Taking your motorhome for its annual MOT isn’t as straightforward as ensuring your brakes and fuel system, lights, mirrors, exhaust and other obvious components are in working order.
The team of motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk has put together a list of less common checks drivers should be aware of to ensure their vehicle passes the test.
If it’s time to take your leisure vehicle to the garage, take note of these tips to guarantee it doesn’t fail its MOT on minor issues like having a faulty number plate or your washer fluid levels being depleted.
Number plate lights
To pass its MOT, your motorhome or other type of vehicle must have fully functioning licence plate lights. This is so that police and other road users can easily identify your vehicle in low-light conditions. Make sure to check this to avoid a fixed penalty fine.
Frayed seat belts
Like other elements of your vehicle, it’s common for safety belts to become worn down and frayed over time. It’s important to ensure seat belts are in good condition, that they click in properly and can’t be pulled out easily to guarantee a pass.
Ensure washer fluid levels are satisfactory
This check is often forgotten when taking a vehicle for its MOT. Be sure to check the amount of screenwash in the car, as having levels that are too low can lead to failure. This can be fixed simply by purchasing a screen wash solution and filling it up.
Reversing lights
Since 2018, vehicles must have working reversing lights to avoid a failed MOT. Be sure to test the bulbs on your vehicle before dropping it off at the test centre.
Check your fuel cap
Be sure to check the condition of your fuel cap. If it won’t seal or you get a strong smell of petrol, it could mean the cap is worn out and might need to be replaced.
Remove the air freshener
It might seem a little strange, but there is a good reason to remove the air freshener before taking your motorhome for its MOT.
Many people hang an air freshener from their rear-view mirror to keep the car smelling nice. However, they can technically obstruct the driver’s vision which can lead to a failed test. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so simply remove the air freshener before dropping your vehicle off.
Cracks on the number plate
Another minor detail that often goes unnoticed is cracks on the number plate. If any letters are covered by cracks it can be the difference between a pass and a fail.
Image credit: Alan Billyeald / Unsplash
