The dreaded MOT is a blessing that we need to embrace.

The basic roadworthiness test gives us all some reassurance about our and others’ safety on the road.

Of course, it still comes at a price, but we could all lower than with simple pre-test checks and actions.

Small investment

Using a twenty-pence piece to check tyres before an MOT test could save drivers hundreds of pounds.

The simple investment of time and some loose change could make all the difference.

 Absolute Reg has revealed seven pre-MOT checks to prepare a vehicle for the test and save on hefty repair bills.

These help ensure the vehicle is roadworthy, safe, and meets legal safety standards, and they should be done regularly anyway.

Helping new, young drivers understand their responsibilities as motorists and revealing the cost and time savings can instil a financially healthy regime to be followed habitually.

Calming costs

While the initial maximum cost for a car MOT is £54.85, owners must pay for hefty repairs, retests and labour costs if a vehicle fails.

The cost of a single replacement tyre can be as high as £250, while mechanic hourly rates can reach £80.

However, doing simple checks to reduce the risk of an MOT fail, including checking tyre tread using the 20p test and topping up all fluid levels, can make all the difference.

Jake Smith, director of Absolute Reg, said: “MOTs can work out much more expensive than the initial test cost if motorists don’t prepare their vehicle beforehand.

“With the cost of living crisis and rising fuel and insurance costs, driving is expensive enough,  so motorists must know how to keep costs down in this annual test.

“Simple checks beforehand can help keep repair bills down and get vehicles through the test without hefty charges.

“Ensuring tyre tread depth is at the legal limit with the coin test and replacing flickering or blown bulbs will save time and money on test day.”

 

Tyre tread depth

The legal tread limit for tyres is 1.6mm, and motorists can check if tyres are sufficient by putting a 20p coin into the main tread grooves.  If the outer rim of the 20p is visible when performing the test, the tyres should be replaced ahead of the MOT.

 

Tyre pressure

Underinflated tyres could fail an MOT, so ensure they are at the recommended pressure, which should be on a sticker on the bodywork or in the vehicle handbook.

 

Lights

For a vehicle to pass the test, all car lights must be working, including the headlamps, registration lights, indicators, parking lights, and registration plate bulbs. If they are blown, ensure they are replaced before the test, and consider tightening or replacing any that are flickering.

 

Fluid levels

Pop the bonnet and ensure all fluids, such as the brake reservoir, screen wash, and oil, are topped up to sufficient levels.

 

Seatbelts

All seat belts will be inspected, so damaged or frayed seat belts that don’t work properly must be replaced. They are an important safety component that is thoroughly checked.

 

Windscreen cracks

Damage to a windscreen larger than 10mm in front of the driver and 40mm outside the area will result in a test failure. Ensure cracked or chipped windscreens are replaced before inspection.

Fuel

Ensure the fuel tank has been filled up because MOT testers can turn away vehicles with an empty tank if the fuel light is on.