All too often, cars fail their MOT inspections not because of some serious problem, such as a bent chassis, but because they have not been maintained properly. However, it is simple to undertake routine maintenance jobs on your car and something that will make it much less likely that your vehicle will fail.
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You don’t need to be a qualified mechanic to perform any of the following six tasks. Why not get them done and then book your MOT Test Online at Elite Direct? Doing so will increase your chances of a first-time pass dramatically. What should you do?
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Fill up the oil
You should not wait for your car’s oil warning light to come on before topping it up.
Without sufficient oil, your car could overheat or produce excessive fumes. Make sure the car is cool before confirming the oil level using the dipstick.
Untangle your seatbelts
Worn down seatbelts or ones that do not clip into their holster correctly can lead to an MOT failure.
Make sure yours aren’t fraying by untangling them and ensuring they can move freely when putting them on.
Replace worn-down wipers
Wiper blades are checked during an MOT. If you cannot see out of your windscreen to avoid potential hazards on the road due to faulty or worn-out rubber on the wiper blades, then you can expect your car to fail.
Switching old ones for new ones only takes a minute or two. Most places that sell new wiper blades will provide you with instructions on how to fit them if you ask.
Check tyres for tread wear
Tyres are the number one reason that otherwise roadworthy cars fail their MOT test.
Make sure there are no balding patches by using a tyre gauge to confirm the tread depth. Tyres with bulging sidewalls are also a sign you need new ones.
Make sure your lights work
Electrical checks must include all of the lamps your car should have in a fully operational state. This means your headlights, of course, but also your indicators and brake lights.
Cars can fail MOTs if they don’t have working reversing and fog lamps too.
Inspect your mirrors
You must make sure that your wing mirror allows you to see behind you when overtaking.
If you have one that shakes when you drive or that is smashed, it must be replaced. The same thing goes for your rearview mirror.
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