MOTEST

MOT's from Motest

Our experience

Because of the many thousands of cars and vans we test each year, we are very experienced in understanding the test and the vulnerable points on all different makes and models.

We understand classic cars, modern cars, vans, motor homes and valuable exotic’s .

For example, we are probably one of the few companies who have MOT tested not 1 but 2 ex-Le Mans Maclaren F1 racing cars, converted for road use and valued at a cool £2 million each. You can trust us to do all we can to help get you that all important pass certificate. If your car fails we will advise on the best way forward to get a pass. If its MOT repairs, you can trust us to economically repair your vehicle and get it successfully retested. Our testing standards are thorough but fair, confirmed by our strong record with VOSA.

What is an MOT?

Our experience benefits you in another way - time. That’s why we call our service express MOT.

VOSA say the national average time for an MOT is 50 minutes. Because of our familiarity with so many cars and because we test with a two person team, we are able to complete an actual MOT test on average under 30minutes. Combine this with our on-line booking system and you can be in and out of our garages in 40 minutes.

We believe we offer the most comprehensive MOT service in the South East

• 7 day a week MOT testing*
• Book or just turn up
• Multiple lanes for speedy turnaround
• FREE 10 day retest
• FREE on the spot minor repairs
• FREE 12 month MOT reminder service
• Comfortable waiting area
• Complimentary refreshments

* all sites except Eastleigh

The MOT and the law

Remember, you need a valid MOT if your car or van is over 3 years old. If you are the registered keeper, it is your responsibility to ensure it has an MOT if it is to be driven on the public road.

If the vehicle does not have a valid certificate, it may only be driven on the public road to the MOT testing station and back for a pre booked test and with correct insurance cover. We are happy to take such a �booking� over the phone or on-line.

The MOT Test explained

The test principally focuses on testing lights, suspension, brakes, tyres, seat belts, emissions and the car's structure. The modern equipment used for the MOT is increasingly sophisticated and computerised. This includes a brake tester to check foot braking and handbrake, a gas analyser to check emissions and beam tester for headlamp aim. Full details of what is entailed can be found on www.vosa.gov.uk

Things you can check

There are a surprisingly large number of MOT items that you can quickly check yourself, with no specialist knowledge or equipment, as listed below^*

• LIGHTS - The biggest failure item. Do they all function properly?
• INDICATORS - Check front, rear and side repeaters where fitted.
• BRAKE LIGHTS - Are they both working?
• REAR FOG LIGHT - Driver's side must be working (all vehicles post April 1 1980)
• TYRES/WHEELS - Tread depth (minimum 1.6mm), check for sidewall defects, tread pattern wear. All wheel studs fitted and no rim damage.
• HORN/WINDSCREEN WASHERS - - Must all be functioning
• WINDSCREEN WIPERS - Blade rubbers in good condition and not torn.
• CHASSIS/VIN NUMBER - Must be displayed and legible (all vehicles post August 1980).
• DOORS - Check that both front doors can be opened from inside and outside.
• MIRRORS - Must be secure and visible from driver's seat.^**
• SEAT BELTS - Must be secure and the webbing must be in good condition.

Other key items that would be checked at the testing station are steering, vehicle structure, windscreen, suspension, seats, brakes, fuel & exhaust systems, emissions and tow bar if fitted.

* For guidance only - does not constitute the full test.

Things To Remember!

Below are a few important points to be aware of before you bring your vehicle along for its MOT.

Diesels

The diesel emissions test requires us to rev the engine from idle speed until the governor cuts in. This is harmless if the engine has been properly maintained.

Before the test you should...

• Know if the vehicle has been serviced in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines.
• Know if the cambelt has been changed as specified by the manufacturer.
• Get the car up to working temperature before you get to the test as it is helpful for the tester and will produce less smoke.

Personal Number Plates

If you have a personal number plate such as a non-dating, different suffix or prefix, you must ensure the plates on the vehicle, at the time of the test read correctly.

Mis-spacing or doctoring of letters to make the plate read differently will result in an MOT failure. It is also critical that cars registered after Jan 1973 use reflective type plates only. Up to that date silver or white digits on black plates are legal.

13 Month Certificates

Testing the car within one month before the existing certificates expires, allows the new certificate to run from that expiry date - a sensible option.