MOT VEHICLE SAFETY TESTING at MATT'S MOTORS, MILDENHALL
MOT testing is a legal requirement in the UK for all vehicles beyond three years old, its purpose is to ensure that all vehicles on the road meet a minimum standard of safety requirements.
Without a valid MOT you will not know if your car is roadworthy and safe for you and other road users. Aside from that, not having an MOT will invalidate your insurance, you'll also be unable to renew your road tax, but there are even greater reasons to make sure you have an MOT - read about those here.
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During the MOT our DVSA accredited tester will assess your vehicle by conducting a thorough inspection following specific criteria to ensure your vehicle is in roadworthy condition.
Please be aware that an MOT is not the same as a vehicle service. The MOT test does not check the mechanical condition of the vehicle. The test only checks the condition of the vehicle on the day it is presented for testing - do not expect that an MOT undertaken 3 months ago will assure, for example, that the brakes and tyres are still in a safe and roadworthy condition.
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If your vehicle passes the test you will receive a pass certificate and the MOT status of your vehicle will be updated with the DVSA. Your pass certificate will also outline any 'minor' (formerly 'advisory') items that will require attention in the near future; advisable to keep an eye on them or get booked in for service and repair.
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If the vehicle fails the test you'll receive a list of any 'major' or 'dangerous' faults. You can elect to have us undertake works to address this defects or, with certain provisos, take the vehicle away. Provided your vehicle is re-tested with us within 10 days of it first failing, and that the points of failure are on this list, your MOT re-test will be free.
To help you avoid a fail, we've put together an MOT check list that you can run through yourself - a little work before arrival could save you time and money.
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Therefore, it is important that you make sure your MOT certificate is in date and you book your next MOT before your current certificate expires. You can do this up to one month before the end of your current MOT certificate. We have full MOT testing facilities for Class 4 vehicles, which means we are able to fulfil both your car or van servicing and MOT testing requirements.
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Test Checklist
EVERYTHING INSPECTED IN AN MOT
ABOUT THE MOT TEST
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
​What do I need for the MOT?
All you need is your car as we will check your existing MOT details against the DVSA database.
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Did You Know?
You can book your MOT up to a month before it's due date. So, if you book 1 month before it ends you'll have 13 months of MOT.
How long does the MOT take?Typically 45 - 60 minutes. If you've been booked in and the guys can get straight to your test, you will be welcome to wait in reception where we provide free tea, coffee and WiFi.
What’s Included in an MOT?
Tests are pretty comprehensive, here's a few of the checks to give you an idea:
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Registration plate
The condition, security, legibility and the format of letters and numbers on your registration plate are all checked. Lettering and materials must match current rules.
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Lights
These are checked for condition, operation, security, light colour and accurate positioning of beams.
Steering and suspension
Parts of the steering and suspension system are checked to see if they are in satisfactory condition and operate correctly.
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Wipers and washer bottle
To ensure a clear view of the road your vehicle's wipers and washers are tested to see if they work correctly.
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Windscreen
During the MOT we will check your windscreen for any chips or cracks. The maximum damage size allowed
is 10mm in the driver’s line of vision in front of the steering wheel, and 40mm elsewhere in the remaining area that's swept by the wiper blades, subject to the tester’s discretion of view of the road.
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Horn
Your car horn will be tested for effectiveness and suitability.
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Seatbelts
Vehicles are checked to see if all compulsory belts are in place and that they are of the correct type and condition, that they are secure and operate as they should.
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Seats
Your vehicle’s front seats are checked to ensure they are secure.
Fuel system
As well as checking that the fuel cap fastens and seals, the fuel system is checked for leaks.
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Emissions
Exhaust emissions are tested to see if the vehicle is within regulation. The system is also checked to be complete, correctly fitted, without serious leaks and silences noise effectively.
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Bodywork
Your vehicle will be checked for damage and/or excessive corrosion in specified areas. Protrusions and sharp edges can fail an MOT.
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Doors
Doors are tested for operation including latching correctly, closing securely, and that they open from inside and out.
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Mirrors
All mirrors, inside and out, are checked for security and function.
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Wheels and tyres
Checked and tested to be the correct type and size, to have proper tread depth, to be in good condition and correctly secured.
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Brakes
Vehicles run on our "rolling road" with a digital brake tester to check braking performance. As well as braking ability, the condition and operation are checked against standards.
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For more information about MOTs and the checks carried out as part of the MOT test, please visit the GOV.UK website.
A NOTE ABOUT THE EMISSIONS TEST
As part of the MOT test, your vehicle will be checked for smoke emissions. This helps the environment by minimising pollution and testing the fuel efficiency of vehicles.
The test has been developed so it should not damage your engine; however, the tester may refuse to test your vehicle if he thinks the smoke test may damage your engine.
To reduce the possibility of damage to your engine you should:
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Keep your vehicle maintained at all times
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Have the camshaft/timing belt replaced at the recommended intervals
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Do not tamper with the governor settings. They are set to help the engine run efficiently.
This aspect of the MOT is undertaken in the same manor at all authorised test centres in the UK.
After checking the oil temperature to ensure the engine is warm, the tester will accelerate the engine from idle. Your engine will not be held at speed for any length of time, and if your engine has been maintained, the test should not cause damage to your engine.
Please tell us in advance if you have concerns that the test may damage your engine.
