Servicing And MOT For Your Vehicle

Everyone who owns a vehicle that is used on the UK's roads is required to keep it in a roadworthy condition. The MOT test was introduced to make sure that cars and other vehicles that are over a certain age are checked on at least a yearly basis to make sure that they meet with environmental and roadworthiness requirements.

When your car goes in for an MOT, mechanics will look at certain important parts of your car and make sure that it meets with the legal requirements. However it is important to remember that an MOT certificate is not a guarantee of the overall condition of a vehicle.

My Car is 2 Years Old - do I Need an MOT?

Cars that are under 3 years old are exempt from the MOT test. If a car was registered 'from new' on 1 October 2003, it will require its first MOT no later than 1 October 2006. However if a car is used before registration, as is often the case with an import, then the MOT test would be necessary from the end of the year that the car was manufactured - e.g. a car made at any time during 2006 will need to have been MOT'd by the December 31, 2009.

I'm Away When My MOT is Due - What Do I Do?

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to wait until your MOT is about to expire to get your car tested. You can present your car at any time for an MOT, but you only need to get a certificate once a year.

If you put your car in for its MOT in the month before your MOT is due, the test certificate will cover from the date of the test to one year after the expiry date of the current certificate. For example, if your first MOT was due to expire on 4 November 2006 and you take your car in on 15 October, the certificate would run from 15 October 2006 - 4 November 2007. If you want this extension you will need to present your old test certificate at the test station to prove that the time can be added on. This is extremely useful should you find it difficult to find the time to get your car MOT'd on or around the exact date of renewal.

What Should I Look Out For?

When looking for a suitable MOT test garage, you should look out for the following:-

• Suitable off-road parking
• Equipment should be laid out so that testing can be performed effectively and other garage business will not interfere with the test or distract the mechanic.
• A test bay and observation area that must be capable of being totally enclosed and provide a good working area. The test facilities should be free of oil contamination, exhaust fumes, noise or pollution from other areas of the garage.
• A safe entrance to and from the road.
• Sufficient inspection facilities and also underside access.

The test garage should also be displaying a logo made up of three white triangles set against a blue background, which identifies approved MOT test stations.

How Much Will it Cost Me?

Most MOT garages will do the test for around the £50 mark often offering free retests. It's best to get one that does free retests, even if it is a little more expensive (the actual test costs £44.15 in most cases) because then you have the peace of mind that you are not being ripped off, and also you don't have to fork out for 2 or more tests to get your car back on the road.

You should be made aware of any retest fees before you put your car in for the MOT so make sure you ask if you don't already know.

What to do if You Think Your Car Has Been Failed Unfairly

If you get your car back and it has failed its MOT and you think this decision is incorrect, then there is a complaints procedure to follow:-

1. First of all, discuss it with the MOT station. Do not let anyone carry out repairs to the vehicle.

2. Complete a VT17 form available from any MOT testing station or contact the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency on 0845 600 5977. You must make your complaint within 14 days of the test and a full test fee will be payable. VoSA will get someone out to you to check your vehicle within 5 working days, and if your appeal is successful then some or the entire test fee will be refunded to you.