Top mobile mechanic and auto MOT test verification Reading Berkshire UK: Yes, it’s your car’s bible! Knowing where to find information quickly can help in identifying causes when trouble arises. You may even be able to avoid a trip to the auto mechanic in the first place if you discover that your “problem” stemmed from not understanding your car’s controls. Beyond knowing the make and model of your vehicle, it also helps to have the specific trim level on hand for the service technician, as that often identifies the engine size and configuration, transmission and other included features that vary across the model line. Be aware of your exterior paint and interior color codes in case body or upholstery repair is necessary. Keep your vehicle identification number (VIN) available, as this code will likely be required when scheduling service. Searching for Mot reading UK or other MOT verification services? Pre-MOT checks you can do yourself – A vehicle can fail an MOT test for a number of reasons, a wide range of tests are carried out across all areas of the vehicle and it only has to fail in one of these areas to fail the whole MOT. It’s a good idea to prepare a checklist a few weeks before your MOT to make sure that your car is in the best possible condition by the time it is inspected. Many of the most common reasons for MOT testing failure are areas that can easily be checked at home. So, by assessing these in advance, you can fix any issues and increase the chance of passing your MOT.
Check your windshield wipers: Windshield wipers are the last thing on your mind until it’s too late and you’re caught in the rain. When they go bad, it can dramatically affect your vision and ability to drive safely. To avoid a lack of vision, check your windshield wipers regularly and watch out for any warning signs that point to a loss of effectiveness. These signs included squeaking, chattering while on the road, streaks and wet spots. The Family Handyman recommends replacing your windshield wipers on a regular schedule, typically every six to 12 months.
IHS Automotive reports that Americans are keeping their cars and light trucks for longer than previously reported – an average of 11.5 years – an increase attributed to both improved vehicle reliability and economic factors. With 84 percent of vehicles on the road in need of a service or new part, YourMechanic surveyed hundreds of mechanics from more than 30 states to compile the top five tips car owners can follow as a guide to help extend the life of their vehicle.
The MoT cost is controlled by law, with a maximum charge for cars set at £54.85. An individual MoT test centre can choose to charge less, so it’s worth shopping around. If you think you’ve a chance of failure, make sure you pick an MoT test centre that offers free retests within 10 days, as you can be charged a partial retest fee. If repairs take longer, you’ll have to pay the full fee again. Many garages are able to conduct MoT tests, although if you’re suspicious of garages that will charge for unnecessary work, it’s probably best to take your car to a dedicated MoT test centre.
Do you hate the inconvenience of having your car serviced, having to take a day off work to bring your vehicle in, and then waiting for it to be completed? We always put the customer first, that’s why we offer a flexible car servicing service. We can collect your car, and the deliver it back to you when the service is completed. We can even arrange for a taxi to collect you when your car is ready. We do that for MOTs as well.
The brake system of your car is one of the most important, which is why you need to pay attention to the brake pads. Most owner’s manuals recommend you change the pads every 20,000 miles. However, if you drive your car every day, and have to brake more often, you might have to replace them more often. People who live in the city and have to deal with a lot of traffic and stop more often should consider changing the pads more often. Replacing the brake pads is a fast and relatively inexpensive process.
An MOT certificate confirms at the time of the test your car met the minimum road safety and environmental standards required by law. It doesn’t mean your car will remain roadworthy for the following 12 months. You still need to make sure you maintain your car well, including regular servicing. Make sure you’re not caught out by any of the five simple reasons for a fail shown above, then inspect your car against our 11-point checklist below. If you find any problems in the following areas, you can fix some yourself to help keep garage costs down. The interior of your car will be checked as part of the MOT test. The seat belts; All seats within your vehicle must have seatbelts and all seatbelts must be in the correct working order. The type, condition and security of the seatbelts will also be checked.
How frequently should I service my car? You should have your car serviced annually or before it reaches a certain mileage outlined by the manufacturer (typically 12,000 miles) – whichever comes first. It’s best to check the service intervals in your car’s handbook, because they vary depending on the model, fuel type and engine. What work is carried out during a service? This depends on the service interval your car has reached. Most first services for new cars will involve only an oil and filter change, then the second service will also include the replacement of components with a 24-month lifespan – such as the spark plugs (petrol cars only), glow plugs (diesel cars only) and the brake fluid. There will be a larger, full service the following year, and after that the same cycle continues throughout the car’s life. However, if you own an older car and don’t cover many miles, you can opt for smaller services more often. Find even more details on mot-centre.com.
An MOT involves dozens of checks on your car, ranging from the brakes and fuel system to lights, mirrors, seatbelts, windscreen wipers and exhaust system. You can also get an MOT done at a local council test centre. These test centres don’t normally carry out repairs as well as MOTs. It doesn’t cover the condition of the engine, clutch and gearbox. To find your nearest authorised MOT test centre, visit these websites. How long does an MOT take? An average MOT test takes between 45 and 60 minutes, but there are a couple of other things to take into consideration.