Recently picked up a new (to you) car in Stockport and are trying to work out when your MOT is due or if you even need one? Read on for everything you need to know.

Once you have your MOT date, you can book with our friendly, efficient, and highly-skilled staff. Although we service any make or model of car, we specialise in Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar, and BMW. We use the same equipment as the dealer – at a very competitive rate.

Let’s get started.

What is an MOT?

An MOT is a yearly check for all cars over three years old. So, if you’ve recently purchased a brand new car, you won’t need an MOT until its third year on the road – that said, it’s always worth getting your vehicle checked out to ensure it’s in safe driving condition.

Your MOT Test comprises of a range of checks that makes sure that your car is road safe. A list of standard tests is required, but you might want to add on some extras during the MOT for efficiency.

An MOT will cover the following items:

• Electricals, reflectors, lamps
• Brakes
• Types and wheels
• Steering and Suspension
• Seat belts
• Exhaust, emissions, and fuel
• Body, structure, and general (VIN, speedometer, plates)
• Drivers road view

Does my car need an MOT?

You are legally required to have an annual MOT for any car over three years old.

How long does an MOT take?

Perhaps one of the best things about an MOT is that it typically doesn’t take more than an hour to ensure your car is safe to drive and road worthy.

It’s good to remember that if there are some things wrong with the car and repairs that need to be made, your vehicle could fail the inspection – which will increase the time it takes.

Once the MOT is done, we’ll give you a call to let you know.

Is there anything I can do before an MOT?

While you should always keep your car in tip-top condition, you can do a few things ahead of the MOT to reduce the chance of advisories.

• Check your mirrors, clean them, and make sure none are cracked or impair vision.
• Check all your warning lights – if anything is showing, get it fixed ahead of your MOT.
• Check the tread on your tyres
• Test all of the lights
• Check your horn
• Windscreen wipers should be in good condition.

There are other checks like oil and brake fluid too.

Ideally, keeping on to maintenance all year round will keep your car in good condition.

What if my car fails its MOT?

If your car has ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ faults, it will fail the MOT. You may not be allowed to drive the vehicle

Anything classed as a dangerous fault must be repaired immediately. This means you can’t drive the vehicle until it has been repaired, had a re-test and passed an MOT.

Any major faults should also be repaired immediately. Although you can drive your car away, it should only be driven to and from the MOT Test station. Once repaired you must have the vehicle re-tested and pass an MOT.

Minor defects do not cause the vehicle to fail but must be repaired as soon as possible.

You may also be given a list of advisories which are your responsibility to monitor and repair if necessary- your garage will be able to advise you on this and give you timescales as to when the repairs may be due.

Is there a grace period for a failed MOT?

There is no grace period on an MOT; it is illegal to drive a car that has failed or has expired. Your MOT must be renewed before it expires; the exception is that you have a booking for an MOT and are driving the car to the garage.

Driving without an MOT means your insurance is invalid, you cannot tax the car, and you may be prosecuted.

What happens when my car passes its MOT?

When your car passes the MOT, you will be issued a certificate immediately from the test centre. The result will also be recorded in the MOT database. Where applicable, you might get a list of advisory or minor problems that should be monitored or fixed, but they do not currently impact the car’s safety.

How can I check when my MOT is due?

The UK Government has a great service where you can check your last MOT and see the list of advisories, minors, and major defects.

This page will also give you details of all the PASS or FAIL of the car and include each test date.

If you can’t remember your MOT date, the first set of information after entering your vehicle reg in the box will give you the colour, fuel type, date registered, and then MOT valid until the date.

If you have previously brought your vehicle in to us for any type of work we will have the MOT date recorded on our system and providing you haven’t opted out of receiving reminders and that we have your up-to-date details recorded, you will receive an email and text reminder for your MOT.

You can book your next MOT with Delany Motors for impeccable service.

We offer a discounted price of just £40 (Class 4 MOT) & £58.60 (Class 7 MOT). We will also re-test your vehicle for free within 10 working days, should it fail. We provide free MOT reminders for all of our customer’s vehicles, sent by email or text. Contact us today to book online or call us on 0161 477 6266.