MOT Testing in Esher | Preparing a Vehicle for the Annual Test to Increase the Chances of a First-Time Pass
Every vehicle over three years old must undergo annual MOT testing so that it will meet current legal road safety and environmental standards. Surrey MOTs is a DVSA-approved garage, based in Chessington, that serves Esher and the surrounding Surrey area. We conduct hundreds of tests each year, and we understand the inconvenience of a failed test and the added costs incurred.
Taking simple steps to prepare your vehicle before the MOT appointment can improve its chances of passing the first time. Most testing failures are due to a basic issue that could have been fixed at home or during a pre-inspection.
This blog post gives you some ideas of what to look for ahead of booking in to have MOT testing undertaken by our approved team of inspectors.
Esher’s Trusted Choice for MOT Testing
Surrey MOTs has earned a strong reputation in Esher for reliable MOT testing, a keen approach to providing honest advice and efficient service delivery. As an approved MOT station, we follow all DVSA guidelines while offering you a more personal, localised service from premises where we have bays that our company use for inspections only to guarantee a faster turnaround time.
We encourage all drivers from Esher to prepare their vehicles before their test, especially since a large number of test failures stem from issues that could be easily avoided. Our technicians see the same problems regularly, often things that can be spotted and resolved by the vehicle owner well in advance.
What to Check Before MOT Testing
Carrying out basic checks before the MOT testing appointment will help you to avoid an unexpected failure and an extra trip to your MOT garage.
Here is a list of items you should look at:
- Lights: Check that your headlights, brake lights, indicators and number plate lights work. Replace any faulty bulbs.
- Tyres: Ensure that all tyres have the minimum 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters and have no bulges.
- Wipers and Washers: Confirm that the wiper blades will clear the screen and the reservoir has enough screen wash.
- Brakes: Listen for unusual noises and test the brakes when driving. Any issues should be checked by professionals.
- Mirrors and Windows: Make sure mirrors are securely fitted and windows are clean, offering clear visibility of the road.
- Registration Plate: Ensure the number plate is clean, undamaged and clearly legible with the correct lettering used.
- Warning Lights: Turn the ignition and make sure all dashboard warning lights come on, and go off, as you would expect.
- Exhaust: Look out for excessive noise or smoke, which may suggest a problem with emissions or an exhaust leakage.
- Seatbelts: Tug each seatbelt firmly to check for fraying or locking issues. It is common to overlook this during preparation.
Completing these checks takes very little time and could help you avoid the hassle of paying for MOT testing twice. Before making the trip from Esher to our workshop in Chessington, always give your vehicle a good once-over.
Why Esher Motorists Choose Surrey MOTs
Drivers in Esher choose Surrey MOTs not just for our approved MOT testing, but also for the care and transparency we bring to every appointment. Helping local vehicle owners to reduce the hassle of MOT testing with honest support and practical guidance is an important part of what we do as a business.
If you are based in Esher and your MOT is due soon, choose Surrey MOTs for a professional test and clear advice. And don’t forget that preparation for the inspection can make a real difference. Give a car the best possible chance of passing first time by checking the basics listed above before your visit.
Should you need any further advice on MOT testing preparation, we are only a phone call away and will always be happy to offer professional guidance.