Quality mobile mechanic and auto MOT test services Reading, UK: The handbrake: check the tension in your handbrake. If it slides up and down without resistance and can’t be ratcheted to a set level, there’s likely to be a problem needing fixing by a professional mechanic. Seats and seatbelts: check the driver’s seat adjusts forwards and backwards and inspect the full length of the seatbelt for any damage. Check all the seatbelts latch and fasten securely, and lock when you give them a sharp tug. Windscreen: any damage wider than 10mm in the driver’s central view will cause an MOT fail, as will any damage larger than 40mm in the whole of the swept area. Looking for mobile mechanic Reading or other MOT verification services? Any chip or crack in your windscreen that is larger than 40mm will result in a failed MOT. On the drivers’ side the allowance is even smaller; any damage larger than 10mm in the area covered by your driver-side wiper will result in a failure. As well checking your windscreen for faults, it is also important to assess the wipers. Your wipers and washers should be in a suitable condition to give you a clear view of the road ahead. If your wipers are splitting or your washer feed is blocked, this will require attention prior to your MOT. You can fail your MOT for having no screen wash so make sure that the bottle is topped up!

If you are planning on washing your car, it’s important to pick the right soap, according to Consumer Reports. Laundry detergent, dish soap or hand soap are abrasive and may strip off the protective wax. It’s best to use a car soap that’s specifically designed to be used on automotive paint. It may be tempting to ignore the warning light for a day or two when your car’s fluids are low. However, according to Popular Mechanics, low fluid levels can negatively impact your car’s performance, fuel economy and longevity. It’s recommended to check your fluids, as well as top them off at every oil change. Also, as Car Advice points out, your fluids may need to be flushed and replaced periodically, since they can break down and lose potency over time. Remember to always follow the recommendations in your owner’s manual to ensure you’re adding the correct fluids and amount.

Checking the tires before hitting the road is always a good practice. And this practice can prove to be helpful during the summer months too. Visually inspect if your tire threads are showing signs of wear or not. It is dangerous to drive with worn tires as those can lead to uneven handling of your car both during driving and while using the brake. And they may also blow out if not replaced timely. Next, it’s time to examine tire pressure. Depending on the build and type of your tire, the pressure should be between 30 and 35 PSI. Make sure that the tires are not over or under-inflated, as those may lead to a flat tire on hot days. Don’t forget to do the same with the spare tire as well. Do check out these top tips on how to inspect your tires before getting started.

Is the service technician A.S.E.-certified? Twice annually, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers auto service industry professionals the chance to become A.S.E.-certified. By passing a written test and having at least two years of work experience in auto repair service, auto mechanics earn A.S.E. certification, placing them among the top practitioners in the industry. Inquiring about A.S.E. credentials is important, as the designation better ensures the competence of your prospective car mechanic.

If you use a regular garage or test centre, they may keep a record of your MoT due date, and can send out MoT reminders if necessary. However most people have a rough idea of their vehicle’s MoT expiry date, as it’s become such an intrinsic part of car ownership. The most recent major change to the way MoTs work came in May 2018, when a new fault grading system was introduced. Faults are now categorised as Minor, Major and Dangerous – with the latter two equating to an automatic test fail. Cars with Minor faults will pass the test, but their MoT certificates will clearly show that the car passed the test “with defects”, urging owners to effect a “repair as soon as possible”.

When you come to sell the car, having a full service history will make it more appealing and boost its second-hand value, and if your car is written off, an insurer is likely to pay out more for a car with a full service history. Don’t forget to take your car’s service booklet (often found in the same pouch as the handbook) to the garage or dealership, so they can stamp and date when the service was carried out. A growing number of cars come with no service record or handbook, but the servicing agent should be able to log into the car maker’s online portal and add in information about the service that has been done. Discover more information at www.mot-centre.com.

Do you hate the inconvenience of having your car serviced, having to take a day off work to bring your vehicle in, and then waiting for it to be completed? We always put the customer first, that’s why we offer a flexible car servicing service. We can collect your car, and the deliver it back to you when the service is completed. We can even arrange for a taxi to collect you when your car is ready. We do that for MOTs as well.

If your radiator builds up deposits, it can mess with the cooling system in your car. To keep the radiator in top shape, a radiator flush will do the trick. How often you need to replace the radiator fluid will depend on your vehicle. Start by consulting the owner’s manual to get an idea. For the most part, you can get away with flushing the radiator every couple of years. Now that you know about these basic car repairs, you can keep your car in top shape for many years to come. Remember to rotate your tires, change the oil, replace the brake pads, and more.

An MOT certificate confirms at the time of the test your car met the minimum road safety and environmental standards required by law. It doesn’t mean your car will remain roadworthy for the following 12 months. You still need to make sure you maintain your car well, including regular servicing. Make sure you’re not caught out by any of the five simple reasons for a fail shown above, then inspect your car against our 11-point checklist below. If you find any problems in the following areas, you can fix some yourself to help keep garage costs down. The body and vehicle structure; The MOT test specifies areas of your car that must be free of excessive corrosion or damage. Any sharp edges on your vehicle that could cause injury will be examined.