Sending your car for its MOT test can be one of the most stressful parts of car ownership, especially if you have an older car. And if you can’t afford to change your car for something new then the potential expense can be a serious problem.

So what can you do to get your car through the MOT? We’ve put together our top ten tips to help you tackle some of those problems that can cause your car to fail its MOT.

Lights

One of the easiest things to fix before an MOT is the car’s lights. You should check the brake lights, indicators, headlights, full beams, and reversing lights. Not only is it easy to replace a lightbulb, but the bulbs themselves are not that expensive. Some shops will also be able to install them for you at no extra cost.

Tyres

A common thing that trips you up on an MOT are the tyres. You normally get a heads up in the previous MOT where the tyres will be marked as an advisory. Either way, it’s good to check the tread depth on the tyres before you send it for its MOT. There has to be a minimum of 1.6mm continuously around the entire tyre.

Electrics

Recently introduced into the test is an assessment of the onboard car electrics. If you have a newer car, you will need to make sure that the onboard computer system is working as it should be. If you have any doubts, you should take it to a specialist garage, or the main agent dealer in your area. Having an expert look at the software will be cheaper than a garage.

Brake fluid

Does the brake pedal feel slightly soft when you press it? Have you noticed that you’ve had to be a bit firmer with your foot when braking? It could be a sign that there is air in your brake fluid. You will want to drain it and then refill, so that all the air bubbles are gone.

Windscreen

Any cracks or damage to your windscreen? If you have a windscreen cover in your insurance, it might be a good idea to have the damage fixed before you send your car for the MOT. If not, speak to your mechanic and see what they have to say.

Wiper blades

Wiper blades can quickly wear away over time. They can also be marked down as a fail on the MOT. Thankfully they are relatively cheap to replace and you can do it yourself.

Mirrors

Are there any cracks in the mirrors? If there are any cracks or damage, you may want to get them replaced. Check online for the best prices for replacement mirrors.

Give your car a clean

If your car is in a good clean condition inside and out, then the examiner might be more likely to let any minor issues pass. If you can show you look after your car, it will have an effect.

Service

The best way to get ahead of any MOT issues is to have your car receive a regular service. It’s not much use having your car examined once a year at the time of the MOT. Find a mechanic you can trust and have them service your car, as well as take it to the MOT test. Showing you are a regular customer is likely to make them treat you better.

Free retest

Every MOT test station will allow your car to have a free retest within 30 days of the initial fail, providing it’s at the same station. So if any mechanic offers you a free retest as a bonus, you should remember that it costs them nothing to do so. And if they charge you for the second test, it’s a sign that you should be looking for another mechanic.

Conclusion

If you want to know exactly what gets tested during an MOT, you can find out all the car parts examined at the UK Government website. It’s also important to have a mechanic you can trust, so check the reviews of the ones in your area to see who has the best price to review ratio.

Creditplus also offer MOT cover as an optional extra on all the cars we provide, giving you the option to have that additional protection. Peace of mind at a low cost.

And if you have had enough of an old car giving you an MOT nightmare, why not start your search for a new car with Creditplus? Start searching for your new car today, and we’ll find the perfect car finance package for you.