MOT Alresford Garage

Having your car MOT tested can be stressful, that’s why our friendly team are here to help with your next MOT in Alresford.

Located in Stanway Colchester, our team are qualified, experienced MOT testers so you can be sure that we test your vehicle properly. If for any reason your car or van was to fail during a test, we will give you all the options available in order to get it back on the road with a new certificate.

MOT Price – £40 or £25 if with a service

The Mot test changed in 2018 to include a number of new items and a change in the description of failures, we now have:

Major Defect – This is an instant failure

Minor Defect – This is an instant failure

Advisory – A pass with an advisory note

Looking for an MOT in Abberton?

Below, information and advice about having your vehicle tested.

When does my car need a MOT test?

All vehicles over 3 years old require a MOT test by law. Your MOT test can be carried out up to 1 month ahead of its due date. We can be post date the new test so that you don’t lose any time.

Can anyone MOT a car?

No, only trained staff who have been certified by VOSA can carry out the MOT test. Mot testers attend annual training and validation.

What’s checked on a MOT?

Below is a brief indication of what is checked on the Mot.

Battery

The car battery must be secure and not show any signs of leaking.

Brakes

A brake performance test is carried out to check braking efficiency.

Body

An inspection is made of the body, chassis, engine mountings, seats and doors. All areas must be free from excessive corrosion and must not have any sharp edges that may cause injury.

Emissions

Our gas analyser probe will be used with the engine is running to test the smoke emitted from the exhaust. Emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons must meet the legal limit.

There is also a visual check to see if excessive blue or black smoke is emitted from the exhaust.

Electrical Wiring

Wiring must be secure and not be damaged where it is likely to short circuit or become detached in any way.

Exhaust System

The exhaust will be fully inspected to ensure it is secure and leak free. If your car was originally fitted with a catalytic converter, it must be present on the vehicle.

Fuel System

The fuel system is checked for leaks and the fuel tank cap must fit and seal correctly.

Horn

The horn must emit a continuous note and must be loud enough to be heard by road users.

Lights

The lights on your vehicle must be:

• Correctly positioned and secure
• Not obscured
• In good condition
• Show the correct colour
• Not affected by the operation of any other light
• Illuminate with a single operation of the switch

Pairs of lights must show light of the same colour, size and shape.

Headlight aim should be below the horizontal.

Mirrors and Wipers

Your rear view mirrors and wing mirrors must be correctly fitted and provide adequate views to the rear and side.

The wipers and washers must sweep a wide enough area to give the driver an adequate view.

Registration Plates

Registration plates must be fitted at the front and rear of the car. The plates must be secure and clearly legible if standing 20 metres away.

The characters on the plate must be correctly represented so not likely to be misread.

Steering

Your car or vans steering is checked for strength and condition. It is also inspected for wear or damage to the steering components.

If steering has a locking device, it’ll be tested to ensure it only locks when the engine is not running.

Power steering must have at least the minimum level of power steering fluid in the reservoir.

Suspension

Suspension components including shock absorbers will be checked for excessive corrosion, fractures or damage.

The condition of the brakes, pedals and levers are inspected.

Speedometer

A speedometer must be fitted, and the tester will check that it can be illuminated.

Tyres

Any tyre must be of the correct speed and load rating for the vehicle.

Tread depth must not be below the legal limit of 1.6mm, and tyres will be checked for any cuts in greater than 25mm, lumps, bulges, tears, exposure of the cord.

For run-flat tyres, the warning light must operate correctly.

Wheels will be examined for good overall condition.

Vehicles With A Tow Bar

Any electrical sockets will be tested for condition and that it operates the trailer parking lights, brake lights, indicators and rear fog lights.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
All vehicles must permanently display a legible VIN, either on a VIN plate secured to the vehicle, or stamped or etched on the body or chassis.

Windscreen

There must not be any damage or obstruction to the view directly in front of the driver larger than 10mm. Outside this area (but within the swept area), there must not be any damage or obstruction larger than 40mm.

What happens if the car fails the MOT test?

You will receive a list of the items that have failed. Once they have been rectified on the car we will re test it. This re test is free of cost if carried out within 10 days. Another reason why we are the number one MOT Colchester service!

What is an advisory item?

Advisory items are parts or areas on the car that although have passed the test now the tester feels they will need to be changed or repaired soon.