Sometimes, it becomes a hassle for vehicle owners to keep their cars running in accordance with various tests and rules. It happens due to ignorance of the law, and good motor tests like the MOT Tests. If the car owners become aware of the MOT tests, they can keep their old vehicles running on the road without any major issues.
MOT tests stand for ‘Ministry of Transport Tests’. The MOT test started in the year 1960, and is used as an annual test of automobile safety and certain conditions setting for road worthy vehicles and cars. It also takes exhaust emissions into notice for vehicles older than 3 years. These MOT certificates are prevalent in U.K. As per reports, some selected local car garages are authorized to test and issue certificates. Cars older than 3 years need to be MOT tested each year to get a MOT test certificate.
MOT tests are also conducted on vehicles other then cars like motorcycles, light and heavy goods vehicles, passenger vehicles which have more than 8 seats, private taxis and buses. The years of their validity may differ depending on the type and size of the vehicle.
The MOT Tests are required to keep a car in a running condition on the road, and to meet safety and environment rules. The MOT test is conducted on cars on to check on various car functionalities like its corrosion or damage in some areas, which may cause injury, speedometer condition, fuel system for leaks and security along with seals. It is also conducted for checking any faulty car repairs done, whether the car meet exhaust emissions in secured way, seat belts and seats, doors, braking system like repairs, performance, brake fluid, control etc. The MOT Tests also check things like:
a) Tyres and wheels
Condition, security, size, tread depth.
b) Registration plate
c) Lights and its system
d) Horn types
e) Steering and suspension conditions and modifications.
f) Seat belts
g) Fuel system and exhaust system
h) Security
i) Registration details and security and more
j) Oil changes
It is noteworthy, that this test does not cover an engine’s, clutch or gearbox conditions. When a car fails a MOT test, the car will be required to be repaired and tested at the garage dealer. The agreement will include the cost of repairs. The MOT Tests helps cars to identify issues with engine or the exhaust system to check pollution.
Car owners should check with their tyres, as they are the ones which come in direct contact with the roads and their condition may deteriorate in long run. It may cause issues in controlling a car, and less friction tyre problems. The thread of the tyres should be checked more often and correct size of 1.6 mm depth or more should be maintained. Failure to do so would result in failure in MOT Testing. A car should be kept in running condition before the MOT test to pass it and get the certificate.
The car should be washed, checked for any cracks in the body inside and outside, tyres checked, correct registration number, lights in working conditions along with brakes and horn and lastly, whether the shock absorbers
MOT tests have predetermined test time and centers for conducting the tests. The MOT tests can be accessed with help of VOSA (vehicle and operator services agency) before a current certificate expires on request. If any car owner is found without MOT certificate by the law on road, he may have to face serious consequences with fine up to £1000. One can only drive without a MOT if one is driving for a MOT test. Car drivers can renew their MOT 1 month before it expires.
So, it is always suggested to keep one’s vehicle or car on road through proper MOT test.
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