During an MOT Test

During an MOT test, over 30 different items are checked across several categories. It's worth knowing exactly what's tested so you can better prepare your car.

Lighting and Signaling

All front and rear lights, indicators, brake lights, fog lights, reversing lights, and number plate lights are checked. The aim and condition of headlights is also tested. Dashboard warning lights are also checked.

Steering System

The steering is checked to ensure it works properly, there's no excessive play, all components are securely mounted, and there's no excessive wear. Power steering (if fitted) is also checked.

Suspension

Shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, track rod ends, wheel bearings, and all other suspension components are checked. They're inspected for excessive play, leaks, cracks, or other damage.

Brakes

Brakes are tested on a special rolling road that measures the braking force of each wheel. This checks that braking is even and effective. The handbrake is also tested. Brake pipes, hoses, calipers, and discs/drums are visually inspected for leaks, damage, and wear.

Tyres and Wheels

Tread depth, tyre condition (cuts, bulges, damage), whether tyres are suitable for the vehicle, and whether wheels are securely mounted are all checked. Wheel nuts are also inspected.

Body and Structure

The body and underside are checked for serious corrosion, particularly in structural areas and suspension mounting points. Doors, bonnet, and boot are checked to ensure they open and close properly and that locks work.

Exhaust System

The exhaust system is checked for corrosion, holes, leaks, and loose mountings. Emissions are also tested - petrol cars for CO and HC, diesel cars for smoke opacity.

Fuel and Fuel System

The system is checked for fuel leaks, whether the fuel filler cap is secure, and whether the fuel system is in good condition.

Seat Belts

All seat belts are checked - do they fasten properly, are they damaged, and are the mountings secure? The airbag system is checked via the dashboard warning light.

Windscreen and Visibility

All windows are checked for cracks and damage. Wipers, washers, mirrors, and general visibility are also checked.

Number Plates and VIN

Number plates are checked to ensure they're legible, securely mounted, and meet standards. The VIN (vehicle identification number) is checked to ensure it's legible and matches the documents.

What MOT Doesn't Check

It's also important to know what MOT does NOT check. The MOT test doesn't check:

• Clutch condition
• Gearbox condition
• General engine condition (unless it affects emissions)
• Air conditioning or heating
• Radio or other entertainment systems
• GPS navigation
• Paint condition or cosmetic body damage
• Interior condition (seats, upholstery, carpets)

The MOT is a safety and emissions test, not a general condition test. A car can pass its MOT but still have other mechanical problems that don't directly affect safety or emissions.

Professional Pre-MOT Inspection at Car-Pol

While you can check many things yourself, a professional pre-MOT inspection at a garage gives you much greater confidence. At Car-Pol Auto Services, we offer comprehensive pre-MOT inspections that check all the items tested during the official MOT.

Our team uses the same equipment and procedures as MOT testing stations, so we can accurately identify potential problems. If we find anything that might cause a failure, we'll explain it to you and provide a quote for repair. You then have time to get the work done calmly before the official test.

A pre-MOT inspection is particularly valuable if:

• Your car is older (over 7-8 years)
• It has high mileage (over 100,000 miles)
• It hasn't been regularly serviced
• You've noticed any unusual noises or behavior
• It's your first MOT with this car

What to Do If Your Car Fails MOT Despite Preparation

Even with the best preparation, sometimes cars fail MOT due to problems that weren't visible during basic checks. If this happens, don't panic. You'll receive a detailed VT30 report that lists all the faults.

Bring the report to us at Car-Pol and we'll help you. We'll analyze all the faults, carry out additional diagnostics if needed, prepare a detailed quote, and carry out professional repairs. Our goal is to prepare your car to pass the retest first time.

Remember that you have 10 working days to repair and retest at the same center to get a free retest. That's why it's important not to delay - the sooner you bring the car to us, the sooner we can fix it.

Contact Car-Pol Auto Services

If you want to book a pre-MOT inspection or need help preparing your car for its test, contact us. Call +44 7892 679554 or +44 7402 953343. You can also message us on WhatsApp. We serve customers in Polish and English.

Our workshop is located on Barton Street in Gloucester. We serve drivers from Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Stroud, and surrounding areas. Don't risk failing your MOT - come to Car-Pol for a pre-test inspection and drive to your official MOT with confidence that your car is ready.