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MOTs
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Service & Maintenance

BOOK YOUR MOT 

There’s no better place to come for your MOT. Because our trained technicians know your Vauxhall inside and out. They’ll make sure it’s right for the road and performing at its best. And they’ll only use genuine Vauxhall parts (when a replacement is needed). So you can relax, knowing you’re in good hands. 

COVID-19 UPDATE

 

Most of our workshops remain open to cover essential work including emergency repairs and, most importantly, to provide a service and maintenance facility for 'Key Workers'. 

 

In an effort to reduce uneccessary worry, the Government have granted a 6 month exemption on MOTs due at this time. If you rely on your vehicle it is essential to maintain safety and road worthiness, as such we are still available to carry out MOTs and any other repair work. 

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What is an MOT?

It’s a Ministry Of Transport test for vehicles, commonly known as an ‘MOT’. All vehicles over three years old (four years in Northern Ireland) must pass a yearly MOT to prove they are fit for the road. You need to get your MOT done by an authorised MOT centre.

What checks are carried out in an MOT?

It involves dozens of checks on your car including brakes, seatbelts, windscreen wipers, exhaust and emissions, lights, your fuel system, number plate – even your horn. An MOT doesn’t check the clutch, gearbox or the condition of the engine.

Why do you need to get an MOT done?

It confirms that your vehicle has met the minimum road safety and environmental standards as laid down by the DVSA – Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. However, an MOT is only a visual check, so you still need to get your car regularly serviced. 

How often do you need to get an MOT?

If your car is over three years old, it needs to have an MOT test every year. Not sure when your MOT is due? No problem. Simply set up a free MOT reminder by visiting the government website https://www.gov.uk/mot You can choose to receive a text or email a month before it’s due. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to get things sorted. 

What happens if your MOT has run out?

Basically, it’s illegal to drive your car on the road without a valid MOT. In fact, you could be fined up to £1,000 for driving with an out-of-date MOT. The only exception is if you have an MOT booked and you were actually driving to a test centre or if you were driving to a garage for repairs.

How long does an MOT take?

Normally between 45 and 60 minutes. But if your car fails its MOT and you need to get repairs done, it’s going to take longer.

How can you check a car's MOT?

It only takes a few moments to check your car’s MOT status. Just visit the government website https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-status  and put in your registration number to see if your MOT is still valid and when it runs out.

First time booking an MOT? Find out what to check here.

Here’s what to check ahead of your MOT:

 

  1. Lights: Check all lights are working properly - headlights, sidelights, rear lights, hazard light, indicators and brake lights. Ask a friend to help with brake lights in particular.
  2. Number plates: Ensure the number plates are readable and clean.
  3. Wheels and tyres: Check the wheels and tyres are free of damage, and that your tyre tread depth is 2mm or over.
  4. Windscreen: Check there is no windscreen damage larger than 10mm in front of the driver and 40mm across the rest of the screen.
  5. Windscreen wipers: Check there aren’t any tears or holes in the rubber of front and rear wipers. They need to be able to keep your windscreen clean.
  6. Screenwash: Top up the screenwash before having an MOT – if it’s empty, you can fail an MOT.
  7. Fuel and engine oil: Check the fuel and engine oil levels are okay, as technicians will need them both to test the vehicle’s emissions levels.
  8. Seats and seatbelts: All seatbelts should be undamaged and lock if you tug them. The driver’s seat should be adjustable forwards and backwards too.
  9. Horn: Check your horn with a short blast. If it doesn’t work, it’ll need to be repaired.
  10. Instrument warning lights: Check your lights all come on then go off when you turn the ignition key, and check your speedometer is working too.

 

If you need anything checked ahead of your MOT, your local Vauxhall Retailer is on hand to help.