How long does MOT take to complete?

The dreaded MOT – whether you have an existing MOT certificate or have a new vehicle, it makes sense to get your yearly MOT test set up as soon as possible. But, how long does an MOT take?

Thankfully, having your car go through an MOT will not take long at all. Most MOTs take between 45 minutes and one hour to complete. At the end of the MOT, a mechanic will either present you with a valid certificate, or they will explain to you why the car has failed one or more of the tests. It’s as simple as that!

Why Your MOT Status Matters

The MOT (Ministry Of Transport) tests a set of tests that must be performed on a car every so often, as required by the law. Without a valid MOT certificate, a car is not road-legal and is susceptible to being taken from the owner if it is found driving on the road.

Depending on the type of car that you have, you will normally need to have an MOT at least once a year. You will be able to tell if your car’s MOT needs renewing simply by checking the date on the certificate. If you’re really not sure, we’re here to help!

What Happens During an MOT?

During an average MOT test, your car will undergo multiple tests and checks during the MOT to ensure that it is entirely road safe. That’s why it is likely to take more than five or ten minutes to complete!

Among the parts for checking are:

• All the electrical parts: Everything from the electrical wiring to the battery state (ensuring that it is not leaking), the indicators, the number plate lights, headlights, brake lights, etc., will all be tested. Even the car’s horn will have to undergo testing to ensure that it makes a loud enough noise and can continue with a robust and uniform note.
• Vehicles with a tow-bar will also need to have the electrical socket next to it tested to ensure that it functions perfectly.
• The steering: The steering wheel needs to be completely secure and completely functional. Any power steering must be tested, as well as any locking.
• The suspension: The car’s suspension must not be corroded, or broken, even fractured in any way. The shock absorbers will need checking, too.
• The brakes: The brakes will obviously be tested to ensure that they are functioning adequately, and the pedals will be tested, too.
• The tyres: During the MOT, your tires will need to be free of cuts, lumps, tread separation, and anything that could prove to be a sign of overuse or damage. The wheel nuts will also need insight for their condition and placement.
• The seat belts: The seat belts will all be checked for length, width and condition. They must show no sign of tears or reparations, as these could significantly affect their efficiency.
• The car body: The entire car body will be checked over generally, including the seats, the bonnet, the doors, the boot, the chassis, etc. They will be checked for excessive rust, tears, sharp edges, etc.
• The car’s emissions: The car’s exhaust systems will require checks to ensure that the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions are not over the legal amount. The exhaust system will also be checked for fractures, placement, leaks, etc.
• The windscreen: The windscreen wash fluid should be filled up, and there should be no cracks, holes, or dangerous factors that could impede on a driver’s view of the road.
• The mirrors: Much like the windscreen, the mirrors should be checked for any cracks, holes, or anything that could prevent their visibility on the road.

Why could your car fail an MOT?

If your car does not pass any of the checks, it could be susceptible to failing the MOT. In some cases, if the vehicle has any minor issues, then the MOT centre will notify the owner and suggest that the problems receive fixes as soon as possible.

However, anything that could endanger the driver, the passengers, or anyone else on the road will cause the car to fail the MOT.

In most cases, the car’s issues can be solved by a professional mechanic, although the extent of the repairs will depend on the problem and any underlying issues.

In other cases, a car failing an MOT could signify that the vehicle may not be repaired or that the required repairs will cost more than the car is worth.

Either way, we will be able to give you a detailed analysis of the car!  It is then up to you to decide whether or not you would like to retire the vehicle or if you will have it repaired.

What Happens if Your Car Fails?

Depending on why your car failed the MOT, you will have a choice between retiring the vehicle or having it repaired.

If you are having your car repaired, then you will have as long as the repair needs to get it sorted. However, it is essential to understand that the vehicle cannot be legally driven on the road if the MOT certificate is invalid.

You will only be allowed to drive it to a professional garage to be repaired or back to an MOT certified test centre. Your car insurance will not be valid on a car without a valid MOT certificate!

However, it is also essential to know that most MOT centres will allow you to book your car in for another MOT test for free within ten days, or the first test.

How can we help?

At Auto Inspire, we care deeply about making sure that all of our customers leave our centre happy, and with a vehicle that’s ready to hit the road safely.

It’s so important to make sure that you, your passengers and other road users can continue to drive and ride with optimum safety. Regardless of your previous MOT, it’s crucial to have your car pass now – we’ll ensure your vehicle meets road safety standards without any headaches.

Our job is to ensure that your car passes its MOT meaning that it is roadworthy. If it happens to have an MOT fail, we can book your car in for a full service and any repairs it may need to get its faults fixed. Don’t wait until your MOT has expired. Plan ahead to ensure that your vehicle is always road-legal, and roadworthy.

By booking your MOT tests in advance, you’ll also give yourself some extra wiggle room just in case your car fails its MOT, and needs some repair! So, check your current MOT certificate and book in ASAP.

If you’re worried about MOT cost, don’t worry. Head down to our MOT test centre and we’ll lay all our costs out flat.

If you have any questions or queries regarding your MOT, please don’t hesitate to contact Auto Inspire on 01246 555995. One of our team members will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you book your MOT today!