Quick MOT Checklist to Keep You on Track Before a Family Road Trip
Before heading out on a long drive with the kids in tow, there’s more to think about than just packing snacks and charging the tablets. One of the most important parts of your pre-trip prep should be making sure your car is in top shape – not just for safety, but for your own peace of mind. Book MOT in Lincoln from Dexel to avoid any last-minute surprises and take the stress out of your journey.
Here’s a simple checklist to help you tick off the MOT musts before you set off.
Tyres: Tread, Pressure and Condition
Tyres often get overlooked, but they’re one of the most crucial components when it comes to keeping your family safe on the road. Check the tread depth – the legal minimum is 1.6mm, but anything under 3mm might not be ideal for wet conditions. If you don’t have a gauge, the edge of a 20p coin can be a quick trick: insert it into the tread; if the outer band is visible, it’s too low.
While you’re at it, check for any bulges, cuts, or embedded stones. Then give your tyre pressure a once-over – you’ll find the recommended PSI in your car’s manual or inside the driver’s door frame. Under-inflated tyres not only affect fuel efficiency but can also compromise handling.
Lights and Indicators: A Two-Minute Check
You might not notice a failed bulb while driving, but it could be a reason for an MOT fail – not to mention a safety hazard. Ask someone to help while you test all lights: headlights, brake lights, reverse, fog, indicators, and number plate illumination.
If you’re doing it solo, use reflections in a window or garage door to spot what’s working. Replacing a bulb is usually simple and cheap – far better to fix it now than risk being pulled over or failing the MOT for something so minor.
Windscreen Wipers and Washer Fluid
Few things are more frustrating than hitting a sudden downpour and realising your wipers are streaking or your washer bottle’s empty. Lift the wipers and inspect the rubber blades for cracks or wear. They should glide smoothly and clear the screen without leaving smears.
Top up your washer fluid with a proper screenwash – not just water – especially in colder months, as it helps prevent freezing and clears bugs more effectively.
Brakes: Listen and Feel
You don’t need to be a mechanic to spot when something’s not right with your brakes. Listen out for any squealing, grinding, or unusual noises when you press the pedal. Also, pay attention to how the car feels – if it pulls to one side when braking, or if the pedal feels soft or spongy, it’s worth getting checked before you travel.
Brakes are a common MOT fail, but also something you don’t want to take chances with when your children are in the back seat.
Warning Lights on the Dashboard
That little orange engine light you’ve been ignoring? Now’s the time to sort it. Any warning lights showing on the dashboard can be an immediate MOT fail. Even if they don’t stop you from driving, they could point to something that needs attention – like low oil, faulty emissions, or brake issues.
It’s always worth booking in diagnostics or asking your garage for advice if a light appears and you’re not sure what it means. Better safe than stranded.
Number Plates and Mirrors
A quick once-over of the number plates can save you hassle – they must be clean, readable, and securely fitted. If your plate is cracked or worn to the point where it’s not legible, that’s an MOT fail.
Also, check that your mirrors are intact, properly adjusted, and not loose. You need at least two functioning mirrors – one of which must be the driver’s side – to pass the test.
Exhaust and Emissions
Unless you’re under the car daily, spotting exhaust issues isn’t always easy. But if your car has been sounding louder than usual or you’ve noticed a strange smell, it might be worth popping into the garage early. Diesel drivers especially should be aware of stricter MOT emissions tests – so don’t ignore the warning signs.
Revving the engine gently (when the car’s warm and parked safely) can sometimes reveal a rattle or puff of smoke that’s worth investigating.
Paperwork: MOT Due Date and Previous Advisories
Finally, check when your MOT is actually due. If it’s coming up soon, don’t leave it until after your trip – book it in advance and give yourself time to sort any unexpected issues. Also, look back at your last MOT certificate to see if there were any advisories. Things like worn brake pads or tyres might not have failed you last year, but they could be a problem now.
Setting a reminder on your phone for your MOT expiry date is a simple way to avoid missing it in future.
A family road trip should be fun, not fraught with car worries. Taking a few minutes to go through this checklist – and booking your MOT with a trusted garage – can make all the difference. Whether it’s a weekend at the coast or a full-blown summer getaway, knowing your car’s safe lets you focus on what really matters: enjoying the ride.
This is a collaborative post.
