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MOT Oldham – Tips To Ensure A Smooth MOT

An annual MOT (Ministry of Transport) certificate is necessary if your car is over three years old. It’s a legal requirement in the UK to ensure that your vehicle meets minimum safety and emission standards. An MOT in Oldham is easy if your vehicle is in good condition and you do a few checks before taking it for the test.

MOT Oldham – Basics

There are several MOT test centres in Oldham. Some only perform tests. If any faults are detected, you have to get them rectified at a garage. You also have the option of using a garage that performs MOT tests. In this case, you can get minor faults fixed quickly at the garage itself. This makes it easier to get your car retested on the same day without additional costs. However, it’s not mandatory to use the same garage for repairs. You can take the vehicle to a garage of your choice.

For MOT test charges, the upper limit is fixed by the ministry, but testing centres are allowed to give discounts. You can get your car tested up to one month before the expiry of your current MOT certificate without losing the remaining validity.

An MOT consists of several checks focused on vehicle safety and emission control. It’s not a substitute for periodic maintenance. Passing the test is not an assurance that your vehicle is in good condition.

The test takes about an hour, but depending on the number of cars waiting at the centre, you could be in for a long wait. If your vehicle fails, you will get a list of faults to be rectified before the next attempt.

Failures are classified as minor, major or dangerous. A vehicle with dangerous faults cannot be driven away. You can only get it towed to a garage of your choice for repairs. For minor or major faults, if your current MOT certificate is still valid and the vehicle is roadworthy, you can use it until the validity expires.

How To Ensure A Hassle-Free MOT in Oldham

Get your MOT done at least ten days before the due date. If you fail, this gives you enough time to perform the necessary repairs and get your vehicle retested before your current MOT expires.

Your car will not be accepted for the test unless it has a minimum level of fuel and engine oil when it arrives. Top them up if needed.

A large number of vehicles fail their first attempt at MOT tests due to silly defects that can easily be fixed by the owners themselves. Don’t be part of that statistic. Perform some basic checks before you go for the test. Some problems may need a garage visit to rectify. In such cases, you can get the problems fixed before you actually take the test.

MOT Oldham – Basic Checks And Fixes

  • Remove unnecessary things from your car and clean it properly both inside and outside. A cluttered or dirty vehicle is a common reason for test failure.
  • Check and top up the windscreen wiper fluid. Check the windscreen for cracks or other defects. Stickers should not obstruct the driver’s view. Remove any stickers that are in the wiper’s sweep area.
  • Your registration plate should be readable and in good condition. If you have a non-standard plate, it should not violate the personalisation rules.
  • Check tyre pressures. All tyres, including the spare, must be inflated to the right pressure. Check tyres for tread depth, cracks or bulges. Get worn out or damaged tyres replaced or repaired.
  • Check front seat adjustments. They must work well. Seatbelts must be in good condition, should latch securely and lock when tugged.
  • Verify that all lights, indicators, and wipers are working correctly. Replace any worn out bulbs. Wipers should function properly. Replace worn out or misaligned blades. Check the horn.
  • Switch on the engine and check if any warning lights light up on the dashboard. Abnormal engine noise, smoke in the cabin or dark smoke from the exhaust are signs of problems. Get it repaired before taking the test.
  • Check the brakes. If they are squealing or otherwise malfunctioning you will fail the test. Bad or loose handbrakes must also be fixed before taking the test.

For a smooth MOT in Oldham, contact Volksmaster. We have a high-quality garage network in the Manchester area with a convenient pickup and drop off service. Contact us to book your MOT today.

Arranging Your Service

Drop your car off
Simply drop your car off with us between 8am and 10am and in most cases your vehicle will be ready for collection the same day between 3.30 and 5.30. Outside these hours you are welcome to park.

Wait with your car
Most servicing and repair work can be done while you wait. If this is your preference we have a superb waiting area equipped with free hot and cold drinks and a interesting viewing area where you can watch our trained technicians working on your vehicle.

Courtesy car
If your vehicle needs to stay with us for 1 day or longer then you are able to pre-book one of our courtesy vehicles to keep you mobile.

Pick up / drop off
The ultimate hassle free solution; one of our drivers will arrange to collect your vehicle from your home or place of work at a pre-arranged time and then return your vehicle when the work is complete. Our service advisors will contact you when the vehicle arrives on site during the day to discuss the progress of the work and then advise you of the time you can expect your vehicle back. Contact our service advisors for more details.

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MOT Oldham – Tips To Ensure A Smooth MOT

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