✅ What’s Checked During an MOT? Full Breakdown
✅ What’s Checked During an MOT? Full Breakdown
By Andrews Car Centre – Approved MOT Testing Centre in Lincoln
Got an MOT coming up? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been through it before, you might be wondering: what exactly gets checked during an MOT test?
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we carry out thousands of MOTs every year, and we’re here to explain exactly what’s involved, what we look for, and how to give your car the best chance of passing first time.
🚗 What Is an MOT?
An MOT (Ministry of Transport test) is a legal requirement for most vehicles over 3 years old in the UK. It ensures your car is safe, roadworthy, and meets environmental standards.
Without a valid MOT:
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You can’t legally drive your car (except to a pre-booked MOT)
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Your insurance may be invalid
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You risk a fine of up to £1,000
🧰 What’s Checked During the MOT Test?
Here’s a complete breakdown of the key areas we inspect during an MOT at Andrews Car Centre:
✅ 1. Lights
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Headlights (dip, full beam)
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Brake lights
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Indicators and hazards
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Number plate lights
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Fog lights (rear, if fitted)
💡 Tip: Ask someone to help you check them before your test.
✅ 2. Tyres & Wheels
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Tread depth (legal minimum: 1.6mm)
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Tyre condition (no cuts, bulges or excessive wear)
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Correct tyre type & size
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Wheel condition and security
✅ 3. Brakes
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Brake pad and disc condition
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Brake performance (tested on a rolling road)
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Handbrake/parking brake effectiveness
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ABS and warning lights (if fitted)
✅ 4. Suspension & Steering
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Springs, shock absorbers, and suspension arms
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Steering wheel play and alignment
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Power steering fluid (if applicable)
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Mountings and joints
✅ 5. Windscreen, Wipers & Washers
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Chips or cracks in the driver’s view
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Wipers working effectively
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Washers spraying correctly and filled with fluid
✅ 6. Exhaust & Emissions
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Exhaust system condition (no leaks, holes, or excessive noise)
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Emissions test (using gas analyser)
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Diesel particulate filters (DPF) if applicable
✅ 7. Bodywork & Doors
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Doors, bonnet, boot – must open and close properly
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Mirrors must be secure and provide a clear view
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No sharp edges that could injure pedestrians
✅ 8. Seatbelts & Seats
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Seatbelts must lock and retract properly
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Seats must be secure and adjustable
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Warning lights must function correctly
✅ 9. Registration Plates & VIN
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Clean, legal plates with correct spacing and font
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Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) visible and matches records
✅ 10. Dashboard Warning Lights
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ABS, airbag, engine management and other warning lights
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If any are on during the test, it may result in a fail
❌ What’s Not Included in an MOT?
It’s important to note that an MOT is not the same as a service. It doesn’t check things like:
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Engine oil or filters
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Clutch condition
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Gearbox performance
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Coolant or fluid top-ups
That’s why we often recommend booking an MOT and service together for full peace of mind.
📍 Book Your MOT in Lincoln Today
At Andrews Car Centre, we’re a DVSA-approved MOT test centre, trusted by Lincoln drivers for over 30 years. We offer:
✅ MOTs for cars and vans
✅ Same-day testing (subject to availability)
✅ Free MOT retest if your car fails and is retested within 10 days
✅ MOT & service packages available
✅ Honest advice and friendly, local service
🗓️ Don’t Let Your MOT Expire – Book Today
Not sure when yours is due? We can check it for you, or you can look it up online using your registration number.
👉 Call now, book online, or visit us on Dixon Street in Lincoln – and keep your car road legal and safe.
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