Motor vehicle safety inspections are performed on most passenger vehicles to ensure the safety of their occupants. The main purpose of a safety test is to ensure that vehicle components and systems are working correctly and in good condition, especially those critical for the protection of the driver and passengers.
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What Is A Mot Test?
A motor vehicle test or mot test is an annual inspection of a car, van or motorcycle. The purpose of a mot test is to check that all its parts as well as tires and lights meet strict government standards. Motorists must pass their tests before they can renew their vehicle registration each year. If they fail, they have to take remedial action before they can pass.
Tests Needed For The MOT Test
There are a variety of tests that are conducted when the vehicle is brought into an approved MOT testing station. These tests vary depending on the type of vehicle and its age group, but you can expect some general tests to be performed. These may include:
- Brake test
- Steering and suspension test
- Headlight alignment
- Registration plate lamps
- Horn
- Speedometer
- Tyres
- Fuel system tests
The MOT test will also check for any leaks in air bags, brake fluid, clutch fluid and engine oil. All fluids should be checked to ensure that they are not going to spill out while you are driving. While you will not fail your MOT if you have a leaky airbag, it could result in you being fined if the leak results in drops of fluid falling to the road surface around your car.
Why Mot Tests Are Needed
Mot tests are needed to:
- Ensure road safety by minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries associated with defective vehicles;
- Protect public health by ensuring that emissions from vehicles do not affect air quality in urban areas;
- Assess whether cars need additional testing. This applies to vehicles over three years old (and two years for motorcycles) whose initial certification has expired and for replacement parts not included in the original certification;
- Check if modifications or repairs have been made to a vehicle which adversely affects its safety;
- The test also helps to protect the environment by ensuring that engines produce low emissions, tyres are properly inflated and brakes are working correctly
- MOT testing has been shown to save lives, prevent injuries and reduce the cost of accidents, as well as helping to promote environmental protection.
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