Doing a few simple pre-MOT checks, like inspecting your lights, before your car MOT can help reduce the costs.
At Wilco Motosave we know this, so we have all the things you need to help reduce your MoT costs – right off the shelf! And we offer a very competitive fitting service on most items too.
From 2014 to 2015 the DVSA carried out 29,341,115 MoTs. Of those, 8,409,713 failed first time – that’s 38%!
The most common MoT failures are:
- Lights
- Tyres and wheels
- Drivers view or the road
- Brakes
- Steering and suspension
Our top 8 things you can check to save money on your MoT test costs
- Check your tyres
The legal minimum tyre tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm, but you should never let them get this low. To check your tyres, place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the coin is obscured when it is inserted, then your tread is legal. Also, check for cracking of the rubber, deformation or uneven tyre wear. Check tyre pressures;
To do this, look up what they should be in your manual, and fill top them up at a petrol station. If you’re a little unsure then pop into your local Wilco Motosave who will be able to assist you. - Check your mirrors, wipers and washers
It’s important all of these are in good working order, so work your way around them making sure. A quick visual check takes seconds. - Check your lights
Ask someone to stand outside the car while you go through all the indicators, brake lights, fog lights, main beam and dip beam. Don’t forget your rear lights and Hazards too. - Check your number plate
Make sure your registration plate is not broken or the characters obscured. A dirty number plate can be a fine too if the police spot you. - Check your brakes
Make sure both pedal and handbrake are working well. - Check your belts
Inspect the operation of seat belts by pulling them suddenly. If working, they should lock and allow no further movement until pressure is released. Don’t forget to do all of them! - Check your dash lights
If you have a warning light on your dash, and aren’t sure what it is, you can check in at Wilco Motosave we can run diagnostics for you and let you know what you need to address. - Check your windscreen
Is the windscreen damaged with scratches, chips or cracks? Damage in the driver’s central view should be no larger than 10mm. In the whole of the swept area, it should be no larger than 40mm.
Some MoT fails are more difficult to check than others, so we haven’t put those ones in our list. A light not working is fairly obvious, but not many people can tell if their steering or steering wheel isn’t working perfectly. The brake fluid and the suspension will also be checked during the MoT.
You may see some online advice that says you should check your oil, water level, coolant and screenwash levels, but these aren’t checked as part of your MoT. That said, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on these easy-to-check things. Topping up your water and oil is easy and necessary, and keeping your car in good condition will save you money in the long run.
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