MOT Information

Pricing

For pricing of MOT Tests we follow the MOT Guideline Price.

What is an MOT?

MOT stands for Ministry Of Transport.
The MOT is the examination of a motor vehicle's safety-related systems to ensure that they have not worn to an excessive level which would otherwise render the vehicle non road worthy.

Items that pass the MOT inspection could still be well past their service life.
At Portman Garages we try and advise on these items in order for you, as the customer, to be aware of these issues.

By utilising our services as an MOT Testing Centre you are likely to save time and money and reduce the risk of Appeals to the Vehicle Inspectorate where your car may have been failed on the wrong grounds.

How Long Does it take?

An MOT can take upto 45 minutes depending on various factors.
At Portman Garages we try and ensure that each MOT is dealt with efficiently and effectively.

Here Are Some Of The Things Which Are Checked On Your Vehicle

BRAKES
Specialised equipment is used in order to ensure that the brake operation is within specified MOT requirement.
This is depictied in figure 1.

Figure 1: Roller Brake Tester
Your vehicle may be taken on the road for this procedure.

Under Vehicle checks
The handbrake and footbrake will be operated from inside the car to check for any fluid leaks or weak components.
An assistant will be placed in your vehicle to operate the brakes and steering wheel for this part.

EMISSIONS
A dedicated emissions tester is used to ensure that your car's emissions is with the range specified by the MOT standards agency.
This range is related to the age of the car.

FUEL SYSTEM
The fuel lines are inspected for leaks and the fuel cap must fasten securely.

LIGHTS
All the lights are checked for operation.
It is ensured that they are properly secured to the vehicle.
The aim of the head lights and high beam is checked.

MIRRORS
Not all mirrors on all vehicles are subject to Test on an MOT, this depends on the age of the vehicle.

REGISTRATION PLATES
For registered vehicles the plate must be:
Present, secured, clean and unobscured.

STEERING
The steering is checked at various points for security and for free play.
A lock to lock check is also carried out to ensure that there is no fouling.

SUSPENSION
The suspension components are checked for wear and damage in various ways.
The Shock absorbers are also checked for leaks.

TYRES
For the vehicle to be within the MOT specification the grooves of the tread must be at least 1.6mm throughout 3/4 of the thread depth.
Tyres must be correctly matched with regard to:
- Type
- Size
- Structure
These details are noted on the MOT data sheet and compared.
Note: The condition of the spare tyre is not part of the MOT.

VEHICLE STRUCTURE
Body condition and security
There must be no dangerous sharp edges or projections caused by corrosion or damage
Corrosion
A vehicle can fail with respect to corrosion for:
- Excessive corrosion in a 'prescribed area'
The prescribed areas are denoted in the MOT documentation handed out by the Vehicle Inspectorate.
Note:'Excessive corrosion' can mean a hole or a significantly weakened structure.

WINDSCREEN
The inspection has to ascertain all items affecting the driver's view of the road: the condition of the windscreen, the wipers and washers.