MOT frequently asked questions
We get asked a lot of questions about the MOT so we have detailed below some of the more common questions that arise.
What is the Mot?
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is the minimum mandatory safety and emissions inspection that must be conducted on vehicles. It is a legal requirement for vehicles that are three years old and older, and subsequently must be performed annually. The MOT inspection is an essential obligation that must be fulfilled alongside any other legal obligations
In addition to the MOT, it is highly recommended that motorists periodically assess their own vehicles for common defects, such as faulty lights, tyres, exhaust systems, and brakes. This proactive approach ensures that vehicles remain compliant with road safety at all times.
When is my MOT due?
You can check if you have a valid mot by clicking on the above logo. You can present your vehicle for mot, 1 month less 1 day before your old test expires without loss of days from your old test.
Your car will be covered by your old test even if it fails. This gives you some flexibility to repair the vehicle before the old test runs out and you can legally park on public roads.
However, if you continue to drive the vehicle you must ensure it is roadworthy for the conditions you are driving in, otherwise you run the risk of prosecution.
Company cars
Businesses bear a legal responsibility for maintaining the safety of their vehicles, but it is equally important for drivers to acknowledge and share this responsibility with their respective companies.
If defects are found on vehicles driven by drivers and they are deemed partly or wholly responsible for these defects, they may face fines or legal prosecution.
By upholding their duty to regularly inspect their vehicles and promptly addressing any identified defects, drivers can contribute to the overall safety and compliance of the vehicles they operate.
What if my car fails the MOT?
If your car fails the mot you have 10 working days to repair the car to qualify for a partial retest, which is often carried out free of charge. If you are outside of this window you will have to pay for a full test.
If you still have some unexpired mot on your old test then you may be able to continue driving during this 10 day period.
For example, a blocked washer line would result in a failed mot but by ensuring the windscreen remains clean during the repair period this will allow you to use the vehicle without risk of prosecution. You would then have 10 working days to carry out the repair prior to a partial retest.
Remember it is your responsibility to only drive the vehicle if it is safe and legal to do so. If the above vehicle also failed on an illegal tyre it is better to change the tyre at the test centre rather than risk driving on an illegal tyre.
I have a warning symbol on my dash will it still pass the MOT?
Probably not. In most cases the defect will fail the mot and in some other cases the tester may not be happy to proceed with the test until the defect is rectified i.e low oil or coolant. It is therefore recommended that all dashboard warning lights are dealt with before the mot test is undertaken.
Do fully electric vehicles require an MOT?
Yes. The same rules apply to fully electric vehicles with adjustments made to the test procedure such as emissions and exhaust checks
Are any vehicles exempt from mot?
Yes. Classic vehicles first registered more than 40 years ago where no 'substantial changes' have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years are exempt. This does not apply to large goods vehicles.
Should I have a service done at the same time?
This is a matter of personal choice as there are arguments on both sides. Having a service alongside an mot can reduce the downtime on the vehicle and can speed up the repair process on some defects many of which can be repaired same day.
You may decide the chance for a professional check over twice a year is worth the extra inconvenience so splitting the mot and service may be your preference. This would also allow you to spread the cost on older vehicles that may be more prone to repair work.
If my car has no mot can I leave it parked on the road outside my house?
No. Cars without an mot must be stored on private land not public highways or footpaths.
Cambelt change
A cambelt, also known as a timing belt, controls the timing of a vehicle's engine by ensuring that the camshaft and crankshaft rotate in sync. This allows the engine's valves to open and close at the correct time, which controls the flow of air and fuel into and out of the engine.
As most engines are an interference design the pistons can hit the valves when the timing is out or the belt fails, causing significant engine damage.
On some engines the belt also drives the water pump and where this is the case it is recommended to change the water pump at the same time as a seizure of the pump can throw the belt.
Timing belts are usually changed from 60k - 150k varying by manufacturer. More recently timing belts that run in oil known as wet belts have been introduced and these have been troublesome, failing from 30k and causing low oil pressure.
Any noises or oil leaks from the timing belt area should be investigated as a priority. Checks should also be made on the condition of the auxiliary drive belt as both run off the crankshaft. Some engines are particularly vulnerable to the auxiliary drive belt causing the cambelt to fail.
Coventry car service
Task
Check horn Check lights Check wipers Check screen wash Reset screen wash Reset tyre pressures Drain oil Change oil filter Reset oil level Replace cabin filter Replace Air filter Replace fuel filter Replace spark plugs
Replace axle oil Replace diff oil Replace brake fluid Clean brake shoes Adjust brake shoes Check aux belt
Check battery Check tyres Check exhaust Check/reset coolant Check brake fluid Reset brake fluid Check PAS fluid Reset PAS fluid Check hoses Check oil leaks Check coolant leaks Check brake leaks
Check springs Check stab links Check susp arms Check shocks Check track rods Check tie rods Check wheel brgs Check axle bushes Check driveshafts Check prop shaft
Check engine idle Road test Reset service light Stamp service book
Interim service
12 month
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Full service
24 month
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Major Service
24/36 month
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Cromwell Garage, 217 Torrington Avenue, Coventry CV49HN, providing professional garage services in the Coventry community serving Allesley, Balsall Common, Berkswell, Burton Green, Canley, Coundon ,Cheylesmore, Earlsdon,
Eastern Green, Finham, Kenilworth, Meriden, Tile Hill, Westwood Heath.
Contact 02476 466645 or email office@cromwellgarage.co.uk. Listed in the Coventry Directory
All rights reserved © 20232804558, Established 29 March 1993
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