DRIVERS have been urged to check one key thing to avoid failing their next MOT test.
Ignoring it could backfire on motorists – and they might not be allowed to drive until it is fixed.
Leading experts have warned that failing MOT tests could also lead to failing the annual DVSA check.
Daniel Meeghan, UK Country Manager of car diagnostic scanner Carly, has urged drivers always to check their advisories before going for an MOT test to avoid being caught out.
Advisories are small problems identified by testers at the last MOT test.
Due to their minor nature, testers do not fail the MOT check.
However, these problems are likely to grow over the months if drivers don’t pay attention – and can reach a point where it becomes the reason you fail an MOT test.
Since the problems are often too small, motorists tend to push these onside to save hard-earned cash.
But they can end up biting the pockets of the drivers when these issues get worse with time.
Daniel said: “On previous MOT tests you have had, there may be notes under the advisory section.
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“This is usually anything that didn’t quite stop your car from passing last time but might have been close to. If you haven’t done anything about these issues since your last MOT, they may likely come up as an issue on your next MOT.
“I would always advise that these advisory recommendations are taken into account and resolved ahead of the following MOT.”
According to Halfords, ignoring advisory notes can cause more damage than expected.
If they remain unchecked for too long, they can also cause major problems and impact the car’s engine and other expensive parts.
And the final cost of fixing the car can empty the pockets of drivers
Halfords warned: “Advisory notes are helpful reminders something is wrong. Ignore them for too long and small issues can develop into big problems, which could cause an MOT failure.
“Continually ignoring advisory notes could also affect your car’s sale price. Failing to fix problems could put off potential buyers, so it’s safer and better to get them sorted as soon as possible.”
Full MOT checklist
THIS is the one-stop cheklist that will make sure you are prepared to pass your next MOT.
Tyres and wheels – Look out for damage to the sidewall of your tyres and make sure they’re sufficiently inflated.
Use the 20p coin test to make sure your tyres have the right tread depth, which should be 1.6mm all the way around across the central three-quarters of the tread pattern.
The outer edge of a 20p coin will be completely obscured if the tread is deep enough.
Also, be careful space-saver spare tyres could catch you out in the test, so replace them with standard tyres of the right type and size that fit properly before the test.
Lights – Check all of the car’s lights are working properly and are the right colour to pass an MOT test.
Have someone walk around the car and make sure they don’t flicker when tapped which could mean they need tightening or replacing.
This includes headlamps, parking lights, reversing lights, indicators, registration plate bulbs and, on more recent vehicles, daytime running lights.
Wipers and windscreen – Replace wipers that smear because they are probably worn out and top up the washer bottle.
Check your headlight washers if you have any.
Make sure there are no chips or cracks longer than 1cm on your windscreen and remove any stickers that could obstruct your view.
Number plates – Registration plates legally have to be in good condition, tightly fastened to the car and easily read from 20 metres away, so checking these is a must if you want to pass your MOT test.
Doors – Fix any broken doors or ones that don’t stay properly closed.
Front doors need to be openable from inside and out for safety reasons.
General condition – Make sure the exterior of your car is up to scratch.
Any sharp edges or pieces of metal sticking out could cause a danger to other road users and will definitely fail the MOT test.
Inside a car – Your dashboard will pop up with flashing warning lights if anything needs to be fixed under the bonnet like power-steering or brake-fluid warnings.
Make sure you have a fully functioning speedometer or you will fail the MOT test.
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Sayan Bose
