138 MOTORING
www.indexdigital.co.uk
PREPARING YOUR CAR FOR AN
MOT
Save time and money by carrying out some basic checks before you take your car for its MOT, plus make a date for the London Motor Show and classic car event
Y
our car’s MOT is the car version of an annual health check- up, making sure everything’s
functioning properly so you’ll be safe driving for the next 12 months. But there are plenty of drivers who send their car for its MOT without carrying out some basic checks fi rst, which increases its chance of failing. According to government data, in 2015 there was a 38.3% initial MOT failure rate for cars, vans and small passenger vehicles. Of these tests, 18.4% had a problem with lighting and signalling, while 7.4% had issues with their tyres.
HERE ARE SOME USEFUL TIPS FOR PREPARING YOUR CAR FOR ITS MOT:
Check your lights
Faults with vehicle lighting are the most common cause of MOT failure. Take the time to check: • Your headlights in both main beam and dipped. • Sidelights.
• Indicators on the side, rear, and front.
• Brake lights.
• Number plate light. • Your hazard lights (worth testing separately from indicators). • Rear fog lights.
Check your tyres Tyres are also a common cause of MOT failure, particularly when they don’t give the level of grip that is required by law. • To check them, take a moment to ensure they’re not damaged in any way. Then, use a tyre tread gauge to see whether the depth of the tread is above the legal requirement of 1.6mm – any less than this measurement in the MOT results in an immediate fail. • Tyres also need to be infl ated to the right pressure, as stated in your car’s user manual – this can be topped up at most service stations.
Top up engine oil and fuel A mechanic won’t be able to carry out the MOT exam unless your car has enough fuel and engine oil to run throughout the test. It’s best policy to fi ll everything up to the maximum level beforehand to be completely sure that your vehicle makes it through the test.
Calling all classic car fans! Classic Music and Motors is proud to present a new Classic Motor Show in the idyllic grounds of the 16th century Groombridge Place on Sunday 17th June – a great day out for dads on Father’s Day!
This is a wonderful setting to exhibit a classic vehicle – there’s space for 800 classics, from the 1920s to the modern day, with dedicated areas for high performance cars, vintage classics, classic car clubs, interesting vehicles, dealerships and much more. The family day out will also feature the Classic Music
Show, quality refreshments, Champagne bar, children’s entertainers and the retro market, where pitches are available. • To book a classic vehicle or retro stall, or for more information, visit
www.classicmusicandmotors.co.uk
Diary Date
The
Confused.com London Motor Show 17th-20th May, ExCeL in London’s Docklands The London Motor Show is sure to be a great day out for all the family – see the huge range of vehicles on display, experience exhilarating VR driving and racing experiences, catch the action at the LMS live arena, enjoy talks, demonstrations and more. Tickets cost £18.50 for adults (17 years plus) and one child goes free with a paying adult. Children up to fi ve years go free. • Visit
www.londonmotorshow.co.uk
©
JulieBlackmer.com
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