There are certain checks carried out when your car is taken in for an MOT so before you take your car in it may be an idea to carry out some basic checks yourself. Along with basic maintenance and these simple checks before you take your car in for an MOT you can save your self any nasty surprises when you get to the garage.

Checking Your Car Before an MOT

Here are some basic checks you can carry out your self before you take your car into the garage:

• Car Brakes - There are several checks that need to be done on the car brake systems these include their function, so basically that they work correctly. They check the reserve travel on the footbrake to ensure it doesn't go right down to the floor and also that the rubber hasn't worn down on the pedal. They will also carry out checks on your reserve brake which will be your hand brake or a foot brake to ensure these work correctly.
• Car Door Checks - All doors must latch securely, and both front door should be capable of opening from the inside and outside. Not only should your doors shut correctly, your boot should also close securely. If any or your doors or your boot lid do not close correctly then you will have to get them fixed to ensure they don't open while driving.
• Fuel System Checks - The fuel system is one of the most important checks to do before an MOT because any failure in the system will result in an automatic fail. Smaller checks include the fuel cap being secured correctly and not being deteriorated in any way. This is so there is no small fault that could cause a fuel leak.
• Car Tyre and Wheel Checks - There are several checks done on your car tyres and wheels, the main ones to consider are the tread which will be measured. It should be no less 1.6mm all around the surface of the tyre, there should also be no major gashes or tears in the surface of the tyre. Only in cases where these guidelines are not met can your car fail testing due to tyres.
• Checking Vehicle Structure - As well as the functioning of your car its important to make sure the body work is in good condition. The car will fail on its body work condition if there is excessive corrosion around areas that could cause problems for the steering or braking. Excessive corrosion can include holes in the chassis or a weakened area on the car body.

You should perform these checks to make sure there is nothing un expected to be found when you go for your MOT. It also means you can point out anything you think will need addressing to the mechanic when you arrive, to make sure your car is in the best condition possible.