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MOT how to prepare

How to prepare for an MOT?

At HiQ we’d advise anyone with an approaching MOT to make themselves more aware of their vehicle and give it a good look over. That way, you can often identify and get help for any problems before it goes in for the test.

Top 10 tips for passing the MOT test

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Plan properly

Don’t forget to bring your log book (V5C) if it’s your car’s first ever MOT, or if it’s the first MOT since a change of registration. For all other MOTs, you don’t need to take your log book.

Check your lights

This is a very common cause for MOT failure. To test your lights, find somewhere dark and simply point your lights at a garage door or wall.

Check your screen

Check for even the smallest cracks, fill up your washer bottle, check your wipers.

Check your brakes

Spongy pedal, squeaking, scraping, pulling? There could be a problem.

Clean your registration plate

Seems like common sense – but an unclear reg plate can cause a failed MOT. Be sure your reg plate is clean, clear and legal.

Check your exhaust and emissions

Watch out for a cracked exhaust – it’s noisy. And don’t forget, blue or black smoke from diesel engines is a warning sign.

Test the steering

Any knocking sounds or pulling? Be sure to get your steering checked.

Examine your tyres

Min. legal tread is 1.6mm. Some tyres have treadwear indicators, but if not, simply insert a 20p coin into the tread at the shallowest point, mark & measure.

Inspect the bodywork

In extreme circumstances, rust can eat through bodywork & result in a failed MOT.

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