Tag: MoT Test

Money-Saving Pre-MOT Checks

A Guide to Avoiding Unnecessary Expenses

An MOT test doesn’t just assess the roadworthiness of your vehicle; it can also be an unexpected source of expenses if you’re not prepared.

With guidance from seasoned mechanic Dom Shaw from First Vehicle Leasing, we’ve put together 5 crucial checks you can perform before your MOT test. These tips are designed not only to increase the likelihood of passing but also to save you money by avoiding common and often costly pitfalls.

1. DIY Light and Indicator Checks

Start with a simple but effective check of all your vehicle’s lights and indicators. This is one of the easiest DIY fixes that can prevent an MOT failure. Replacing a bulb is significantly cheaper than failing and retaking the MOT, or worse, being charged an inflated price for a bulb replacement at the garage.

2. Tyre Condition and Tread Depth

Tyres are a major focus in an MOT. Check the tread depth to ensure it meets the 1.6mm legal minimum. Additionally, look for any damage or wear. Knowing the condition of your tires can prevent a garage from convincing you to buy new ones prematurely, saving you a significant amount of money.

3. Brake Performance Self-Check

Listen to your brakes; any unusual noise can indicate wear. Replacing brake pads or discs before your MOT can be more cost-effective than dealing with it as part of a failure. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to shop around for the best deal on parts and service, rather than being at the mercy of the MOT testing garage’s pricing.

4. Windscreen and Wiper Inspection

Ensure your windscreen is free of significant damage, and that your wipers are functioning well. Replacing wiper blades yourself is generally cheaper than having them replaced during an MOT test. Also, a windscreen clean and clear of damage will not only help pass the MOT but also prevent costly windscreen replacements.

5. Emissions and Exhaust System Check

A pre-MOT emissions check, particularly for older cars, can save you from failing due to high emissions. Addressing issues with your exhaust system beforehand can be more economical than having the work done during or after an MOT, where urgent repair costs can escalate.

Dom Shaw from First Vehicle Leasing says: An MOT test can be an opportunity to ensure your vehicle is in top condition, but it shouldn’t become a source of unexpected expenses.

“By performing these pre-MOT checks, you can identify and address issues more economically, and enter your MOT test with confidence.”

MOT? More like DIY!

Drivers Urged to Maintain Cars Themselves

Motorists have been told to maintain their vehicles if proposed changes to MOTs come into force.

Experts from Quotezone.co.uk have warned drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy after proposals to extend the period between tests. 

The proposals have come via a consultation jointly published by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), affecting cars, motorbikes and vans. 

Currently, all new vehicles must be tested after they reach three years old, to ensure they do not present a danger to other road users. 

But if the new proposals are adopted, this period will be extended to four years, in line with many other countries across Europe. 

Advances in technology and the increase in popularity of EVs and hybrid cars mean new vehicles are less likely to need major attention at three years old. 

They also suggest that the period between MOT tests could also be extended from one year for newer vehicles. 

While the experts from Quotezone.co.uk welcome the chance for drivers to create savings, safety must always be the number one priority and both the government and the motorists themselves have a duty to ensure their cars, vans and motorbikes are safe to operate. 

Many countries across Europe have the four year policy, and the proposals would bring Britain in line with countries like Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Government analysis shows less frequent MOT tests could save UK drivers around £100 million per year.

Quotezone.co.uk did a sample survey in Northern Ireland – where all vehicles must be tested at a dedicated MOT centre – putting the system under increasing pressure to clear the pandemic backlog.  43% of drivers were said to be waiting over 3 months for an available test date and 59% were driving on the road pass their test due date. 

These proposed changes may alleviate some issues but it’s important to remember 1 in 10 vehicles fail their MOT first time, under the proposal these vehicles would now be on the road for an additional year which some experts fear may increase the number of unsafe vehicles on our roads. 

Quotezone.co.uk Founder Greg Wilson has said: “These proposals to have less frequent MOT tests is likely to put the onus on the driver to more regularly maintain the vehicle and ensure its roadworthy. 

“Whilst of course money saving benefits are great in this economic climate, getting into an accident or driving an unsafe car could result in costs far bigger than a £40 MOT.

“There are several routine checks which drivers can do at home to help their vehicle stay in a safe and roadworthy condition.”

Quotezone.co.uk has provided checks you can make on your car:

  1. Check tyres: 

Before setting off, it is important to check for any cuts or wear. It is also good to check if the tyre pressures are appropriate for the load and condition of the tyres. The minimum and legal limit for tread depth of the tyres is 1.6mm – drivers can insert a 20p into the tread to double check, the tyre thickness should be more than the first line on the coin.

  1. Check lights: 

You need to make sure your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights and brake lights all work. Having any of these not working or in a temperamental condition could put you, passengers and other motorists at risk.

  1. Check brakes:

The braking system needs to be in good working order. If the car pulls to one side when applying the breaks then this indicates an issue. Look at the handbrake too and ensure it works well, especially on an incline. If you have alloy wheels, it could be possible to do a visual inspection of the brakes without actually removing the wheel.

  1. Check fluid levels:

Keep your screen wash topped up so you can clean dirt off your windscreen and ensure you have good visibility and top up break fluid and oil. 

  1. Check mirrors: 

All mirrors must be secure and free of cracks. If they need replacing you can normally find ones for your car model online, but stay clear of self-adhesive types as these are not durable.

  1. Check windscreen and wipers:

Ensure there is no damage to your windscreen. A chip or crack that exceeds 40mm will actually result in a failed MOT test. On top of the windscreen, the wipers and washers should be functional to ensure good visibility at all times. 

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year find savings on household bills and essentials, including niche items such as motorbike insurance, van insurance and courier insurance.  –

Nine million drivers don’t know when their next MOT is due

Millions of drivers are at risk of being fined because they don’t know when their MOT is due, amid confusion caused by the MOT extension scheme introduced during the pandemic.

Some nine million* UK drivers (28% of all drivers) don’t know when they need to get their vehicle tested to ensure it meets required legal standards, according to a survey of 1,292 drivers by Total UK.

The majority of drivers also don’t know what the penalties are for failing to get their car’s MOT done on time. Some 53% of drivers believe the fine for not getting a MOT when it is due is three points on their driving licence, whereas they may receive a fixed penalty fee of £1,000 and risk the vehicle being impounded.

Drivers over the age of 55 are the most impacted, with one-third (33%) admitting they don’t know when their current certificate expires. Despite the lack of awareness of their MOT due dates among drivers, one in four say they worry about their MOT in case it shows there is something wrong with their car.

Many drivers are also failing to insure their vehicle properly, with four in ten (39%) believing their car doesn’t need to be insured if it is sitting in the drive or garage and 17% believing they only need insurance if they are driving it.

John Ryder, general manager of Total Lubricants’ UK Blending Plant, said: “The past year has certainly been one of great uncertainty and it seems this has extended to people not knowing when their MOT is due.

“Since the beginning of the first lockdown, people have been driving a lot less due to increased home working and less commuting so their cars and maintenance requirements, including getting their MOT done, have not been front of mind.

“The confusion stems from the MOT extension scheme which was introduced in March last year as lockdown restrictions limited people’s movements to all but essential travel. However, it is important that drivers do not miss their MOT to ensure their car insurance remains valid, that vehicles are roadworthy and meet the necessary standards.”

Drivers in Bristol were least likely to know when their MOT is due with four out of ten admitting they do not know when it is up for renewal. Drivers in Newcastle are most on top of their annual vehicle health check, with nine out of ten drivers knowing when their next MOT is due.

Almost one in five drivers (17%) admit to having driven their car knowing there was something wrong with it.

The MOT extension scheme advised drivers with a test due after March 30, 2020 that they would get an extra six months automatically added to their existing MOT certificate, meaning their tests would not be due until September 30, 2020 at the earliest.

The MOT extension scheme has now ended and despite the latest lockdown, Total UK is advising drivers to check when their MOT is due and get an appointment booked in order to ensure their current test certificate does not expire.

Once a MOT test certificate has expired, if the vehicle is more than three years old, the only journey a driver is permitted to make is to the garage for a pre-booked MOT appointment.

To view the research and for further information, visit:  

https://www.total.co.uk/news/9-million-drivers-dont-know-when-MOT-due

Testing, testing … new MOT reminder service launched

A test version of a new government service has launched to remind drivers by text message and email when their MOT is due.

MOT reminders on a mobile phone

The GOV.UK service, developed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), makes it easy to get a reminder every year when your vehicle’s MOT is due.

When you sign up, you’ll get a reminder:

  • 4 weeks before your MOT is due
  • 2 weeks before your MOT is due, if you still haven’t had it tested

You’ll also get alerts that your vehicle no longer has an MOT.

You just need the vehicle’s number plate (registration number) and a mobile phone number or email address.

You’ll get a reminder every year until you unsubscribe.

Sign up for MOT reminders

The service is in ‘beta’ stage, which means it’s still being continually tested and improved by DVSA.

MOT reminders email
What email MOT reminders look like
MOT reminders text
What text message MOT reminders look like

No excuse for forgetting

Research by DVSA has revealed that around 28% of cars will be overdue at any one time. Most of these are down to drivers forgetting to get it done, rather than deliberately avoiding having the test done.

If you drive a vehicle without a valid MOT, you’re breaking the law. The only exceptions are to drive it:

  • to or from somewhere to be repaired
  • to a pre-arranged MOT test

You’re also risking your own life and the lives of your passengers and other road users.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

Helping you keep your vehicle safe to drive

The 2016 reported road casualties report for Great Britain showed that roadworthiness of vehicles was a factor in 1,687 accidents.

Transport Minister, Baroness Sugg, said: We have some of the safest roads in the world, but we are always looking at ways to make them even safer.

“Booking your next MOT is easy to overlook but it plays an important role in making sure the vehicles on our roads are safe and meeting high environmental standards. Getting a text or email will serve as a useful prompt to make sure people get their vehicle checked out time.”

DVSA Chief Executive, Gareth Llewellyn, said: “DVSA’s priority is to help you keep your vehicle safe to drive. The annual MOT checks that important parts of your vehicle meet the legal standards at the time of the test.

“Motorists should also remember that to be a safe and responsible driver, and reduce the risk of your vehicle’s condition causing an accident that kills or seriously injures someone, you need to check your vehicle all year round.”

Make sure that:

  • brakes work smoothly and that the vehicle doesn’t pull to one side
  • tyres are correctly inflated, have no cuts or bulges, and that they all have at least 1.6mm of tread
  • headlights and other lights work – give them a tap to check they’re not loose or damaged and check the colours are correct and match
  • windscreen wipers and washers work
  • the driver’s view of the road is clear of any obstruction, such as stickers, toys or air fresheners

A new way of building digital services

The MOT reminder service uses GOV.UK Notify, which is a platform to make it easier to keep people updated, and help government service teams send text messages, emails or letters to users.

The government is creating a set of shared components, service designs, platforms, data and hosting, that every government service can use.

This frees up teams to spend their time designing user-centric services rather than starting from scratch, so services become easier to create and cheaper to run.