MOT Extension Post Lockdown

Since lock-down 69% unclear about when the MOT extension come into play’’

Since march 2020, cars and other light vehicles were granted a 6 month MOT Extension, which meant amidst the pandemic vehicles were allowed to roam on the roads, regardless if they were deemed roadworthy.

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How do i check if my MOT has been cancelled?

It should be known that you must keep your car roadworthy and that your vehicle can be unsafe if your MOT has already been extended.
Anybody that drives a vehicle on a public road must be aware that t has to be deemed roadworthy. The policies that highlight this can be viewed in the highway code, which is still present during Covid-19.
Checking your vehicle health often, whether it be a simple tyre pressure test when you next fuel up or a check-up of all fluid levels. Even ensuring your windscreen wipers are intact will ensure that your car is in optimal health.
Here are some top tips for carrying out a Vehicle health check PRE-MOT, certified by the RAC.
Keeping your car clean is very important as it increases efficiency. It also reflects on you as a driver! It should be noted your examiner can refuse an MOT if your car is in a dire state.

Make sure your vehicle reg is transparent and visible, allowing the MOT to be completed.

Check the windscreen wipers are in good condition, with no tears. As a general rule, if you have any cracks – or even chips – in your windscreen that are bigger than 10mm and are in the A-Zone (which is a 290mm area in front of the driver), your car will fail its MOT. A crack or chip bigger than 40mm (around the size of a watch dial) anywhere else on your windscreen will also fail.
Check all lights are in working order. This can be done by having a family member or friend stand in front of your lights and check the dimness levels.
Check the tyre tread using a 20-pence coin and inserting it into the grooves. If the outer band can’t see, your tyres are above the legal limit. This poses a massive health and safety risk.
Worn tyres become dangerous as a tyre’s tread helps disperse water from the contact between your tyre and the road. As there is less tread depth, less water will be shifted away, increasing the risk of losing control and aquaplaning. This means your car can perform better on roads with a deeper tread.
However, if you can see the band and that section of the coin is still visible, your tyres could be unsafe and require professional inspection by a mechanic.
Drivers should conduct a 20p test every couple of weeks or after long journeys. After all, the prospect of a £2,500 fine PER TYRE and three penalty points are enough to raise awareness of the issue if all four tyres are worn, this could followup up with you losing your license and being hit with a £10,000 fine! Better be safe than sorry.
Top up all fluid levels -oil, brake fluid and screen wash

Check that the horn is in total working order – give it a honk!

All your mirrors should be intact and secure to ensure you can use them safely.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in your car’s logbook should match that which is marked on your car’s bodywork.

How long and how much for an MOT TEST?

An MOT test usually takes around 45 minutes, in which the examiner will check the roadworthiness of the car, electrical equipment, steering, tyres and suspension. The examiner will also inspect the brakes, exhaust and emissions, wipers and windscreen, rearview and wing mirrors, and your vehicle identification number.
The cost of an MOT can range, as standard prices start from as low as £30, leading up to a max fee of £54.85 for a regular car and £29.65 for a classic motorcycle.

Will this affect my tax and insurance?

You can still tax your vehicle- this could be done later in the month if both your MOT and vehicle tax run out in April 2020.

Your insurance will still be valid.

Safety First

It should be known that you must keep your car roadworthy and that your vehicle can be unsafe if your MOT has already been extended.

Anybody that drives a vehicle on a public road must be aware that t has to be deemed roadworthy. The policies that highlight this can be viewed in the highway code, which is still present during Covid-19.

Checking your vehicle health often, whether it be a simple tyre pressure test when you next fuel up or a check-up of all fluid levels. Even ensuring your windscreen wipers are intact will ensure that your car is in optimal health.

Here are some top tips for carrying out a Vehicle health check PRE-MOT, certified by the RAC.

Keeping your car clean is very important as it increases efficiency; it also reflects on you as a driver! It should be noted your examiner can refuse an MOT if your car is in a dire state.

Make sure your vehicle reg is visible, allowing the MOT to be completed.

Check the windscreen wipers are in good condition, with no tears. As a general rule, if you have any cracks – or even chips – in your windscreen that are bigger than 10mm and are in the A-Zone (which is a 290mm area in front of the driver), your car will fail its MOT. A crack or chip bigger than 40mm (around the size of a watch dial) anywhere else on your windscreen will also failure.
Check all lights are in working order. This can be done by having a family member or friend stand in front of your lights and check the dimness levels.
Check the tyre tread using the 20p test and tyre pressure too. This little test can be done b taking a 20-pence coin and inserting it into the tyre grooves. If the outer band of the can can’t be seen, your tyres are within the legal limit. However, your tyres are above the legal limit if you can’t see the outer band on the coin. This poses a massive health and safety risk.

Worn tyres become dangerous as a tyre’s tread helps disperse water from the contact between your tyre and the road. As there is less tread depth, less water will be shifted away, increasing the risk of losing control and aquaplaning. All in all, this means that your car can perform better on roads with a deeper tread.

However, if you can see the band and that section of the coin is still visible, your tyres could be unsafe and require professional inspection by a mechanic.

Drivers should conduct a 20p test every couple of weeks or after long journeys. After all, the prospect of a £2,500 fine PER TYRE and three penalty points are enough to raise awareness of the issue if all four tyres are worn; this could followup up with you losing your license and being hit with a £10,000 fine! Better be safe than sorry.

Top up all fluid levels -oil, brake fluid and screen wash

Check that the horn is in complete working order – give it a honk!

All your mirrors should be intact and secure to ensure you can use them safely.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in your car’s logbook should match that marked on your car’s bodywork.

How long and how much for an MOT TEST?

An MOT test usually takes around 45 minutes, in which the examiner will check the roadworthiness of the car, electrical equipment, steering, tyres and suspension. The examiner will also inspect the brakes, exhaust and emissions, wipers and windscreen, rearview and wing mirrors, and your vehicle identification number.

The cost of an MOT can range, as standard prices start from as low as £30, leading up to a max fee of £54.85 for a regular car and £29.65 for a classic motorcycle.

MOT EXTENSION.. SO WHERE DO YOU STAND

Anyone driving a vehicle on a public road must be made aware that they are doing so safely and due-diligently. The rules regarding this can be found in the highway code and will continue to remain in place amidst Covid-19.

“MOT exemptions were issued to allow people to continue to use their vehicles for essential travel during the pandemic. The MOT is an important test to ensure a vehicle remains safe. We know that MOT centres will likely be bustling this autumn with double the usual demand. We encourage motorists to consider bringing their MOT forward to help beat the rush”.

Chris Price, DVSA Head of MOT Policy

During this time, it’s essential to monitor the condition of your car, van or vehicle.. that is why we urge motorists to conduct a vehicle check; if unsure and not confident with the results, they should take their car to their local garage for an entire MOT test, as mandatory since the start of August.

Garages are ready to ensure millions of vehicles on UK roads remain safe and provide peace of mind to owners. Although the 6-month MOT extension provision ends on 1 August, deferred tests have increased demand this autumn, so owners are strongly encouraged to get their vehicle’s test done as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Motorists can be reassured that the sector has total COVID safety measures and that many workshops are on hand to collect and deliver vehicles for vulnerable customers.

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders

Undertaking the essential checks mentioned will help ensure that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy despite receiving a complimentary MOT extension. As you can understand, then,e recent influx of cars on the road poses a massive health risk to drivers/commuters/the public alike.

Safety should always be a top priority, so checking your vehicle should always be a reminder. If you notice your car is on its last legs and would like to consider your options, we are ready to help you find a reputable and efficient service provider near you.

As a scrap network, you can view scrap dealers. Scrap metal buyers and collectors near you,  our efficient and expert-led service providers allow you to keep peace of mind even in uncertain times!

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