Peter Vardy Newsroom
Your one-stop guide to MOTs and what you need to know before booking in for a test. Follow our advice to ensure your vehicle is kept in top condition.
A guide to MOTs
Cars over 3 years old must have an annual MOT to prove the car is roadworthy. Here you can find out more about MOTs, and why it is mandatory by law that you have a yearly check and your vehicle passes its service.
What is an MOT test?
An MOT is an official test to ensure your car is roadworthy and legally allowed to be on the road. The test must be carried out by a qualified MOT tester at a testing centre. If the car passes its test it is awarded a certificate that is valid for 12 months.
Why does my car need an MOT?
You need a valid MOT to ensure the vehicle meets the minimum safety level. MOTs are essential and this section will cover the law surrounding MOTs, and the importance of performance and the safety of your vehicle.
Law
All cars over 3 years old are required to have an annual MOT test and have a pass certificate to legally drive on the roads. If you are caught driving without an MOT you can be given a fine up to £1,000. New vehicles up to 3 years old do not need to have an MOT carried out because new cars should meet the standards of road worthiness.
Performance
MOTs are vital in ensuring that your car is in the best possible condition to prolong its life, and maintain performance, by checking different components of the car. Certain models demand higher servicing such as high-performance vehicles due to devices such as turbochargers. We provide MOTs for all makes and models at all our dealerships across Scotland.
Safety
Your annual test checks the safety features such as airbags, seatbelts, lights, wheels, and any corrosion or damaged areas of the car. This is not only for your own safety, but also other road users.
When do you need an MOT?
Most vehicles will need an MOT annually once your car has been registered for 3 years. If you have bought your car from one of our dealerships, or have had an MOT in the past, we will remind you when an MOT is due. You can also check when your MOT is due on the government website.
How do you check your MOT history?
You can check your history on the government website. You will need the registration number and it will inform you of the MOT certificate and when it runs out. Peter Vardy also offers value services, seasonal checks, and value MOTs here, with unrivalled customer service and a free courtesy car. We have skilled body-shop technicians who can help you with bumps, scratches, and repairs, and we guarantee to beat any other car part retailer’s quote.
What does an MOT test include?
An MOT includes testing many components of the vehicle to ensure the car is roadworthy. As part of the MOT test the technician will check:
- The vehicle’s front, rear, brake, fog, indicator, and registration plate lights
- Horn
- Battery
- Electrical wiring
- Vehicles with a tow bar
- Steering and suspension
- Brakes
- Tyres and road wheels
- Seat belts
- Body and structure
- Exhaust and fuel emissions
- Driver’s view of the road
How do I book an MOT test?
You can book an MOT test with Peter Vardy here from only £19.99. Available on all makes and models, with free tea/coffee and wifi. Call us on 03334560505 for more details.
You can find out more about car servicing with our guide. Browse our selection of new and used cars here, or you can contact Peter Vardy here.