Taking Your Car for an MOT for the First Time from Quinn Direct Insurance

    LONDON, ENGLAND, October 21, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The MOT (Ministry of Transport test) is a legal requirement for all cars over three years old. If you are a new driver who has just acquired a used car for the first time, it is likely to be over that age, meaning that you will have to take it for an MOT at some point in the next year.

At the MOT test centre the car will be examined to see if it is roadworthy. If your car is regularly serviced, then you should stand a better chance of passing without having to pay for repairs. Quinn Direct, a specialist provider of car insurance, have put together a guide and checklist for you to carry out before taking your car for an MOT test.

Remember - You must submit your car for an MOT!
As already mentioned, it is a legal requirement for your car to have passed an MOT if it is over three years old. You will not be able to purchase car insurance without a valid MOT certificate, and neither will you be able to get your road tax disc.

Book your test a month in advance with an accredited MOT test centre. An official centre will have the distinctive three blue triangle motif displayed in the wall of the garage. The current cost of an MOT for a vehicle with up to eight passenger seats is GBP54.85, however if your car is found at fault, the repairs will add to the cost.

How to check your car for an MOT
Go through the following list a few days before your MOT to check the state of your car and find any problems. Get them fixed before your test to stand less chance of it failing, or it will require repairs and a further re-test.

- Suspension: 'Bounce' each corner of your car. If the car does not settle after bouncing back one or two times, you may have to get the shock absorbers changed.
- Lights: Ensure that all your lights work correctly. This includes your brake lights, number plate lights and indicator lights. Change any broken bulbs.
- Tyres: Check each tyre carefully; look for any unusual bulges, damage or objects stuck in the side walls or tread. If the tread is worn more on one side than the other, the tyres may be misaligned and should be fixed. The depth of tyres should be 1.6mm, however they should be changed before they reach this. You can purchase a tyre depth gauge to check this.
- Hand brake: Ensure that your handbrake works correctly. If you can release your handbrake by tapping it, this needs to be fixed. Additionally, if you can pull the handbrake lever up too far, then the cable will need adjusting.
- Foot brake: When pushing down on it, the foot brake must not feel spongy. If it does, then there is probably air in the hydraulic system which should be removed. Lastly check that the light comes on when the brake pedal is pushed down.
- Steering: Check that the steering wheel is not loose on the steering column. Make sure that that the wheel does not turn abnormally. If it does, get it looked at, as there may be a problem with the steering joints or column support bearings.
- Windscreen, windows and mirrors: Your windscreen should have no cracks or large chips in it. The glass of your windows must also be in good condition. Your mirrors must be firmly fixed and fully adjustable.
- Windscreen wipers: Check that they are correctly fitted and are not split or damaged as this will fail your vehicle.
- Car interior and exterior: Clean your car and ensure that access to the boot is not obstructed. Make sure that the outside and underside of the car is clean, as the tester may refuse to examine the car if it is too dirty. Finally, check that your seat belts are not frayed or cut and that they work correctly.

By spending just a few minutes checking the basics out yourself, you could save a lot of money and hassle at the MOT test centre. Good luck, and if your MOT costs you more than you'd hoped, why not get in touch with Quinn Direct Insurance for a competitive car insurance quote to help you save some extra pennies.

Website: http://www.quinn-direct.co.uk/

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