Is your car due its annual MOT test soon? Whether you’re approaching the first-ever test or you’ve owned the vehicle for years now, it’s worth taking the right steps to boost its chances of passing.

    A valid MOT is a legal requirement, so it’s crucial to get organise and start preparing your car in good time. Here are five of our top tips to help your car sail through its test.

    1. Check your lights

    Firstly, you’ll need to make sure that all the bulbs work on your car.

    Something as simple as a faulty headlight could cause your vehicle to fail its test. Make sure that your car’s headlights, brake lights, indicators, and number plate lights are all working properly.

    If you notice any issues with your lights, it’s a good idea to get them fixed before you book an MOT online near you to avoid an easily avoidable failure.

    1. Keep your windscreen clear

    A clear and undamaged windscreen is imperative to pass an MOT. If there are any cracks in the driver’s line of vision, the vehicle will be unlikely to pass its MOT. While this does depend on the size of the damage, getting small chips repaired means preventing larger cracks from developing.

    The windscreen wipers must be functioning perfectly too. There are two possible major defects when it comes to wipers: these are the wiper being either missing or not working or being unable to clear the windscreen.

    1. Check your tyres and tread depth

    In the UK, tyres on passenger cars legally need to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. This tread is responsible for giving your tyres the grip and traction required to keep you safe on the roads.

    Every few weeks, you should try to walk around your car and check the tyres for wear and tear. Keep a close eye on their appearance, as subtle changes could indicate the potential for larger bulges.

    Any visible tyre damage could cause an MOT failure and increase your chances of being involved in a road traffic accident.

    1. Remember the brakes and suspension

    Family cars need properly functioning brakes and suspension. Without these components running smoothly, you could risk losing control of your vehicle.

    If you notice any unusual noises, vibrations, or feel that the car might be pulling to one side, these could all be strong indications that there’s an issue with your suspension or brakes.

    Don’t hesitate to contact a professional mechanic if you have any doubts about your suspension or steering, especially in the leadup to your annual MOT test.

    1. Check the bodywork

    Finally, taking the time to walk around your vehicle every few weeks will help you to rule out any obvious exterior damage. From dent and scratches to dangerously loose parts, these checks give you headway on small issues that could impact the quality and safety of your vehicle’s performance.

    When you catch minor damage in good time, it could change from being potentially catastrophic to just something to mention on your next service. Keeping an eye on your vehicle always pays off!