"How to prepare for an MOT test and what to do if your car fails"
"MOT Tadley (650 words)"
[ "How to prepare for an MOT test and what to do if your car fails;The UK government has announced that all cars will need to pass a test at least once every 12 months from 20 May 2018. Here we explain how the MOT Tadley test works and ways of making sure you're ready when it's time for yours..What is an MOT? Why does my car need one?An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a check carried out on vehicles in the UK to make sure they're roadworthy and safe. You can find out when your car's MOT is due by using our handy service history alerts. Car owners in the UK must ensure their vehicle has an MOT; if it doesn't, you could be in line for a fine of 1000The Ministry of Transport says: "Vehicles built to travel on public roads have to meet certain safety and exhaust emission standards." It adds that these guidelines exist to help reduce emissions, improve air quality, reduce congestion, and keep drivers safe. Cars first used before 1960 don't need an MOT but will require a historic vehicle log book when being driven on the roadHow often do I need to have an MOT?From 20th May 2018, all cars will need to pass a test at least once every 12 months to be roadworthy and safeWhat happens during an MOT test?An MOT tester will check your car's lights, tyres, bodywork, suspension, brakes and exhaust system. They'll also check the car's steering and steering wheel for damage, as well as the seats and seatbelts. If your car has an engine computer (ECU), the MOT tester will check this too. Finally, they'll check that your car has plates, registration documents and insurance. More information about what's involved in an MOT check can be found hereWhat happens if my car fails the MOT?If an MOT Tadley tester finds anything wrong with your car, they'll let you know during the test and/or give you a list of what's wrong. The examiner will also explain how dangerous or not the fault is. Unfortunately, there isn't room for errors in this test - if your car fails, it mustn't be driven on public roads until it's fixed. You do have the option to re-book the test at another date, though this does involve paying another fee (currently 54)Should I take care of any other work myself before getting it done when I get my annual MOT? If so, what sort of things?There are a few things that you can do in preparation for your MOT test. Check your tyres for wear and tear, and make sure they're inflated to the correct pressure - this is often listed in the car's manual. You should also check your car's oil level and top it up if necessary (you can find the recommended level in your car's manual). Finally, give your car a good clean inside and out - this will help the MOT tester see any faults more easilyIf my car fails its MOT, is it safe to drive home?No - if your car fails its MOT, it isn't roadworthy and mustn't be driven on public roads. You'll need to get it fixed before you can drive it againWhat will happen when my MOT is due?;You'll get a reminder in the post (or by email) with information on when your MOT test is due. Keep an eye out for this in case you forget to book. You can choose whether or not to pay for the car's details to be registered, which will send you reminders when your MOT and service are due. All MOTS tests are carried out free of charge, whether they're booked in advance or taken with us on the day*. *Subject to availability - some cars have priority over others, so call ahead if possible" ]