Just a ‘Minute Or Two’ to pass MOT

The SMMT has launched a nationwide campaign to help motorists reduce MOT failures, backed by 5,545 manufacturer main dealers across the UK.

Research from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) indicates that around 1.5 million MOT failures each year could be avoided if motorists notify the dealer of simple problems with the vehicle before the annual roadworthiness test is carried out. In the biggest campaign of its type, 5,545 manufacturer main dealers across the UK will be giving guidance to motorists on the simple pre-MOT visual checks they can carry out on their own car.

Taking just a ‘Minute Or Two’, the 10-step checklist takes vehicle owners through a series of quick-and-easy checks – from headlights and tyres to windscreen wipers and fluid levels. Here’s the list in all its glory:

The ‘Minute Or Two’ checklist

1.         Headlights and indicators

Check that all of your car’s lights function properly – headlights, sidelights, rear lights, hazard lights and indicators.

2.         Brake lights

Press the brake pedal and ask a friend to check that the rear brake lights come on – including any supplementary brake strip light. Alternatively, carefully reverse up to a reflective surface (window, wall or garage door) and look behind to see for yourself.

3.         Number plate

Make sure that the number plate is clean and legible – even a quick wipe with a cloth can make a difference. The font and spacing of letters must also comply with legal requirements to be passed by the MOT station.

4.         Wheels and tyres

Check that wheels and tyres are undamaged. The minimum legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm and any tyres with less than this will be marked as an MOT ‘fail’ (though it’s recommended that tyres are changed when tread reaches 3mm). If you’re in doubt about how much tread is left on a tyre, your local manufacturer main dealer can check for you. The dealer can also advise on the type of tyre that is right for your car if a replacement is required.

5.         Seats and seatbelts

The driver’s seat should adjust forwards and backwards and all seatbelts should be in good, working order. Test movement of the seat and inspect the seatbelt’s full length for damage. Tug sharply on all seatbelts to check that they react as they’re supposed to if you have to brake severely. 

6.         Windscreen

Check the view out of the front of the car for damage – any damage larger than 40mm will cause a ‘fail’, as will any damage wider than 10mm in the ‘swept’ area of the windscreen in front of the driver.

7.         Windscreen wipers

Make sure your wipers are able to keep your windscreen clean – any tears or holes in the wiper rubber can be an MOT fail.

8.         Screenwash

Top up the washer bottle before taking the car in for a test – something as simple as an empty container can cause an MOT fail.

9.         Horn

Give a short blast of the horn – if it doesn’t work, your dealer will need to repair or replace it.

10.        Fuel and engine oil

Make sure your car is filled with enough fuel and engine oil – you can be turned away from the MOT without suitable levels of either, both of which are required by the dealership when running the car to test its emissions levels. If you are unsure about the type of oil that should be used, ask your manufacturer main dealer.

It’s not rocket science, but the aim is to make motorists more aware of the condition of the vehicles they are driving. And it is interesting to note SMMT’s promotion of the 3mm recommended replacement tread depth.