what exactly is involved in an mot?

Question

just out of interest does anyone one no what they look for and what they check on a standard UK MOT for a car. thanks

Answer 1

Here is the Goverment site that answers all your questions.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Mot/index.htm

Answer 2

Hi

Brake performance and condition

Tyre condition

All lights and dash warning lights should be operating properly. If the engine management light does not come on with the ignition on, or does not go out once the engine has started then it is a fail.

steering balljoints and components (rack etc...)

Condition of all rubber gaiters and boots to do with steering and axles.

Condition of body work reference protrudences and sharp edges

Shock absorbers

Headlight alignment

Handbrake

Emissions

Condition of exhaust system

Operation of all door handles (all must be in full working order).

Seatbelts must be secure and auto retract.

Seats must be secure and adjustable.

All rubber bushings must not be perished.

Front window wipers and washers must be in full working order, even if they are empty they will fail.

condition of windscreen

Any rot or holes which shouldn't be there and which are within 2 feet of a mounting point such as seat belt mount etc will fail.

Rotting sills will fail

I probably missed something but there you go!!

Oh yes, wheel bearings!!

Phew!!

Answer 3

essentially it a check to make sure your vehicle meets the most basic of standards related to road safety. Try www.vosa.gov.uk for more info, and remember, you have the right to observe your car being Mot's so try it one year, you'll learn a lot.

Answer 4

Tyre tread depth, type, rating, inflation.
Lights all work, inc headlamp beam height.
Brakes (inc handbrake) all work, brake pads/discs not too worn. Pipes not split/corroded.
Steering has no 'play' and column not loose.
Suspension joints no play. Shock absorbers not worn, no leaks.
Engine emissions OK.
Exhaust system no leaks and secure.
Wipers/washers work, blades OK.
No cracks/chips in swept area of windscreen.
Vehicle structure OK eg no rust near suspension joints.
Wheel bearings no play and wheels freely turn.
Seatbelts all operating and not frayed, mounting points OK.
You do NOT need a spare wheel/jack

Answer 5

in simple terms they just check that your car doesn't have any defects that might cause or contribute to and accident . the build quality of cars nowadays means that for the most part they just check on consumables like brakes , wipers , tyres and make sure things are adjust properly like lights , amazingly a car from a scrap yard might pass providing everything works , dents and what the car looks like (generally battered) don't really come into it .

Answer 6

Loads of stuff including brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, exhaust emissions, exhaust system, seatbelts. It will also fail if there is no fluid in the windscreen wash fluid thing and no fuel cap.