How You Can Check Your Car’s Safety Outside MOT

An MOT test is a standardised testing service offered for vehicles in the UK, ensuring all vehicles on the road meet essential safety and environmental standards. However, a recent cabinet meeting held by the country’s PM has put forth the idea of scrapping the annual MOT test and replacing it with a bi-annual testing facility.

If the cabinet passes this ruling, the UK’s vehicle owners will have to find alternatives to the MOT test in effort to maintain their vehicles. In light of this situation, Turborevs features several ways through which you can check your car’s safety outside MOT.

Car safety checks you can do yourself

With the possibility of the MOT becoming a bi-annual test, finding alternatives for your car’s safety and longevity is important. However, this certainly does not mean that you should spend hundreds of pounds at a garage. A few simple safety checks that can be done yourself are enough to keep your vehicle safe and optimised.

Tyres and Road Wheels

According to the MOT standards, your vehicle’s tyres should have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm. A simple method to check the length yourself is by inserting a 20p coin into the grooves of the tyre. If you can see the outer band, it will indicate that the tyre tread needs to be replaced.

Check Mirrors

Mirrors are essential for your safety on the road as they provide you with crucial information. Ensure that there are no damaged edges or cracks around the mirrors.

Seatbelts

A commonly overlooked aspect in maintenance is seatbelt inspection. They need to be carefully examined, ensuring that the socket is securely fitted. Pull the seatbelt to check for any looseness.

Lights

Check both the rear and front lights of your vehicle, along with the indicators. Do this while having your car stationary. Functioning lights are not only a legal requirement but are also essential for your safety at night.

Check Fluids

Ensuring an optimum level of fluids is necessary for vehicles to work efficiently. Regularly check and maintain the levels of brake, steering, and windscreen fluids, along with oil. These fluids are usually located under the bonnet.

Wipers

Broken wipers are a safety hazard, despite the weather being clear throughout the day. Inspect the wipers by lifting them up from the windscreen, and checking for any cracks or bulges.

Windscreen

Your vehicle’s windscreen should not have any cracks or marks. Any mark that is larger than 10mm or obstructs the driver’s view should be urgently removed. On other areas of the windscreen, marks should not be larger than 40mm.

The Bottom Line

With speculations of the annual MOT being scrapped by the government, it is up to motorists themselves to be prepared for the safety and long-term maintenance of their vehicles. Follow these simple steps to check your car’s safety regularly, ensuring your vehicle remains safe on the roads.

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