At First Auto Centre, our MOT testing service is available from just £35 in East Ham. We want every customer to arrive with confidence, so here are 10 simple checks you can do yourself to help your car pass first time.
What Does the MOT Actually Test?
The MOT checks that your car meets the minimum legal safety and environmental standards required to drive on UK roads. It does not check the general condition of the engine or parts like the clutch and gearbox. The government’s official guide to car parts checked at an MOT gives a full breakdown of what is inspected.
Here is a quick summary of the main areas covered:
| MOT Check Area | What is Inspected |
|---|---|
| Lights | Headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights |
| Tyres | Tread depth, condition, pressure |
| Brakes | Performance and condition |
| Steering | Responsiveness and security |
| Windscreen and wipers | Visibility and wiper condition |
| Mirrors | Condition and security |
| Exhaust and emissions | Output levels and system integrity |
| Horn | Works correctly |
| Seatbelts | Condition and operation |
| Battery and electrics | Visible wiring and battery condition |
10 Simple Checks Before Your MOT
1. Check All Your Lights
Walk around your car and turn on each set of lights in turn: headlights, full beam, indicators (front and rear), brake lights, reverse lights, and fog lights. Ask someone to stand behind the car while you press the brake pedal. A blown bulb is one of the most common reasons for an MOT failure, and it takes just a few minutes to check.
2. Inspect Your Tyres
Your tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. An easy way to check this is to use a 20p coin. Place it into the tread groove. If you can see the outer band of the coin, your tread is likely too low and your car could fail.
Also check for any cuts, bulges, or damage to the sidewalls. Make sure all four tyres are properly inflated too. You can find the correct pressure for your car in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame.
3. Top Up Your Fluid Levels
Open the bonnet and check the following:
- Engine oil (between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick)
- Coolant (between the min and max markers on the reservoir)
- Brake fluid (between the min and max markers)
- Windscreen washer fluid (filled to the top)
Low fluid levels will not always cause a direct MOT failure, but they can lead to bigger problems that do.
4. Test Your Windscreen Wipers and Washers
Switch your wipers on and check that they clear the screen cleanly without smearing or skipping. Worn wiper blades are a common advisory on MOT reports. Also make sure your washer jets are working and directing fluid onto the windscreen rather than missing it entirely.
5. Look at Your Windscreen
Check your windscreen for any chips or cracks, particularly in the driver’s direct line of sight. A chip larger than 10mm in the central area of the screen (a 290mm wide zone directly in front of the driver) is likely to cause a failure. A chip elsewhere that is larger than 40mm can also fail. It is worth getting chips repaired before your MOT if you can.
6. Check Your Mirrors
Your car must have a driver’s side mirror plus at least one other. Make sure all fitted mirrors are secure, undamaged, and properly adjusted. A cracked or loose mirror could result in a failure.
7. Test Your Horn
Give your horn a quick press. It should make a continuous, consistent sound. If it does not work at all, or sounds weak and intermittent, it needs to be looked at before your test.
8. Check Your Seatbelts
Pull each seatbelt out fully and check for any fraying, cuts, or damage. The buckle should click in firmly and release cleanly. Make sure the belt retracts properly when you let go. Faulty seatbelts are a serious safety issue and will cause an MOT failure.
9. Look for Warning Lights on the Dashboard
Start your car and check the dashboard. Warning lights should come on briefly and then go off. If any warning light stays on after the engine starts, this is a sign that something needs attention. This includes the engine management light, ABS light, and any brake or oil warnings.
If a warning light is on, our car diagnostics service can read the fault codes and tell you exactly what the issue is before you go in for your MOT.
10. Check Your Battery
A weak or failing battery can cause all sorts of electrical issues during an MOT. If your car has been slow to start recently, or the battery is more than a few years old, it is worth having it tested. Our battery replacement service can check the health of your current battery and fit a new one if needed.
A Few More Things to Remember
- Make sure your number plates are clean, secure, and clearly readable.
- Check that your fuel cap closes and seals properly.
- Remove any air fresheners or items hanging from your rear-view mirror that could obstruct the driver’s view.
- Make sure your car has enough fuel for the exhaust emissions test.
Book Your MOT at First Auto Centre in East Ham
If you are based in East Ham or the surrounding areas and your MOT is due, we are here to help. First Auto Centre is an RAC-approved garage with over 20 years of experience. We offer honest, transparent service with no hidden costs.
Book your MOT test today and arrive knowing you have done everything you can to give your car the best chance of passing first time.
