How to Make Your Car Roadworthy: Unpacked and Explained

Keeping your car in roadworthy condition is crucial for all vehicle owners in the UK. It is imperative that every vehicle must pass the annual MOT test. Maintaining roadworthiness is essential not just for your safety, but also for your car's resale value.

In the UK, almost 35% of motorists own a vehicle for 5 to 7 years. Hence, it is vital their vehicles stay in optimum condition before they decide to sell it off. Furthermore, if you clear off your vehicle defects or re-register a used car, you need to obtain an MOT certificate.

Now, if you’re wondering how to obtain a roadworthy certificate, here’s a detailed explanation of what you can expect –

Getting a certificate

To receive a roadworthy certificate, you need to get your car inspected from a licensed vehicle tester like Roberts Tyres. Apart from operating MOT in Billinghay and Heckington, they also offer car diagnostics other than specialising in brake repairs and replacements as well.

Coming back to roadworthiness, if your vehicle passes the test with major or minor defects, you'd have to turn up for post-MOT repairs from that garage itself or your choice of garage depending on the type of defects.

However, if your car is classified as "dangerous", you'd fail this test. You'll be handed a rejection certificate and 7 days to replace your vehicle. Failure of which, you'll be forced to re-appear for an MOT once again.

So, what does this inspection entail?

An MOT check in Billinghay or anywhere else in the UK is conducted on your vehicle to ensure it’s in proper working condition and meets all the legal standards to ply on roads. The components inspected include –

• Wheels and tyres
• Windscreen and wipers
• Steering, suspension and braking
• The structural integrity of your car
• Items related to the safety of engine, chassis and body
• Seatbelts and airbags
• Vehicle’s registration plate

Therefore, it is advised to go for a complete car diagnostics from a local licensed garage before you turn up for an MOT check in Heckington.

What are the most common issues picked up in an MOT test?

1. Vehicle fluids

Leakage from coolants, engine oil or brake systems could disqualify you from the test and cause severe harm to your engine as well.

2. Tyres

Faulty tyres constitute the most common MOT failure. Damaged and worn-out tyres must be replaced before an MOT in Heckington or Billinghay. You must also check for proper tyre inflation, adequate tread depth (at least 1.6 mm) and signs of wear. Also, try to notice uneven tyre wear, a tell-tale symptom of misaligned wheels.

This brings us to be the second most common issue…

3. Wheels

Before you attend a roadworthy test, go for wheel diagnostics at any reputable workshop. Ask your technician to conduct wheel alignment and wheel balancing tests.

4. Windscreen wipers

Almost 10% of motorists failed this test in 2018. Visibility test is crucial as in monsoon months; faulty wipers could lead to an accident in the blink of an eye. Moreover, check if your windscreen shows signs of scratches or chipping. Fix it if found one.

5. Brakes

Yes! Brakes are important, and unfortunately, they're often ignored. A faulty brake will not only disqualify you from this roadworthy test but is a significant safety hazard too. For fixing your vehicle’s brakes in Thorpe Latimer, make sure you refer to professional assistance.

This is all that you need to know before you show up for an MOT next time. Following these guidelines will ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and it will open up new possibilities as well.