WHAT IS THE MOT?
A valid MOT is required for your vehicle if it is over three years old to ensure roadworthiness. This is a minimum standard for the vehicle to travel on the public highway and is not to be confused with servicing. You’ll need proof of a valid MOT when you apply for your vehicle tax.
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The MOT is a legally required annual inspection which Westfield Motors can carry out for you on your car, motorhome, quad bike or light goods vehicle. Vehicles more than three years old must be submitted for testing at an authorised MOT centre.
The vehicle must pass to receive its MOT certificate, and it’s valid for 12 months from the expiry date, you are allowed to carry out the test up to 1 calendar month early without forfeiting any days on your expiry.
It is illegal to drive on UK roads without a valid MOT and fines can be up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.
WHAT IS TESTED DURING THE MOT?
The MOT is a comprehensive inspection and includes the following checks:
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Body and structure – to ensure the body of the vehicle isn’t excessively corroded or damaged and that there are no sharp edges likely to cause injury.
Fuel system – to ensure there are no leaks and the fuel cap is secure and sealed.
Exhaust emissions – the vehicle must meet the requirements for exhaust emissions depending on its fuel type and age.
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Other Areas tested:
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Exhaust system – to ensure the exhaust is secure, complete, silences effectively, and there are no signs of serious leaks.
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Seat belts – all belts both front and rear are checked for condition, operation and security. All compulsory seat belts must be in place.
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Seats – must be secure and able to be secured in the upright position.
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Doors – all doors must close securely. Front doors should open from inside and outside the vehicle.
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Mirrors – the minimum numbers should be on the vehicle, and should be in good condition and securely fixed in position.
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Brakes – operation and performance will be tested.
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Tyres – condition and security will be checked including their size, type and thread.
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Number plates – condition, security and checks that characters have the correct form and spacing.
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Lights – condition, operation and security. Headlamps are also tested for their aim.
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Washers and wipers – condition, operation and a check that they leave a clear view of the road.
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Horn – operates correctly and is of a suitable type.
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Suspension and steering – condition and operation.
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VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) – checked against the registration for vehicles.
WHAT happens if my car fails its MOT, or the MOT has expired?
If your car fails the MOT for a defect in the dangerous category, you should not drive the vehicle until it has been repaired.
You’ll be issued a ‘refusal of MOT test certificate’ and it will be recorded on the MOT database. You then have 10 working days to have the car repaired and retested. After this the test will have to be restarted from the beginning and a full test fee charged again.
Driving without a valid MOT is illegal and will also invalidate your car insurance.
At Westfield Motors we do not charge for MOT Retest, when the repairs are done, either by our qualified and friendly team, or somebody of your choice; we will not charge for retesting the MOT providing it is within the 10 working day threshold.
