Why do I need an MOT?

If you own a car, motorcycle, or any other vehicle over three years old, you’ll know that it needs to go through an MOT test each year. A valid MOT pass certificate is required to legally drive your car on public highways. If you’re wondering “Why do I need an MOT?”, read on. In this article, we’ve taken a closer look at why an MOT test is so important. 

What is an MOT?

An MOT test is carried out to establish if a vehicle is roadworthy. The test involves several different checks, ranging from the brakes and lights to the fuel system and the windscreen wipers. Whilst the test is quite comprehensive, some parts aren’t checked, such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox. If you think there’s a problem with any of these components, you should get a mechanic to inspect them as soon as possible. Getting faulty parts fixed in advance of the test can help you avoid a failed MOT. Helping to keep your car on the road. Keep reading for the answer to “Why do I need an MOT?” 

Why is an MOT important?

This check ensures that your vehicle meets the required road safety and environmental standards set out by law. Checking key components of the vehicle helps to ensure that vehicle is safe to be driven on public roads. A problem with one of these parts could lead to a breakdown, or even worse, an accident occurring. A car accident could lead to you or other road users becoming injured. In some cases, it can even cause death. 

Additionally, if you do drive without one, you’ll invalidate your insurance. This means that if you do have an accident and sustain damage to your vehicle, you won’t be covered. Therefore, you’ll need to pay for the repair work yourself. Which can be costly. To ensure your car remains insured, it’s important that it undergoes a test every year. 

You need to ensure that your car has an MOT test every 12 months. If it doesn’t have a valid certificate, you can’t drive it lawfully and you could face a steep fine, points, or even a ban if you’re caught. A driving ban can impact your life in a whole host of ways. Making it difficult to get to work and see friends and family. If you’re used to using your car to get around, a driving ban can be highly inconvenient.   

What happens if I drive without an MOT?

Don’t drive your car without a valid MOT certificate. Not only could your car be unsafe, raising the risk of an accident occurring. Furthermore, you could land yourself with a steep fine of up to £2,500, points on your licence or even a driving ban in serious cases. The MOT testing system has recently been computerised, which means that police and mobile camera units are now able to use remote checks to find out if your car has an up-to-date MOT. It’s simply not worth the risk to drive without a valid MOT. 

The only time you can drive without a valid MOT is if you are going to a pre-booked test, re-test or for repair work at an approved test centre. If you’re stopped on the way by the police, you will need to be able to prove to them that you have an appointment arranged at a garage.

Who can carry out one?? 

Only qualified testers can carry out an MOT on your car. The tester you use should be a skilled mechanic with a minimum of 4 years’ experience servicing and repairing the types of vehicles they’re going to test. When looking for a garage for an MOT, do your research. Additionally, check online reviews to find out if it’s reputable and trustworthy before you book your car in.

Get an MOT in Barnsley

If you need an MOT in Barnsley, look no further than Wyatt Auto Services – the town’s leading car garage. We’ve been providing MOTs and servicing to local motorists for several years, building up a fantastic reputation throughout the area. We provide quick and efficient service, with our team able to complete your MOT while you wait in most cases. 

If your car does need repairs in order to pass the test, we’ll aim to complete them as swiftly as possible. Ensuring you don’t need to wait any longer than necessary to have your car back. Our skilled mechanics can carry out work on most makes and models of cars, including Vauxhall, Peugeot, Skoda, Ford, Toyota, Citroën, Renault, and Mercedes We always use official parts from the manufacturer to ensure your vehicle’s warranty remains intact. 

A professional service at a competitive price 

When you choose Wyatt’s for an MOT in Barnsley, you can expect to receive professional service at a very price. Our prices are some of the most competitive in the area. With our team striving to provide value for money to every customer. Furthermore, if you’re seeking an MOT, repair work or regular servicing for your vehicle, you can rest assured that you won’t pay more than you need to when you choose Wyatt’s.

Contact us 

Hopefully, you now know the answer to “Why do I need an MOT?” An MOT is essential not just for avoiding prosecution but for ensuring your car is safe to be driven on public roads. Furthermore, driving a car that hasn’t passed its MOT is dangerous and could lead to accidents or breakdowns occurring. To book an MOT in Barnsley, call us on 01226 979 087. Alternatively, send us a message via the form on our website and we will get back to you as soon as we can.