Urgent warning to drivers over unusual MOT checks – know them to save £100s

DRIVERS are being warned about unusual MOT checks that they probably don’t know about.

The checks could save your car from failure and keeping on top of them save you £100s in repairs.

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Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk and  LeaseElectricCar.co.uk have put together the list of unusual checks drivers should make to ensure their car passes its MOT.

They say faulty number plate lights and having no washer fluid for the windscreen are among the different reasons why MOT test centres fail drivers.

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Surprisingly, drivers have also been urged to remove the air freshener before the MOT test.

Here are the things to check.

Number plate lights

Make sure your number plate lights work perfectly.

It’s a legal requirement to have fully functioning licence plate lights, so police and speed cameras can easily identify your car.

Double-check this issue even before an MOT is due, as it can lead to a fixed penalty fine.

Frayed seat belts

It’s worth knowing that seat belts can become frayed over time.

If they aren’t clicking in or they come out once pulled hard, then a failure is imminent.

Fill up on screenwash

Most drivers don’t know that they can fail their MOT test if they don’t have enough screenwash in their car.

You just need to buy ready-to-use screenwash and fill up the fluid reservoir.

Reversing lights

Added in 2018, vehicles used from September 2009 must have working reversing lights.

Some road users are unaware of this new rule change, so make sure to test those bulbs.

Remove the air freshener

Many drivers have an air freshener inside their car.

But it’s best to remove it when it’s time for the test.

Technically, it can be viewed as blocking the driver’s view and can lead to an automatic failure.

A spokesman from LeaseCar.uk said: “We are approaching peak MOT season when traditionally the most MOTs are carried out.

“The time of the year when an MOT is due is one of the most nerve-wracking moments for drivers.

“It’s extremely important to carry out unusual checks, such as removing an air freshener and checking reversing lights, to make sure everything is in top form.”