Check Your Lights Before the Test
An MOT checks whether your vehicle meets the required safety and environmental standards. However, you don’t need to wait until the test to discover that something is wrong.
Spending a few minutes checking your car beforehand can highlight straightforward problems. Furthermore, arranging repairs early gives you more time to deal with them before your MOT appointment.
A professional inspection is particularly worthwhile if your vehicle is older, has covered high mileage, or hasn’t been serviced recently.
Check Your Lights Before the Test
Test Headlights, Indicators and Brake Lights
Walk around your vehicle and check that all exterior lights work correctly. This includes headlights, indicators, brake lights, reversing lights and number plate lights.
Ask someone to help you check the brake and reversing lights if necessary. Replace faulty bulbs before your Mitcham MOT wherever possible.
Inspect Your Tyres and Tread
Your tyres play an essential role in vehicle safety. Check their condition and look for cuts, cracks, bulges or unusual wear.
Check Your Tyre Tread
The legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its entire circumference. You should also check that your tyres are correctly inflated.
If you’re concerned about tyre condition, ask a mechanic Mitcham drivers can rely on to inspect them before the test.
Test Your Wipers and Windscreen Wash
Damaged wiper blades can affect visibility and potentially cause an MOT problem. Check that the blades clear the windscreen effectively without leaving excessive smearing.
Also make sure your washer fluid reservoir contains enough screen wash. Good visibility remains essential, particularly during wet or difficult driving conditions.
Check Your Number Plates and Horn
Simple Checks That Can Prevent Problems
Your number plates should be clean, secure and clearly readable. Give them a quick clean before your appointment.
You should also test your horn to ensure it works correctly. These small checks take seconds but can identify problems before you arrive at the test centre.
Look for Dashboard Warning Lights
Warning lights shouldn’t be ignored. Start your vehicle and check whether any warning lights remain illuminated.
