Pre MOT Checks
For Your 4×4.

4×4 MOT PREPARATION IN ALTON

 

Get your 4×4 MOT ready.

Comprehensive MOT Checklist

 

Vehicles that are more than three years old from date of registration are legally required to have an MOT test annually to check it is roadworthy. At Alton 4×4 we can prepare your vehicle for testing following our comprehensive pre MOT check.

4X4 OFF ROAD SPECIALISTS

 

Is your 4×4 MOT prepped?

A MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual safety check that ensures your vehicle not only meets legal road safety standards, but also ensures your car is safe to drive helping to protect you and other drivers.

By booking in for MOT preparation with Alton 4×4 we can assess if your vehicle is likely to pass or fail before your test, and rectify any faults.

When is my MOT is due?

Your MOT expiry date can be found on your old MOT certificate, but if do not have access to this you can check using the GOV.uk tool to enter your registration number and vehicle make. You can check your MOT status and request a replacement certificate.

If your MOT has passed it’s expiry date it becomes illegal to drive your car on the road. You are permitted to drive your vehicle to the MOT test centre, but this is the only exception.

What is tested at an MOT?

At the MOT your vehicle will be checked for it’s general condition, in particular the vehicle structure will be checked to ensure it is sound and free from excessive damage. Regular servicing will help keep your 4×4 in good condition and avoid any shocks at the MOT test.

Whilst you can carry out some minor visual checks yourself it is worth booking in for an MOT preparation with Alton 4×4 to ensure your vehicle does not fail on something minor that could be rectified easily.

At an MOT your there are a number of checks that will be carried out on your car:

 

  • Bodywork Check

  • Brake Check

  • Doors and Openings Check

  • Emissions Check

  • Exhaust Check

  • Fluid Levels Check

  • Horn Check

  • Lights Check

  • Mirror Check

  • Number Plate Check

  • Seatbelt Check

  •  

  • Shock Absorber Check

  • Steering Check

  • Tow Bar Check

  • Tyre Tread Check

  • VIN Check

  • Warning Light Check

  • Wheel Rim Check

  • Windscreen Check

  • Windscreen Wiper Check

Bodywork Check

 

Excessive corrasion can result in an MOT fail particularly if it effects or is in close proximity to steering and brake components. Your vehicle should also not present any sharp edges on the bodywork that could injure pedestrians.

Break Check

 

Breaks should be tested with specialist equipment, At Alton 4×4 we can check the condition of your brakes by assessing the discs, brake pads, pedal rubber and calipers. Brakes are a vital safety component and critical to passing an MOT. The handbrake/parking brake will also be checked to ensure it is capable of keeping the car stationary on an incline.

Doors & Openings

 

Doors, bonnets and boots should be able to open and shut securely from both inside and outside the vehicle to project the driver, passengers and other drivers.

Emissions Check

 

The legal limit for emissions can vary depending on the age of your vehicle – at Alton 4×4 we have the specialist equipment to test your emissions fall within the limit.

Exhaust Check

 

The exhaust should be securely mounted, and free from leaks or advanced corrosion. Vehicles can fail the MOT due to noise levels if deemed excessive.

Fluid Levels Check

 

The brake fluid level should be clear or amber in colour. Oil levels must be checked so that your emission levels test can be completed.  At Alton 4×4 we can top up or change (where required) your brake fluid, oil and screen wash before your MOT.

Horn Check

 

A basic but essential warning signal. Your vehicle’s horn will be tested to ensure it is audible to other vehicles.

Lights Check

 

They are easy to fix but are a frequent MOT failure point if not checked in advance of your MOT. Headlights, rear lights, indicators, fog lights, side lights and hazard lights should all be in full working order and free from cracks or damage.

Mirror Check

 

Mirrors should be intact and securely fixed to ensure you can use them safely. Mirrors should be crack free so as not to impair the driver’s vision or expose a hazardous sharp edge.

Number Plate Check

 

Your number plate should be intact and readable to pass an MOT, so it’s a good idea to give your 4×4 a clean prior to testing. If you have a personalised number plate, ensure it meets DVLA requirements.

Seatbelt Check

 

Seatbelts must not be frayed or cut and will be checked to ensure they are securely fixed, engage and disengage cleanly. Inertia-reel belts should also retract and lock properly.

Shock Absorbers Check

 

Our technicians will check to see if your dampers are worn and need replacing before your MOT.

Steering Check

 

Steering is another safety component that should be checked by experienced technicians with specialist equipment. Alton 4×4 we will assess the steering wheel and column are fully secured in place and are in good condition along.

Tow Bar Check

 

Many 4×4’s will have a tow bar fitted – this will be checked to ensure it is secure and not damaged or corroded.

Tyre Tread Check

 

To ensure your safety tyre tread depth must be: “At least 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising the central three-quarters of the breadth of tread around the entire outer circumference of the tyre”. Worn tyres affect your stopping distance, particularly in wet weather conditions, which can be a danger to you and others. Your tyres will also be inspected for cuts, bulges. All tyres should be the same size on each axle. If your vehicle has a spare tyre, this must also be road-legal.

We recommend to get your tyres checked and changed (where applicable) by a professional like Alton 4×4 prior to your MOT.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Check

 

In order to correctly identify your 4×4 the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the V5 registration document logbook should match that stamped on your car’s bodywork or at the base of the windscreen. Your VIN must be legible.

Warning Lights Check

 

If warning lights are not checked and any issues rectified your vehicle may fail it’s MOT.

Wheel Rim Check

 

Your vehicle wheel rims will be examined for distortion, cracks, or other damage.

Windscreen Check

 

A common cause of Mot failure is windscreen damage. Chips, scratches or cracks cannot measure more than 10mm across the driver’s vision. Outside this specific area marks up to 40mm may be allowed.

Windscreen Wiper Check

 

Windscreen wiper blades should be fully working and in good condition. Blades should be replaced if the wiping edge is damaged or has a loose strip.

What happens after the MOT test?

You will be provided with a list of what has been tested and provided with the MOT result. There are four outcomes of an MOT:


✅Pass
✅Pass with advisories
✅Pass with minor faults
❌Fail with major or dangerous faults

If your car fails with major or dangerous faults, the listed failures are required to be fixed before your vehicle can be declared road worthy. Alton 4×4 can arrange for your 4×4 to be collected post MOT and will carry out any work required.

4X4 MOT PREPARATION – ALTON, HAMPSHIRE & SURROUNDING AREAS

Our workshop is based near Alton, Hampshire, so we are well positioned to cover Alton, Aldershot, Alresford, Bordon, Basingstoke, Farnham, Fleet, Grayshott, Godalming, Haslemere, Hindhead, Hook, Liphook, Liss, Petersfield and Winchester areas.

CALL OUR 4X4 SPECIALIST TEAM ON: 01420 259015

At Alton 4×4 we can arrange an MOT on your behalf including drop off and pick up to the MOT Station. Our skilled technicians will carry out any follow up work if your vehicle has failed, but to minimise the inconvenience of a failure Alton4 x4 can carry out pre-MOT checks. Contact us to book in today for MOT preparation.

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