If you own a car in the UK, you probably need to take it for an MOT test every year once it’s over three years old. But do you know what exactly is checked during the MOT test and why it’s essential for your car’s safety and performance?
The MOT test is a mandatory inspection that checks if your car meets the minimum legal standards for roadworthiness, vehicle safety and exhaust emissions. It’s different from servicing your car, which checks its general mechanical condition and maintenance.
The MOT test covers many car parts and systems, from the bodywork and tyres to the brakes and lights. In this blog post, we’ll explain what car parts are tested on a UK MOT test and what you can do to prepare your car for the test.
Bodywork and Structure
The first thing that the MOT tester will inspect is the bodywork and structure of your car. They will check that:
- The bodywork and associated structures (bumpers, spoilers and tow bars) are free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas.
- There are no sharp edges likely to cause injury to pedestrians or other road users.
- The tow bar (if fitted) is secure, in good condition and has no improper repairs or modifications.
- The 13-pin electrical socket (if fitted) is working correctly.
- The speedometer is in good working order.
- The engine mountings are secure.
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure your car’s bodywork is clean, rust-free and has no dents, cracks or holes. You should also check that your tow bar (if fitted) is properly attached and has no signs of wear or damage. If you have any stickers or decals on your car, ensure they don’t obscure your view of the road or interfere with any lights or reflectors.
Brakes
The brakes are one of the most critical parts of your car’s safety system, so they are thoroughly checked during the MOT test. The tester will check that:
- The brake pedals, levers, and ABS warning light are working properly
- The brake pipes and hoses are secure and in good condition
- The brake discs, pads and shoes are not excessively worn or damaged
- The brake fluid level and quality are adequate
- The parking brake is effective and has no excessive travel or effort
- The brake performance meets the required standards
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure your brakes are well-maintained and serviced regularly. You should also check your brake fluid level and top it up if needed. You should also avoid driving with worn or damaged brake pads or discs, as they can affect your braking efficiency and cause damage to other parts of the brake system.
Driver’s View of the Road
The driver’s view of the road is another crucial aspect of your car’s safety, as it affects your ability to see and react to potential hazards. The tester will check that:
Windscreen
The windscreen is another vital part of your car’s safety, as it affects your visibility on the road. The tester will check that:
- The windscreen is free from cracks, chips or damage that could impair your vision
- The windscreen wipers and washers are working correctly and clear the windscreen effectively
- The rear-view mirror and wing mirrors are secure, adjustable and provide a clear view of the rear
- The sun visors are secure and don’t obstruct your view of the road
To pass this part of the test, you should make sure that your windscreen is clean and has no cracks or chips larger than 10mm in the driver’s line of vision or 40mm elsewhere. Replace worn or damaged wiper blades and fill your washer fluid reservoir. You should also check that your mirrors are clean, secure and adjusted correctly.
Horn
The horn is another vital part of your car’s safety, as it helps you alert other road users of your presence or warn them of potential dangers. The tester will check that:
- The horn is working correctly and has a suitable tone
- The horn is easily accessible from the driver’s seat
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure your horn is working correctly and has a loud enough sound. You should also test your horn regularly and make sure it’s not broken or damaged.
Steering and Suspension
The steering and suspension systems are essential for your car’s handling, stability and comfort. The tester will check that:
- The steering wheel is secure and in good condition
- The steering column is free from excessive play or wear
- The power steering system (if fitted) is working properly and has no leaks
- The steering joints, rack, linkage and gaiters are secure and in good condition
- The suspension components (such as springs, shock absorbers, bushes and ball joints) are secure and in good condition
The MILs or dashboard warning lights will also be checked for the electronic power steering and steering lock.
- The wheel bearings are free from excessive play or noise
- The wheels and tyres are of the correct size and type for the vehicle
To pass this part of the test, ensure your steering and suspension systems are well-maintained and serviced regularly. Before the test, you should also check your tyre pressure and condition and replace any damaged or worn tyres. You should also avoid using different types or sizes of tyres on the same axle, as this can affect your car’s handling and stability.
Lights
The lights are another vital part of your car’s safety, as they help you see and be seen by other road users. The tester will check that:
- The headlights, sidelights, rear lights, brake lights, fog lights, reversing lights, and indicators are working properly and are correctly positioned and aligned. This includes high-intensity discharge (HID) and light-emitting diode (LED)
- The headlight aim is set correctly and does not dazzle other drivers.
- The hazard warning lights and indicators work with or without the ignition on
- The registration plate lights are working.
- The lights are clean and in good condition.
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure all your lights are working correctly and have no cracks or damage. You should also check that your headlight aim is set correctly and does not dazzle other drivers. You should also regularly clean your lights and replace blown bulbs as soon as possible.
Seat Belts
The seat belts are another essential part of your car’s safety system, as they protect you and your passengers from severe injuries in case of a collision. The tester will check that:
- The mandatory seat belts are in place and are suitable for the vehicle.
- The seat belts are in good condition and work properly.
- The seat belts are attached securely and have no cuts, fraying or damage.
- The malfunction indicator lamps (MILs) or dashboard warning lights for the airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners (which remove the slack from a seat belt in the event of a collision) and seat belt load limiters (which release a small amount of belt when it’s too tight) are working correctly.
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure all your seat belts are in place and suitable for your vehicle. You should also check that they are in good condition and work properly. You should always wear your seat belt when driving or travelling in a car, as it can save your life.
Seats
The seats are another critical part of your car’s comfort and safety, as they support you and your passengers during the journey. The tester will check that:
- The driver’s seat can be adjusted
- All seats are securely fitted, and the seat backs can be fixed in the upright position
- The head restraints (if equipped) are secure and adjustable
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure that all your seats are securely fitted, and that seat backs can be fixed upright. You should also check that your driver’s seat can be adjusted to suit your height and reach. You should also use head restraints (if fitted) to prevent whiplash injuries in case of a rear-end collision.
Exhaust System
The exhaust system is essential to your car’s performance and emissions, as it removes the waste gases from the engine and reduces noise. The tester will check that:
- The exhaust system is secure and complete
- A catalyst isn’t missing where one was fitted as standard
- The exhaust system is without serious leaks and not too noisy
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure that your exhaust system is secure and complete and has no missing or damaged parts. You should also check that your catalyst (if fitted) works properly and has no signs of tampering or removal. You should also avoid driving with a noisy or leaking exhaust system, which can affect your car’s performance and emissions.
Fuel System
The fuel system is another vital part of your car’s performance and emissions, as it delivers fuel to the engine. The tester will check that:
- There are no leaks in the fuel system
- The pipes and hoses are secure and in good condition
- The fuel cap fastens and seals securely
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure no leaks in your fuel system and that the pipes and hoses are secure and in good condition. You should also check that your fuel cap fastens and seals securely and have the key available for the test.
Emissions
The emissions test is integral to the MOT test, as it checks if your car meets the environmental standards for exhaust emissions. The tester will check that:
- The vehicle is inspected, depending on its age and fuel type, to check that it meets the rules for exhaust emissions.
- The exhaust system has no severe leaks and is not too noisy.
- The diesel particulate filter (DPF) (if fitted) is working correctly and has no signs of tampering or removal
- The engine management system (EMS) (if equipped) is working correctly and has no fault codes or warning lights
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure your car is well-maintained and serviced regularly. It would be best to go for the MOT with a fully warmed-up engine, as it will produce fewer emissions and is safer to test. You should also avoid tampering with or removing any parts of the emission control system, such as the catalyst or the DPF, as this can affect your car’s performance and emissions.
Tyres and Wheels
The tyres and wheels are essential for your car’s grip, handling and braking. The tester will check that:
- The wheels and tyres are of the correct size and type for the vehicle.
- The tyres have no cuts, bulges or tears and have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference.
- The tyres are correctly inflated to the recommended pressure.
- The wheel nuts and bolts are secure and in good condition.
- The spare wheel (if fitted) is secure and in good condition.
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure your tyres are in good condition and have enough tread depth. You should also check your tyre pressure regularly and adjust it according to your vehicle’s manual. You should also avoid using different types or sizes of tyres on the same axle, as this can affect your car’s handling and stability. You should also check that your spare wheel (if fitted) is secure and in good condition.
Registration Plate
The registration plate is another essential part of your car’s identification, as it helps authorities to track your vehicle’s history and ownership. The tester will check that:
- The registration plate is secure and legible
- The registration plate is of the correct size, colour and format
- The registration plate matches the vehicle’s registration document (V5C)
- The registration plate lights are working
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure that your registration plate is secure, legible, and has no cracks or damage. You should also check that your registration plate is of the correct size, colour and format and matches your vehicle’s registration document. You should also check that your registration plate lights are working correctly.
Battery
The battery is integral to your car’s electrical system, providing power to start the engine and run the lights and other accessories. The tester will check that:
- The battery is secure and in good condition
- The battery terminals are clean and tight
- The battery is not leaking or showing signs of damage
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure that your battery is secure, in good condition, and has no signs of corrosion or damage. You should also check that your battery terminals are clean and tight and have no loose or broken wires. You should also avoid overcharging or draining your battery, which can shorten its lifespan and affect its performance.
Electrical Wiring
The electrical wiring is another essential part of your car’s electrical system, as it connects the battery to the lights, horn, indicators and other accessories. The tester will check that:
- The electrical wiring is secure and in good condition
- The electrical wiring has no bare wires or exposed connections
- The electrical wiring has no signs of overheating or short circuits
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure that your electrical wiring is secure, in good condition, and has no signs of wear or damage. You should also check that your electrical wiring has no bare wires or exposed connections that could cause sparks or fire. You should also avoid overloading or modifying your electrical system, which can cause overheating or short circuits.
Mirrors
The mirrors are another vital part of your car’s safety, as they help you see what’s behind and beside you when driving. The tester will check that:
- The rear-view mirror and wing mirrors are secure, adjustable and provide a clear view of the rear
- The mirrors are clean and in good condition
To pass this part of the test, make sure that your mirrors are secure, adjustable and provide a clear view of the rear. You should also check that your mirrors are clean, in good condition, and have no cracks or damage.
Doors
The doors are another vital part of your car’s safety, allowing you to enter and exit easily and securely. The tester will check that:
- The doors open and close correctly from inside and outside the vehicle
- The doors latch securely in the closed position
- The front doors can be opened from both inside and outside the vehicle
- The rear doors can be opened from outside the vehicle
- The hinges, catches, and pillars are secure and in good condition
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure your doors open and close properly from inside and outside the vehicle. You should also check that your doors latch securely in the closed position and have no signs of wear or damage. You should also check that your hinges, catches, and pillars are secure and in good condition.
Boot (Tailgate)
The boot (tailgate) is another vital part of your car’s safety, as it allows you to access the luggage compartment easily and securely. The tester will check that:
- The boot (tailgate) opens and closes properly
- The boot (tailgate) latches securely in the closed position
- The boot (tailgate) hinges, catches, and struts are secure and in good condition
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure that your boot (tailgate) opens and closes properly. You should also check that your boot (tailgate) latches securely in the closed position, showing no wear or damage. You should also check that your hinges, catches, and struts are secure and in good condition.
Number Plate (VIN)
The number plate (VIN) is another crucial part of your car’s identification, as it helps authorities to verify your vehicle’s make, model and year of manufacture. The tester will check that:
- The number plate (VIN) is permanently displayed on the vehicle
- The number plate (VIN) is legible and matches the vehicle’s registration document (V5C)
- The number plate (VIN) has no signs of tampering or alteration
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure that your number plate (VIN) is permanently displayed on your vehicle and has no signs of tampering or alteration. You should also check that your number plate (VIN) is legible and matches your vehicle’s registration document.
Speedometer
The speedometer is another essential part of your car’s safety and performance, as it helps you monitor your speed and comply with the speed limits. The tester will check that:
- The speedometer is in good working order
- The speedometer is easily visible from the driver’s seat
- The speedometer has no signs of tampering or alteration
To pass this part of the test, you should ensure that your speedometer is in good working order and shows no tampering or alteration. Also, check that your speedometer is visible from the driver’s seat and has a clear display.
Final Checks
After inspecting all the car parts listed above, the tester will also perform some final checks to ensure your car is safe and roadworthy. These include:
- Checking that the vehicle identification number (VIN) matches the one on the MOT test certificate
- Checking that the mileage recorded on the odometer matches the one on the MOT test certificate
- Checking that there are no other apparent defects or faults that could affect the safety or performance of the vehicle
If your car passes all these checks, you will be issued a pass certificate and a report detailing any minor faults or advisories. If your vehicle fails any of these checks, you will be issued with a fail certificate and a report detailing the reasons for failure and any dangerous faults. You must get your car repaired and retested within ten working days to avoid paying the full MOT fee again.
Conclusion
For the latest guidance, see the UK Gov MOT website.
As you can see, many car parts are tested on a UK MOT test, and they all play a vital role in your car’s safety, performance and emissions. By keeping your vehicle well-maintained and serviced regularly, you can increase your chances of passing the MOT test and avoid costly repairs or fines.