November 2024

A Step-by-step guide on completing a PRE-MOT check at home.

Pre-MOT At-Home Vehicle Check: The Ultimate Guide

Hey, it looks like you have your MOT booked and are searching for tips on preparing your vehicle. At Walsall Wood Tyre and Service, our team boasts over 100 years of combined motor industry experience. We’ve created this guide to help you perform a pre-MOT check at home and increase the likelihood of passing your MOT on the first try.

Why Conduct a Pre-MOT Check?

Many MOT failures are due to simple issues you can address yourself. By reviewing these common failure points, you save time, reduce stress, and possibly avoid expensive repairs. Let’s get started with our Pre-MOT checklist:

1. Lights Check

One of the most common causes of MOT failure is faulty or insecure lights. Here's what to do:

Headlights, Sidelights, Brake Lights, Indicators, Reverse Lights, and Number Plate Lights: Ensure all are working correctly.
Check Your Rear Lights: Ask a friend to help, or use a reflective surface to check by looking at the reflection.
Fixing Insecure Lighting: Make sure all external lights are securely fitted, as loose lights can lead to an MOT failure.

checking car headlights to ensure they are working properly for a pre-MOT check

2. Tyres Inspection

Tyres are critical for your safety and your vehicle’s MOT outcome. Here's how to check them:

Tyre Pressure: Verify that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. Check your vehicle handbook or look for a sticker inside the fuel flap or door pillar.
Tread Depth: Ensure at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the entire tyre. Use a tread depth gauge, or visit us for a free tyre check.

Tip: Driving on under-inflated or worn tyres is dangerous and can lead to fines or points on your license.

Using a tread depth gauge to measure tyre tread depth, ensuring it meets the legal requirement of 1.6mm

3. Exhaust System Check

Checking your exhaust doesn't require getting under your car:

Listen for Unusual Noises: Any excessive noise or rattling could indicate a problem.
Smoke Check: If you notice excessive or coloured smoke, have your car checked immediately. Excess emissions can cause an MOT failure.

Car exhaust emitting fumes, with a focus on checking for excessive smoke as part of a pre-MOT check.

4. Windscreen and Wiper Blades

Clear visibility is crucial:

Wiper Blades: If your wipers leave streaks or are split, replace them. Ensure your windscreen washers are functioning and filled with fluid.
Windscreen Damage: Any chips larger than 5mm in the driver's line of vision could lead to failure. Get chips repaired early.

Reminder: Windscreen washer fluid is essential. An empty tank can cause an MOT fail.

refilling windscreen washer fluid, a crucial step in pre-MOT preparation to avoid test failure

5. Fuel and Engine Oil Levels

Your vehicle needs sufficient fuel and engine oil for emissions testing:

Oil Level Check: Use the dipstick or onboard monitoring system. Oil should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
Fuel: Ensure there's enough fuel in your tank for the test.

Note: An MOT tester may refuse to perform the test if your vehicle has low oil or fuel.

Person refueling their car to ensure there is enough fuel for the MOT emissions test.

6. Brakes and Handbrake

Your brakes need to be in good condition:

Brake Functionality: Ensure your car doesn’t pull to one side when braking. Vibrations in the steering wheel or brake pedal could indicate a problem.
Handbrake Test: Check that your handbrake holds the car securely, even on an incline.

Hand engaging the car’s handbrake to ensure it is secure and holds the vehicle, a requirement for the MOT test

7. Mirrors Check

All mirrors must be intact:

Side and Rear-View Mirrors: Ensure there are no cracks or damage. Faulty mirrors can cause your vehicle to fail.

Both the side and rear-view mirrors are subject to testing.

Normal rear-view mirror on a car, emphasising the need for clear and undamaged mirrors for a successful MOT.

8. Interior Checks

Don’t overlook the interior:

Horn: Make sure your horn works properly.
Dashboard Warning Lights: Address any warning or engine management lights. Persistent lights need diagnosing and clearing before the test.

Pro Tip: Refer to your vehicle’s handbook if you’re unsure what a dashboard light means or have your vehicle inspected. It is necessary to clear the lights before your vehicle is MOT tested, as some lights may cause an MOT failure.

Car dashboard displaying multiple warning lights, indicating potential issues that need to be cleared before the MOT

Need Professional Help?

If you’re unsure about any checks or want peace of mind before your MOT, bring your car to Walsall Wood Tyre and Service. We offer a comprehensive vehicle health check and will provide a detailed report on our findings.

Book your vehicle health check on our website today! - www.walsallwood.com/book-now

Thank you for choosing Walsall Wood Tyre and Service as your trusted garage for all your vehicle needs.

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