MOT TESTING WHAT TO DO BEFOREHAND

When you hear of someone needing to spend hundreds of pounds to get their car through its MoT test, it's easy to overlook that MoTs exist for your protection, providing the only statutory test for safety and environmental legislation. After all, how often do you get underneath your car and check that the exhaust is still firmly attached and that none of the vital suspension or steering components is worn or loose? It's best to view the annual MoT test as a sensible opportunity to have your vehicle examined by an expert to ensure that it meets all safety and legal requirements.

The MoT was introduced in 1959 and initially was only required for cars aged 10 years or older. These days, all vehicles of three years or older need to be taken in for an annual test. Since 1995, the MoT has also included a check of exhaust emissions to ensure that cars are not polluting our air excessively.

So what can you do to ensure your car passes? Before taking your car in for the dreaded check-up, why not run through this checklist as suggested by a qualified MoT tester:

Starting in the interior, check the following:

- are the seats securely mounted?

- are the seatbelts frayed and does the mechanism work correctly?

- is there any damage to the steering wheel or too much free movement when you gently turn the wheel a few inches in each direction when the car is parked?

- is the boot clear so an inspector can open it and inspect under the mat for rust or structural damage? (And he needs to be able to gain entry via the boot lid or tailgate.)

- are there any cracks or chips in the windscreen? (Cracks or chips in the driver's line of sight must not be larger than 10mm. Out of the driver's field of view, 40mm is the limit.)

-are all the rear-view mirrors intact and clean?

Once you've made a note of anything to repair, it's time to check exterior items:

- is the car reasonably clean? (Garages won't test VERY dirty cars.)

- are all lights working and not damaged in any way?

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