"A detailed guide on the MOT test"
"MOT Birmingham ( 650+ words)"
[ "A detailed guide on the MOT testWhat is the MOT test?The official UK MOT test was introduced in 1960, with the current format running since 2000. The MOT Birmingham aims to ensure that vehicles on our roads are safe for vehicle occupants and other road usersMOT Test CoverageThis includes checking that all the components and systems are in proper condition and free from damage. The officials also check many other things such as windscreen wipers, seats, seat belts etc. All this information is added together to give one overall rating, which becomes a part of your car's permanent record. The test results make it easy to identify any potential problems when selling a used car in future (hence its appeal to potential used car buyers!);Two TestsDon't be confused by all the talk of one yearly test; two MOT tests are carried out on every vehicle. The first is a roadworthiness test which happens as part of the official MOT process and can happen any time after your car is three years old. If you want to, you can get your car tested outside the MOT testing period, but there may be extra charges involved for doing thisThe second test is a much more thorough emissions inspection and involves examining various components that regulate emissions, such as vacuum hoses, fuel lines and injectors etc. This check takes place any time up until the fourth cars birthday (if it fails, measures must be taken to reduce emissions, or the car can no longer be driven on public roads)When is the MOT due?For most cars, your MOT test will be due in roughly one year time - this also gives you a good indicator of when you need to book your test. Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), if they are over 3.5 tones in weight, may have their MOT test due in six months instead, though. This shorter cycle allows them to be checked more regularly, but if an HGV fails its inspection, it'll fail for good! There's no getting away with an advisory note on that occasion. The only way around this restriction is to get the vehicle re-tested by another tester at another testing station which can cost extra money depending on the location and date of the original inspection failureMOT Test ChargesThe most common reason for failing an MOT is a broken or missing tax disc, which the tester uses to check that your registration number matches what it says on your logbookIf you have a broken windscreen but the glass is not falling out, and no cracks are going from edge to edge, this will usually be classed as "damage" rather than "dangerous". This means it'll only count as one minor fault even if both front windows need replacingAt first, glance, passing an MOT test with three or more faults might seem like a failure, but the tester is giving you multiple chances here - one star stands for major defects while two stars cover serious problems - three stars are the equivalent of four or more minor faults. Despite the wording, it's scarce for a car to pass with three stars!;One final point worth making is that MOTs are not necessarily 100% accurate - if you fail, make sure you ask for exactly what has fallen on your vehicle so you can seek out reviews and other feedback from previous owners. This could help you decide whether the problem is severe enough to warrant investing in repairs or selling your car instead. For example, an advisory note about needing new brake pads may be due to nothing more than worn brake discs, which are simple enough to replace yourself, which can save quite a bit of money compared with replacing all four brake pads at once (not forgetting time too!).The MOT test itself is a visual check of various parts and components under the hood. This inspection takes about half an hour and covers everything from lights to tyres, seatbelts etc. All this information is added together to give one overall rating out of four stars which become part of your cars permanent record - this makes it easy to identify any potential problems when selling a used car in future (hence its appeal to potential used car buyers!)One Test;Don't be confused by all the talk of one yearly test; two MOT tests are carried out on every vehicle. The first is a roadworthiness test which happens as part of the official MOT process and can happen any time after your car is three years old" ]