If your car is older than 3 years, it must be inspected by a registered mechanic every 12 months. This annual MOT test is to ascertain whether or not the vehicle is roadworthy, and here is a guide to preparing your car for the annual MOT test.
- Steering & Suspension – The car is put onto a hoist so that the mechanic can have a close look at the underside of the vehicle. If you are looking to book your car in for an MOT in Littlehampton, they would check the steering and shock absorbers to make sure that are working properly.
- Lights – The main headlights, rear and brake lights are tested, along with the indicators and reversing lights, so they should all be in good working order on the day of the test.
- Windscreen, Wipers and Washer – The windscreen should be free of cracks or chips, and the wiper blades should be in good order, while the washer bottle should also be full, as no water will result in your car failing the test.
- Brakes – The brakes are tested on a rolling road, while the handbrake is also checked for correct tension.
- Seat Belts – The seat belts are tested by pulling hard, which should activate the inertia lock, and the belt fabric is checked for wear and tear.
- Bodywork Inspection – The mechanic will walk around the vehicle, looking for any sharp edges that could injure a pedestrian, while also ensuring that the car is free of rust.
If you check all of the above a few days prior to your MOT test, your car should pass with flying colours.