Let’s be honest, MOT time can feel a bit like exam season for your car… and nobody enjoys that. The good news? With a bit of preparation, passing your MOT can be straightforward. The team at Garside Garage see it all the time, small, avoidable issues that lead to unnecessary fails. A few quick checks beforehand can make all the difference.

Check Your Lights

It sounds simple, but faulty lights are one of the most common reasons for MOT failures. Headlights, brake lights, indicators and number plate lights all need to be working properly.

At Garside Garage, they often find that something as small as a blown bulb could have been sorted in minutes. A quick check at home, or popping in for a fast fix, can save you the hassle of a retest.

Inspect Your Tyres

Are your tyres roadworthy? The legal tread depth is 1.6mm, and there shouldn’t be any cuts, bulges or uneven wear.

If you’re unsure, the team at Garside Garage can take a look and advise before your MOT. It’s always better to replace a tyre on your terms than risk a failure on the day.

Windscreen & Wipers

Cracks, chips and worn-out wipers can all cause problems. If your wipers are smearing rather than clearing, or your screen wash is empty, it could count against you.

Garside Garage regularly helps customers sort these small issues quickly, keeping things simple and stress-free.

Under the Bonnet Checks

Fluid levels matter more than people think. Oil, coolant and brake fluid should all be topped up, and there shouldn’t be any obvious leaks.

If you’re not confident checking yourself, Garside Garage can give your car a quick once-over before the test, helping catch anything early.

Inside the Car

Seatbelts need to be secure and in good condition, and yes, your horn needs to work too. It might feel minor, but it all counts towards your MOT result.

Final Tip: Get a Pre-MOT Check

A little preparation goes a long way. If you want peace of mind, booking in with Garside Garage for a pre-MOT check can help spot any issues before test day.

Because when it comes to your MOT, wouldn’t you rather fix the small things now than deal with a fail later?