Avoid MOT Failures with mad4motors

Brakes

Handbrake

Test the operation of the Handbrake.

Make sure that you handbrake works by pulling away slowly and applying it to make sure that it slows the car. The handbrake should stop the car from rolling on a hill.
Adjustment: When you pull up the handbrake count the clicks. There should be around 6 clicks before it is fully engaged. If there is excessive travel or hardly any travel in the handbrake then you might need to adjust it. This is usually done at the rear drum or disc but varies from model to model. Refer to handbook. You can usually see an inspection hole near to where the cable enters the hub and a cog with ratchet like action that can be turned by inserting a screw driver into the inspection hole and pushing the driver against the spline to ratchet the cog and apply more adjustment.

Also check that the handbrake cannot be released by wobbling the handbrake from side to side. Only pushing the button at the end should release it.

Make sure the the whole handbrake assembly is solid and that the lever mountings are secure.

Footbrake

Check that when you press your foot on the brake that the pedal does not travel all the way to the floor and also that it does not contine to creep down when holding your foot on the pedal. This would indicate a leak in the system and needs to be repaired, before driving, for safety and not just to pass an MOT!

Excess travel in the pedal can be caused by lack of adjustment (Drum brakes) or worn Pads or disks. These can be checked later in external checks with the wheel off if necessary.

A spongey brake pedal reveals air in the system which must be removed from the system by bleeding

Look for signs of fluid leakage around the base of the pedal (Stains on the carpet etc)

Pump the brakes a few time and then press you foot on the pedal and start the engine. The pedal should move down slightly as the brake servo is engaged. If the pedal does not move this can mean a faulty servo or a leak in the vacuum pipe from the engine (Inlet manifold) to the servo.

Make sure that the pedal is secure and does not have excess travel from side to side

Steering Wheel

Make sure that the steering wheel is solid and free from fractures or looseness at the hub.

Check that the column is solid. Turn the steering wheel from left to right as you test for security. Check that there is no play in the steering wheel. A slight amount of play may be normal but basically any turn of the steering wheel should translate immediatley to a change of direction.

If there is a lot a movement in the steering wheel which fails to alter the direction of the car this would indicate either a loose nut at the hub of the steering wheel or a worn steering rack or bushes. The steering should feel secure and firm.

Power steering. The steering should become easier and lighter when the engine is started. Failure would indicate low fluid in power steering system or worn/faulty power steering pump.

Windscreen & Mirrors

Windscreen

The windscreen must be free from cracks and fractures within the drivers field of vision as displayed on the right hand diagram. It acceptable to have small stone chips but having these repaired when they are small will avoid later failures when the chips spread. Small chips and cracks can be enlarged when the screen is stressed if the car goes over bumps etc.

Mirrors

Rear view mirrors must be secure and intact. All rear view mirrors must be adjustable. There must be at least ONE rear view mirror. Mirrors must show a clear view of the rear view. The MOT tester will use your rear view mirrors to check the operation of the rear lights during the test.

Seat Belts

Examine the seat belts for any tears or serious fraying or deterioration. Check that all the seatbelts engage firmly and disengage easily but only when depressing the seat belt release buttons.

Inertia Belts

Check the operation of inertia belts by pulling them suddenly. they should lock and allow no further movement until pressure is released.

Check that the mountings of the seat belts are secure.

Doors

All doors must be able to be opened easily from inside and outside and must latch securely when closed.

Tailgates, bootlids etc.

All these items, including the tailboards and dropsides of trucks must be capable of being secured in the closed position.