When it comes to getting your car MOT’d, there’s always a certain element of stress.
What if the garage uncovers a severe problem that needs an immediate, expensive repair before the car’s even allowed back on the road?
What if they miss something that’s going wrong?
What if it takes longer than expected and leaves me stuck without a car?
These are all completely valid questions and concerns. On this page, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about your car and its MOT. This way, you’ll be able to prepare your VW for its MOT in advance, as well as yourself.
Start with a simple tick list to save time at the MOT
An MOT technician is trained and licenced by the Government. When they start a test, they activate a timer. Once it’s started, they must proceed with the car in its current condition. There’s no stopping to quickly fix something. That’s why it could save you an awful lot of time and effort to locate any minor niggles before the MOT and fix them in advance. It’ll cost the same, but the MOT will be finished quicker because the garage won’t have to call you to explain the result and, if applicable, what repairs need to be made.
Go through this simple tick list – or make your own copy – to check for those small faults and avoid any minor or major flags on your MOT certificate. Address them before the MOT:
Exterior lights
Ensure all your lights are working, including headlights, rear lights, brake lights, indicators, reverse light and fog lights. The easiest method is to sit in the driver’s seat and have a friend stand at the front and the rear. If any lights aren’t working, a new bulb should fix the problem.
Wipers
If your windscreen wipers (including the rear one) haven’t been cleaning properly, consider replacing them. You’ll find the right size in your owner’s manual and can source new parts from garages or shops like Halfords. Also, top up the washer fluid. Extremely bad visibility from dirty windows could lead to an MOT failure.
Tyres
Regular checks on your tyres help prevent some major issues. Before your MOT, inspect them to check the tread depth and look for cuts or bulges. Your VW will fail its MOT if the tread depth is less than 1.6mm, but we recommend replacing them when the tread reaches 3mm to be safe. Bulges mean the tyre has lost structural integrity and, therefore, an instant failure. Cuts and tears mean failure if the metal wires are visible or they’re a cause of a puncture. Inflate your tyres to the recommended pressure before the MOT. That way, the technician can see they’re in good condition or recognise if any tyres have a slow puncture.
Windscreen chips
Most insurance policies cover windscreen chips with an excess payment. The chips themselves aren’t usually a problem, but if they’re likely to spider-web through the glass, you might hit some issues during the MOT. Also, the MOT technician may fail your car if the chip is directly in the driver’s line of sight. Getting the chip repaired through your insurance before the MOT might save you time and money on the day of the MOT.
Fluid levels
Keep everything topped up, including oil, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid. Low fluids aren’t usually an MOT failure unless there’s an obvious leak, but it’s best to make things clear. Severely low fluids could also impact tests carried out during the MOT.
Emissions
Today, the MOT also includes a test to measure emissions. Consider using fuel cleaners and additives – you’ll pour these into the tank. They help remove the carbon from the exhaust system long before the test begins. Also, ensure you’re up to date with Ad Blue if you drive a diesel vehicle.
Timing your pre-MOT repairs and finding the right test centre
Of course, a proactive approach doesn’t necessarily mean a guaranteed pass, but it makes everything more straightforward for everyone involved.
What’s the best road to a smooth MOT experience? It’s all about building a relationship with your local garage. If you trust the technicians and owners to do a good, honest job, it’ll bring all sorts of benefits. Find a garage you trust and stick with them.
When it comes to MOT testing, you want a garage that knows your car inside out. If you drive a VW, look for VW specialists with proven industry experience, excellent prices, and a fantastic local reputation. That trust is so essential. For instance, you should also trust the technician to fail your car if the symptoms demand it. The MOT is a minimum standard for vehicle safety, so it could be dangerous to pass a car that should really fail.
Now, if you’ve noticed any issues at all, it’s a good idea to get them repaired at least a couple of weeks before your MOT. This gives you a little time to prepare your bank account, and it’s unlikely that your VW will develop any further complications in such a short period.
Sunset VW is the ideal choice for your MOT in the Derby area. We specialise in Volkswagen Group models, including VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat. With such a niche expertise, we know precisely what to look for in your car. Trust us to give your vehicle the attention it needs in pre-test repairs, services, and the MOT itself – including any retests.
Book your Sunset VW MOT today and enjoy the stress-free experience we provide. Your VW is in good hands.