"What is an MOT test ?"
"MOT Worthing (650 Words)"
[ "What is an MOT test?The MOT test is a government requirement for all cars over three years old. If your vehicle fails, you'll have to pay for the repairs before taking it on the road again. We explain what's involved in an MOT test and when you need to get yours doneYour car is legally required to undergo its first MOT test after three years or four months, whichever comes first. You can find out exactly how long you've got by checking your vehicle registration document (V5C), which contains the date of first registration. If there's no appropriate space on this record, write down the number plate instead - that'll do just fineAfter that point, your car will need an MOT every year or 12 months, whichever comes firstWho is responsible for MOT?The law says that you are responsible for your vehicle's MOT Worthing test, even if provided by your employer or a family member. You could be prosecuted if your car fails its test and you have not arranged for it to be fixed within the required time frameHow does an MOT work?Someone needs to inspect your wheels, seats (including belts), windows (if applicable), lights, and indicators, brake fluid reservoirs (some cars don't have these), and exhaust system, bodywork, and tyres. Only parts that can easily be removed without tools should be checked - this means no dismantling of entire engines or transmissions; the tester should only check items like exhausts accessible from the outside. If things come loose while being tested, they'll failYour car will also be checked for its general roadworthiness - this includes checking that all your lights/lenses are intact, wipers work, and tyres have suitable tread.The driver's view of the road should be unrestricted by mirrors or windows, and opening/closing windows must function correctly. You can find more information on what an MOT Worthing test covers hereHow much does an MOT cost?An MOT is likely to set you back between 20-100 depending on where you get it done, and bear in mind that failing the test often costs more than doing it. Most garages charge extra (typically around 20) for taking things apart to fix them, plus whatever cost the MOT tester charges you for not passingWhich parts of my car will be checked?Wheels (including wheel nuts/bolts), tyres, seatbelts (each part of your seatbelt set up should be tested separately to make sure they're in good working order). It's also worth checking whether seatbelt pre-pensioners are operational - these save lives, so it's worth looking into this. Ensure that all lights and lenses are intact, wipers work, and windows open/close correctlyDon't forget to check your mirrors - although most auto-folding wing mirrors don't require an MOT test if they fold when the car goes in for its annual testWhat should I do if my car fails the MOT?;If you're at fault, your car will likely fail because of two minor problems that can be fixed without much trouble. Otherwise, your car might be unsafe to drive - this is pretty rare, but it does happen sometimesIf you think your vehicle has failed due to a faulty part that isn't easily fixable, contact the garage immediately and ask them what steps they intend to take. If they ignore you, complain loudly! Losing an MOT often costs garages more than doing the work needed for a pass would have done, so get on their case until you get what you need ; ; ; ; If the problem is that your car isn't roadworthy, you have a more significant challenge ahead. It would be best to find out precisely why it failed and then get the problem(s) fixed as soon as possible. Most garages will tell you what's wrong with your car after its MOT, so make sure to take notes and contact them if you're not satisfied with their response. If they don't fess up or offer an explanation, see your rights hereRemember: your MOT certificate only lasts for a year (or 12 months if it's the first time), so failing doesn't mean you're stuck driving around in a deathtrap - unless the garage fails to identify any problems following the test, of courseIf you're unlucky and your car is unsafe to drive, the garage must confiscate it and remove it from public roads. You can appeal if they decide this without giving you a chance, but it's unlikely that'll happen unless they provide a good reason for not informing you beforehand.If the test has only just been carried out, find out what went wrong - ask for a copy of all documents related to the test, so you have them on file if necessary. This also gives you more time to plan around getting your car fixed as soon as possible." ]