Is the MOT still relevant in the UK

The MOT test is mandatory in the UK for people who have vehicles that are more than three years old. It states that all cars post that age have to be tested annually. So that they are safe, roadworthy and reduce their ability to pollute. The test has been going through cars. For a couple of decades making sure they are indeed safe to be on the road.

In a recent report, the MOT stated that the number of accidents significantly reduced since their tests are being conducted thoroughly. They further mentioned that people do not test their vehicles. Unless they have serious issues that could be dangerous or are forced to due to Government rules. These points were used to state that the tests were a necessity.

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Counter-Argument

However, the counter-argument was that cars had come a long way since the tests began. And that there were many parts of the test, not relevant in this day and age. Vehicle manufacturers also stated multiple features within vehicles that were not even tested during the MOT tests.

New safety features that older models of cars didn’t have, weren’t even considered during the test. At the time that the country was going through talks about a probable Brexit. Multiple claims were being made that the test needed to be scrapped.

However, instead of reinventing the wheel, the Department of Transport through sub-departments decided. It would make more sense to just overhaul the existing test and added some more checks to the existing MOT. In the first go, one-third of the applicants had their vehicles failing the test.

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Some Changes

All the cars had to make some changes and reapply if they wanted to ply on the streets. This went to show that people using cars only did the bare minimum to make sure their vehicle was roadworthy and the additional tests weren’t even considered when giving the car in.

The new features that were added to the MOT tests were making sure that; The car wheels had proper threading to preventing skidding on slippery roads or if the owner was a little fast. The tires also needed to be inflated to the right amount. So the car would provide its best milage and not ruin the vehicle.

The headlights had to make for a bright and clear path. And the reverse and brake lights, which weren’t always checked earlier, had to be working. Many older models of cars didn’t always have reverse lights. The sheering wheel needed to be sharp so drivers could look at the wheel. And tell how much they needed to turn when the vehicle was moving.

Engine Oil and Coolant

The amount of engine oil and coolant in the car was also checked. Which made for the car running smoothly without stalling or giving other issues during long drives. The car owners had to be sure that they had their paperwork. Which included vehicle documents and insurance depending on the areas the car was being driven.

If the vehicle had all the necessary documents. And was in the condition needed, it would be able to clear the test without any issues. However, if there were any t’s and I’s not crossed or dotted, it would have to be brought back, worked on and pushed through the test again, till it cleared it.

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