How to Complete a Pre-MOT Checklist

What can you do to give your vehicle the best chance of passing its MOT? Let’s look at some simple checks you can carry out before the test.

• Clean your car internally and externally. An examiner may refuse to test the vehicle if they can’t see through the mess.
• Number plates – scrub them so that they’re readable.
• Windscreen wipers – check there are no tears
• Lights – ask a friend to walk around the vehicle whilst you test every light.
• Tyre tread – check the pressure and use the 20p test to check your treads. Insert a 20p into the tread grooves on the tyre and if you can’t see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit.
• Fluid levels – top them all up – screenwash, brake fluid and oil
• Horn – give it a quick honk and check you can hear it loud and clear.
• VIN – Vehicle Identification Number – the number on your car’s bodywork should match the number in your V5C logbook.

Have you spotted a part that will potentially fail? Here’s some guidance on how to avoid MOT failures. If you believe the vehicle is damaged and the repair costs will outweigh the value of the vehicle, why not consider selling it for salvage? Simply enter your details online and you’ll receive an offer within minutes.