MOTs Explained: A Comprehensive Guide for Families

Booking your family car in for its MOT can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially if it has clocked up some extra miles. The fear of an unexpected bill or the dreaded failure is something that all drivers worry about — but an MOT is legally required to keep your car in the best condition. In this guide, we’ll share tips on how to get your car ready for its MOT and help you avoid any surprises on the day.

What is an MOT?

First things first, what is an MOT? An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a legally required, annual safety check in the UK for vehicles over three years old. It essentially ensures that your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards set by the government but also serves as peace of mind for you, so you know your car is safe to drive. 

Why is an MOT Important?

We get it — you might dread your MOT, that’s common. But this test is necessary for several reasons, including: 

• Safety: Regular MOTs help shine a light on potential issues before they become serious, ensuring your vehicle is safe for you and your family. Keeping up with maintenance means you can avoid expensive repairs for more money in your pocket — and more to spend on the family. 
• Legal Requirement: Driving without a valid MOT certificate can result in fines and points on your license, so missing your test isn’t worth it.
• Environmental Impact: Your MOT includes an emissions test, helping reduce the environmental footprint of your car. You can drive with peace of mind that you’re doing all you can to help the planet. 

Common MOT Failures and How to Avoid Them

The main reason drivers worry about their MOT coming up is due to the chance of failure — no one wants to be told they can’t drive their car unless they have several costly repairs carried out. And when juggling family life, having a car is a non-negotiable for getting the kids to school, running errands and commuting to work. While choosing a reliable family car is a great option, here are a few ways you can avoid failing your MOT: 

Broken Lights and Indicators 

Often a simple bulb replacement can avoid a failure. Make sure you check your lights often, you can do this by turning both your headlights and hazards on and then doing a walk around your car to check they’re working. You’ll also need someone to stand behind the car while you press the break to ensure your brake lights are in good working condition.

Suspension 

Regular checks can help detect issues early. You can check your suspension by putting your weight down on either the front or back of the car and letting go, if the car continues to bounce after 2 bounces, you could have an issue.

Brake issues

Ensure regular servicing and check-ups. If your brakes start making a noise or feel sticky or are slow to react, speak to a specialist as soon as possible. 

Worn tyres

Regularly check your tyres for wear and tear. You can use the 20p test to do this by simply placing a 20p coin into the groove of your tyres, if you can still see the band of the coin, your tyres likely require inspection from a mechanic. 

Preparing for Your MOT

There are ways that you can give your trusty family car a helping hand when it comes to passing its MOT. Here are some simple steps to prepare your car: 

• Check Your Lights: Ensure all lights, including indicators and brake lights, are working.
• Tyres: Check tyre pressure and tread depth. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm. You can do this using a 20p piece as explained above. 
• Wipers and Windscreen: Ensure wipers are in good condition and the windscreen is free of cracks.
• Fluids: Check levels of oil, brake fluid, and coolant and top them up if they’re too low.
• Brakes: Test your brakes to ensure they are functioning correctly.

What Happens During an MOT?

So, what do they check on an MOT and what happens when you leave your car at the garage? An MOT test typically includes:

• Vehicle Identification: Checking the vehicle’s registration, VIN, and license plate.
• Lights: Assessing all lights for correct operation.
• Steering and Suspension: Ensuring components are in good condition.
• Brakes: Testing brake efficiency and condition.
• Tyres and Wheels: Inspecting for appropriate condition and tread depth.
• Body and Structure: Checking for any damage that could affect safety.
• Exhaust and Emissions: Measuring exhaust emissions to ensure they meet regulations.
• Driver’s View: Ensuring wipers, washers, and windscreen visibility is adequate.

After the MOT: Understanding the Results

When your car’s MOT is complete, you’ll be told the results by your garage. This will be one of two possibilities:

Pass: Your car meets the required standards. You’ll receive a new MOT certificate.

Fail: Your car did not meet the standards. You’ll receive a list of issues that need to be addressed. A retest will be required after repairs.

Tips for a Smooth MOT Experience

If you want your MOT to go without a hitch, here are a few things you can do to make sure your car has the best chance of passing: 

• Regular Maintenance: Keep up with regular servicing and checks to keep your car in the best condition. 
• Pre-MOT Checklist: Go through a checklist to catch any obvious issues beforehand and rectify them if possible. 
• Keep Records: Maintain a log of previous MOTs and services.

By following these guidelines, you can make sure your car remains safe, legal, and roadworthy, for peace of mind for every journey. If you’re worried about managing repairs, explore whether a maintenance package from Family Car Deals could be a good option for you. 

For more tips and advice on maintaining your family car, or if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, get in touch with the Family Car Deals team today. 

MOT FAQs

Want to know more about the MOT process, how it works and how much it costs? Find the answers to your questions below: 

How often do I need an MOT?

If your vehicle is three years or older, you’ll need a MOT every year to keep it in the best condition. 

Can I drive without an MOT?

No, driving without a valid MOT certificate can result in fines and penalty points so it’s not worth risking. Make sure you set reminders for when your MOT test is due so you don’t miss it. 

How long does an MOT take? 

An MOT takes around 45 to 60 minutes, but this can depend on a range of factors, including your vehicle’s condition, whether it requires repairs and how busy your chosen garage is. Usually, you’ll be asked to leave your car at the garage and collect it once the test is complete.

If my car fails its MOT, how long do I have to fix it?

If your car fails its MOT, you have a ten-day period to have it repaired and retested. In these ten days, you can take it home and drive it until it gets repaired, but when these ten days are up, it becomes illegal to drive your car. Usually, the garage your car was tested at will offer to carry out the repairs and retest for you, so make sure you discuss your options with them. 

How much does an MOT cost?

The maximum fee for a car MOT is £54.85, but prices can vary depending on the garage or dealership you choose. 

What should I do if my car fails the MOT?

Your car might fail its MOT, so it helps to be prepared. Don't panic, simply address the issues listed in the fail report with the help of your garage and when the repairs have been completed, you can have your car retested. You’ll be back on the road in no time.