Changes to the MOT Law due to Coronavirus (Covid-19)

There have been some changes to MOT tests because ofCoronavirus (COVID-19) & this article explains how this affects you dependingon when your MOT was due to expire.

MOT due between 30^th March 2020 to 31^stJuly 2020 had a 6 month extension to their MOT period becauseof the Coronavirus pandemic.

For example:
If your car’s MOT was due to expire on April 20^th 2020 your MOTexpiry date automatically changed to 20^th October 2020 and you willhave to get your vehicle MOT’s before this date expires.

MOT’s due before 30^th March 2020 or after31^st July 2020 have not beenaffected by the new MOT rule.

If you are not sure when your vehicle’s MOT is duecall our nearest MOT centre & they will be able to tell you when your MOTis due or click hereto check online.

Check your vehicle is safe to drive

As the registered keeper of the vehicle you areresponsible for making sure it is always roadworthy (safe to drive) & be aware,even with a current MOT certificate the vehicle could be unsafe, so it is bestto check your vehicle regularly.
Tyres, windscreen wipers & exhausts that suddenly sound louder are areas tocheck and if you hear unusual noises coming from the car while driving, then it’sgood practice to have them checked out just in case something has happened tothe car to make it unsafe.

Important: If you drive a carthat you are not the registered keeper of, a friends/family member’s car or a companycar for example, you are still liable for the safety of the car if you drive iton public highways.

Remember: If you own it ornot & drive it, you can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving andget 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

Checks you should carry out

Every time you drive you should check:
·        the windscreen, windows and mirrors are clean
·        all lights work
·        the brakes work

The vehicle handbook will tell you how often tocheck the:
·        engine oil
·        water level in the radiator or expansion tank
·        brake fluid level
·        battery
·        windscreen and rear window washer bottles – top upwith windscreen washer fluid if necessary
·        tyres – they must have the correct tread depth andbe free of cuts and defects

The handbook will also tell you when your vehicleneeds to be serviced.

Tyre tread

Tread must be a certain depth depending on the typeof vehicle:
·        cars, light vans and light trailers – 1.6millimetres (mm)
·        motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger-carryingvehicles – 1mm
·        Mopeds only need to have visible tread.

There must be tread across the middle three-quartersand around the entire tyre.

If you are uncertain about anything you find that may beunsafe with your vehicle or if you would simply like us to check your vehiclefor you, call into any of our centres for a free safety check