Does MOT Assess All Vehicle Parts?

MOT Test is a major vehicle test that includes the evaluation of different vehicle parts. While it may be believed that this test checks all components of the vehicle and their function, that is not true. This is a comprehensive assessment but it does not check certain parts that may not be necessary to gauge the functionality and performance of the vehicle.

MOT – An Annual Vehicle Proficiency Check

It is an annual test conducted by the Ministry of Transport. In this test, there are certain testers that are designed to check the different vehicle components, upon clearing these testers. Your vehicle is accredited with an MOT clearance certificate that is a validation for the proficiency of your vehicle to be legally driving on UK roads.

Without carrying this MOT pass certificate, you cannot drive on the UK roads legally as doing so will invite penalties. MOT is a test of the eligibility and functionality of your vehicle to ensure that it matches the environmental and safety standards set by the government.  Adhering to these standards means that your vehicle is eligible, functional, and safe to be driving on the roads.

Also, all vehicle parts are not checked in the MOT as the clutch is not a part of the MOT assessment. However, the effective working of the clutch is important as it affects the working of the other parts that are checked in the MOT. In case of impaired clutch function, it is crucial that you get a Clutch Replacement Leicester service from an expert. 

Things that Come Under MOT Test

MOT is an all-encompassing vehicle test but it does not include checking of all the vehicle parts. Here are the parts that are considered for an MOT inspection-

Lights and Electrical Parts

Lights may not be the main vehicle component but they are important for the safety of the vehicle. All the bulbs of your vehicle have to be correctly positioned, in good condition, secure, functional and should be reflecting the right colour light as needed. They should be operating perfectly independently of one another and should light up on a single switch command.

The headlights, taillights, fog lights, registration plate lights, and indicator lights, - all should be perfectly functional. There should be no defective or fused bulbs. The bulbs in pairs should reflect the same colour and the same amount of light. The headlights should aim right at the road or at the other vehicles so as to not obstruct the view of the vehicles in front. Therefore, lights and their electrical wiring are one thing that is assessed during the MOT.

Horns

The horn of your vehicle is also checked during the MOT Test Leicester. It should make a continual even sound so that it evenly reaches around the road. Also, it should be loud so that the surrounding vehicles can easily hear it. So check your vehicle’s horn thoroughly before you take it to the MOT inspection.

Suspension, Brakes, and Steering

Brakes are checked for their efficiency since they are a crucial vehicle part for safety. These have to be in good condition and the vehicle should respond quickly to the command given by brakes. MOT test includes a lot of testers in which the brakes, steering, and suspension system are thoroughly tested. Also, the connected warning lights to these components are checked to see if they are working right. The steering of your vehicle should also be functioning properly and the tyres should respond well to the command given by the steering. Brake pads and callipers are checked for wear and tear. Parts of the suspension system are checked for any corrosion, dysfunctionalities, and defects.  Also, the efficiency of the brakes, steering, and suspension are tested through various testers in the MOT inspection.

Wheels and Tyres

Tyres are undoubtedly the essential vehicle parts and are thus, thoroughly checked during the MOT assessment. Your vehicle’s tyres should have a deep tread because worn-out tyres put the safety of your vehicle at risk. The tyre tread depth should not go below 1.6 mm. Besides that tyre imbalance and wheel alignment are also checked. Wheel alignment is necessary since the misaligned wheels cause a lot of dysfunction in the movement of the vehicle and thus, are inspected during the MOT test.

Body Structure and Seatbelts

The whole bodywork of your vehicle is assessed for any defects and malfunctions. There could be any internal or external damage to the body structure of the vehicle that could compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle parts, doors, bonnet, and internal structure for any rust, corrosion, damage, or defects. Also, all the seat belts should be functional and should secure the seat properly.

Emission System

Emission systems are also checked for efficiency and it is the most important that is checked during an MOT inspection. Excessive fuel emissions can become a hazard to environmental safety and thus, should be checked for emissions. The hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide that your vehicle is emitting should not be in excess, as this will make your vehicle disqualify the MOT. There is a tester called the gas analyser prober that checks the fuel emissions made by the exhaust.

In the inclusion of the above-mentioned parts, the windscreen, wipers, mirrors, registration plates, Vehicle Identification Number, speedometer, and towbars are also checked during the MOT.

At Continental Motors, we provide MOT test services at comparatively low prices.