Top 10 MOT fixes you Should Know for your Used Peugeot

The MOT is a yearly inspection that many drivers dread. It's a legal requirement, though, for cars over the age of three years, and those built after 1960. It's also a way of ensuring your car is road-worthy. When it's time for your MOT, will your used Peugeot pass or fail? According to research by What Car?, probably not. Their research reveals that almost half a million pounds each year are spent on MOT failures, most of which are completely pointless and silly. Before you head into have your used Peugeot inspected, make sure you're prepared. Don't have your car fail because of something trivial.

Silly Reason for MOT Failures and Easy Fixes

• Don't go in Dirty- Did you know your car can fail the MOT if it's dirty? It can, especially if you're using that dirt to hide rust or dodgy bodywork. Inspectors can even refuse to test your car if it's too dirty or full of clutter. The tester needs to see every centimetre of your used Peugeot, so make it possible by giving it a bath before heading to the inspection site. Also, consider how a clean, freshly polished car looks to the inspector; they are much more likely to approach your inspection with a positive frame mind if your Peugeot looks like it has been taken care of. Use a hosepipe to clean up any mud that might be stuck to the undercarriage, and clean out the boot so the inspector can easily gain access to your spare wheel.

• Windscreen Obstructions- We all know how important it is to be able to see out of your windscreen while driving, but you'd be surprised how many Peugeot owners don't take this into consideration before they have their MOT. If you want to pass, take care of the obvious: have any cracks or chips in your windscreen repaired before the test. Don't stop there, though. There shouldn't be anything cluttering your view. This means you should remove any sun visors, stickers, and air fresheners hanging from the rear view mirror prior to the test. These will distract you when driving, and the testers will pick up on them.

• Number Plates- You may not know this, but the number plates on a car have strict regulations. They have to be the correct colour, the correct font, easy to read, and free of cracks. Don't try to “improve” the look of your car by purchasing show plates. These are illegal. According to What Car?'s research, 29 individuals in the study failed their MOT between 2012 and 2013 because they presented with a number plate that was the wrong colour. 114 failed because they didn't have a number plate on their car at all.

• Screenwash- It doesn't take long to top of your screenwash, yet 4,600 cars failed their MOT between 2012 and 2013 because they failed to do so. The next time you're under the bonnet of your used Peugeot, checking your fluids, make sure your screenwash is full.

• Warning Lights- It's never okay to let the warning lights on the dashboard go without checking to see what might be wrong, but many car owners do. In 2012, warning lights were only an advisory item on MOT inspections. As of last year, though, they have become a failure item. Check your warning lights. This will not only help you pass your MOT, but help you ensure all of the Peugeot parts beneath your bonnet are working correctly.

• Lighting Alignment- Are you headlights pointing in the right direction? If not, these car parts not only can't perform correctly by lighting up the entire road in front of you, but they can also blind other drivers. If you suspect that your lights aren't aligned the way they should be, have them inspected immediately so you don't fail the MOT.

• Brakes Squealing- Sure, you might be able to get a few more months out of those brake pads, but if you're heading into the MOT, these Peugeot parts might not pass if they are too worn down. To pass the MOT, brake pads must be at least 1.5mm thick. Any less, and you fail. Luckily, brake pads aren't very expensive car parts to purchase and can quickly be changed by a competent mechanic.

• Rear View Mirror- Your used Peugeot should have at least one rear view mirror, and you should easily be able to see through the rear window using this mirror. If your back seat or boot is so full that the rear window is blocked, you will fail your MOT test. Inspectors use the rear window and mirror to check the operation of the rear lights in your car during the test. To ensure it's possible for them to complete their inspection, make sure the car is cleaned out.

• Shock Absorbers- Checking to ensure your shock absorbers are working correctly is easy, and can help you avoid failing your MOT. To inspect these car parts, first make sure your Peugeot is on a level surface. Then, press down on each corner of the car. The car should allow you to push down on it and then return to its normal position. If it continues to bounce, the shock absorbers are worn. If you can't push down on the car, these car parts are seized. Either way, they will need to be replaced.

• Seat Belts- Did you know you can fail your MOT if your seat belts are worn out or deteriorating? It shouldn't come as a shock, as these belts are important to keeping you safe behind the wheel. Before you go in for your MOT, inspect them for fraying or tears. Make sure they all engage and disengage easily as well.

Are you ready for your MOT inspection? Before you take your used Peugeot in for this yearly inspection, make sure you're ready. Know what the most common failures are and how to prevent them from ruining your chances at passing. With a little forethought, you can fix the necessary Peugeot parts and ensure your car is ready for its test.