How to make sure your car passes its MOT – these are the things to look out for
With stricter regulations surrounding MOT testing coming into force in May, drivers need to pay more attention to vehicle maintenance to make sure their motor passes its test
TOUGH new regulations for the MOT test came into force in May this year, adding a new grading system to keep dodgy motors off British roads.
But stricter rules also mean drivers need to be even more aware of potential issues that could see their car fail the test.
New rules focus more on dirty diesels, with strict checks on smoke and diesel particulate filters (DPFs).
Diesel cars now automatically fail their MOT if there’s any smoke coming from the exhaust, if the DPF has been removed or there is evidence it has been tampered with.
And the new grading system classes defects as minor, major or dangerous - with cars categorised as dangerous or major automatically failing the test.
Product development manager Richard Hitchman from car maintenance experts, Holt Lloyd International, has shared his advice on the most crucial things drivers should look out for to make sure they pass the new MOT.
Top tips to make sure your car passes its MOT
Drivers should look out for these warning signs to make sure their car has the best chance of passing its MOT, according to Richard Hitchman from car maintenance experts, Holt Lloyd International:
- AdBlue warning light - Drivers should be sure to monitor diesel exhaust fluid levels so that their car's emissions don't become more dangerous
- DPF - Keeping the diesel particulate filter free of soot will mean your motor is less likely to produce smoke during the test
- Windscreen washers - Always ensure your washer pot is topped up with liquid, and windscreen wiper blades are in good working order
- Engine temperature - Don't ignore your engine temperature warning light. Overheating just once can do long-term damage to the car's engine
- Brake fluid - Make sure your car's brake fluid has been changed at least once before its first MOT
Hitchman said keeping an eye out for the AdBlue warning light was most important for diesel drivers.
AdBlue, or diesel exhaust fluid, is used in most new diesels registered after 2015, and breaks down harmful nitrogen oxide emissions.
Keeping this topped up should prevent an automatic fail for exceeding emissions standards.
And keeping your diesel particle filter free from soot using a cleaner added to the fuel tank can also prevent major faults on diesel cars.
MOT pass and fail grading explained
FAILS
- Dangerous – Your vehicle fails if it has a dangerous fault, and it can't be driven until the fault has been repaired.
- Major – Your vehicle fails if it has significant defective issue. The repair needs to be made as soon as possible, and you should not drive your car until it is fixed.
PASSES
- Pass – Your vehicle passes and meets the legal standard.
- Advisory – Your vehicle passes but there's an issue that you’ll need to keep an eye on, and repair if it gets worse.
- Minor – Your vehicles passes, but has an issue that needs to be corrected as soon as possible. If you don’t get it fixed it could get much worse.
Drivers often forget simple things like windscreen washers can see their motor fail its test.
Make sure your car's washer pot is always topped up with screen wash, and the jets spray enough liquid to clear the windscreen in conjunction with proper wiper blades.
Engine damage is a common reason for MOT failure, so drivers should make sure to maintain their motor's correct temperature.
Acting as soon as the engine's temperature warning light comes on and monitoring coolant/antifreeze levels can prevent permanent engine damage.
your guide to car maintenance
Finally, all motorists should pay close attention to the maintenance of their brakes.
Brake fluid needs to be replaced every two years, meaning it will need changing before a new car's first MOT.
Cars with insufficient brake fluid are likely to leave you with a major or even dangerous fault during the test.