If you’re preparing your motorhome for its MOT, spending a few minutes carrying out some simple checks beforehand can make the inspection much smoother. Motorhomes are different to cars in many ways and, because of their size and layout, there are a few things owners often overlook.

Before writing this guide, we caught up with Matt, our Workshop Foreman, and Allan, our Class 7 MOT Tester, to ask what they see most often when motorhomes come in for their MOT.

What surprised us was that neither of them mentioned major mechanical faults. Instead, they talked about the simple things that are easy to overlook but can make a real difference on the day of the test.

Motorhomes are often used differently to cars. They can spend weeks or even months parked up before heading off on holiday, so carrying out a few simple checks before your MOT is always worthwhile. If your test is due soon, you can find out more about our Motorhome MOT service before your appointment.

Here are the tips they shared.

Preparing Your Motorhome for Its MOT

Make Sure Rear Seat Belts Are Accessible

One of the biggest things we see is rear seat belts that can’t easily be inspected.

In many motorhomes, the rear seats convert into beds, which means seat belts often end up tucked underneath cushions or hidden away. Before bringing your motorhome in, make sure every rear seat belt is pulled out and easy to access.

It sounds simple, but it’s something that’s easily overlooked.

Bring All the Keys

Another tip from the workshop is to make sure you bring all the keys with you.

As well as your main ignition key, remember to bring any keys needed to unlock rear doors or other areas of the motorhome. Having everything available helps the MOT inspection run more smoothly and avoids unnecessary delays.

Check Your Engine Oil

Before setting off, take a few minutes to check your engine oil level.

If it needs topping up, always use the correct oil grade recommended by the manufacturer. Using the correct specification helps protect your engine and keeps it running as it should.

If you’re unsure which oil your motorhome requires, check your handbook or speak to us at John Delany Motors. We will happily top this up for you when you bring it in.  

Top Up Your Screen Wash

Screen wash is another simple one that’s often forgotten.

Your washers form part of the MOT inspection, so it’s worth making sure the bottle is topped up before your appointment.

It’s a quick check, but one that can easily be missed.

Check Your Lights

Before your MOT, take a walk around your motorhome and make sure all your lights are working correctly.

Check your:

• Headlights
• Brake lights
• Side lights
• Indicators
• Number plate lights
• Reverse lights

A failed bulb is usually easy to spot at home and much easier to deal with before your appointment.

Make Sure Your Wipers Clear the Windscreen Properly

Good visibility is essential for safe driving, so it’s worth checking your wiper blades before your MOT.

If they’re leaving streaks, missing sections of the windscreen or squeaking across the glass, they may need replacing. It’s a small job that can make a big difference.

Check Your Mirrors

Take a quick look at all your mirrors before setting off.

Make sure they’re secure, correctly adjusted and free from damage that could affect your visibility.

Check Your Tyre Tread

Tyres are one of the most important safety features on any vehicle, particularly on a larger motorhome.

Before your MOT, check each tyre for:

• Adequate tread depth
• Uneven wear
• Cuts or damage
• Correct tyre pressures

It’s also worth checking tyres that don’t get as much attention, including the spare if one is fitted.

The GOV.UK guide to MOT tests explains what’s checked during an MOT and provides useful information for vehicle owners preparing for their test.

A Few Minutes Before Your MOT Can Save Time Later

When it comes to preparing your motorhome for its MOT, it’s often the simple things that make the biggest difference.

As Matt and Allan explained, many of the issues they come across aren’t major faults. They’re small things like hidden seat belts, blown bulbs or low screen wash that could easily have been checked before arriving.

Spending some time giving your motorhome a quick once over can help the inspection run more smoothly and may even save you an unnecessary return visit.

If your motorhome is due its MOT, or you’d like us to carry out a few checks beforehand, you can find out more about our Motorhome MOT service or get in touch with the team at John Delany Motors. We’ll be happy to help get your motorhome ready for test day.