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MoTs in Harlow

Fast, Friendly MoTs in Harlow

We make getting your car's MoT as quick, easy and straightforward as possible. We are a friendly, helpful local garage - and we offer great value.

MoT + Service

Plus, if you get your MoT done at the same time as an annual service, it's even cheaper: just £35.00+VAT. That saves you money as well as time.

Why Choose Us?

Harlow people choose us for their MoT tests year after year because we are:

  • great value: just £45
  • friendly and helpful
  • Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency authorised
  • give clear explanations of any problems
  • offer discounts on MoTs done with an annual service



Book Early for the MoT Rushes

Car sales peak in September and March, when the registration plate changes. These months also see a peak in the number of MoT tests. This is confirmed by statistics provided by the Driver & Vehicle
Standards Agency. If your car needs a MoT in the rush period we advise you to book ahead, to make sure you can your MoT at a time that suits you.

Having a test done early does not mean you lose time on your MoT.

You can renew your MoT anytime in the month before it expires. The earliest date you can get your vehicle MoT tested without losing time is stated on the MoT pass certificate.

How To Check If Your MoT Is Valid.

If you are unsure about the MoT on your car, just visit this official site. It's run by the government agency in charge of MoTs, so it can be relied on.

It will tell you for sure if your car, or any other car, has a valid MoT or not. You just need your car registration number. It is quick and easy to use.

Not every car needs a MoT

Some cars are exempt from MoT tests:

  • Cars which are too new to need a test: less than three years old for cars and motorbikes
  • Cars manufactured before 1960

What the MoT Test Covers

  • Body / vehicle structure / general items
  • Fuel System
  • Exhaust emissions
  • Exhaust system
  • Seat belts
  • Seats
  • Doors
  • Mirrors
  • Load security
  • Brakes
  • Tyres and wheels
  • Registration plates
  • Lights
  • Bonnet
  • Wipers/washers
  • Windscreen
  • Horn
  • Steering and suspension
  • Vehicle identification number
  • Electrical

The full list of tests and procedures involved in a car MoT are listed here.

MoT Changes in 2018

The requirements of the MoT test became stricter in May 2018. The details are here. The changes include:

  1. Defects are categorised differently: dangerous, major, minor, advisory and fail
  2. Stricter rules for diesel car emissions
  3. Some new items are tested, including tyre inflation, fluid leaks and reversing lights
  4. The MOT certificate has changed
  5. Most vehicles over 40 years old won’t need a MOT

The initial effect of the changes was to increase the failure rate. There was a 12% increase in the failure rate for petrol cars. The increase for diesels was much higher, at 24%, due to the stricter emissions test. Visible smoke of any colour is a major defect, and so an automatic fail. A missing or damaged diesel particulate filter (DPF) is also a major defect.

Failing the MoT

Failing the MoT is common: about one car in three fails. The most common reasons are:

  • lighting and signalling: lights not working and blown bulbs
  • suspension
  • brakes
  • tyres

In 2017 more than 7.5 million of the 28.9 million cars and light commercial vehicles that took an MOT test in 2017 failed at the first attempt. That’s around 35% of those taking it. According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), nearly 50% of all faults found during MOT tests could have been avoided if the car’s owner had carried out regular checks on the most common MOT fail items, such as bulbs, tyres and wipers.

What the MoT Test tells you

Passing a MoT test tells you that, at the time the test was taken, the car met the legal requirements for road safety and environmental standards. It does not tell you that the car is roadworthy for the entire life of the MoT certificate. The MoT test does not tell you anything about the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox, because the test does not include any dismantling.

Many test fails are due to simple items, such as broken bulbs or worn windscreen wipers, that the motorist could check and fix for themselves before the test.

The car's mileage history is recorded on the MoT Test certificate, which can help give a buyer more confidence that the mileage is genuine. The certificate shows the mileage at the three most recent tests, and their dates. The test does not include checking the odometer for tampering.

4 million people lack a MoT

A 2017 survey revealed that up to 4 million UK drivers had not had their car MoT tested in time. This puts them at risk of a fine of up to £1,000. The usual reason is not a deliberate attempt to dodge the test, just forget fullness.

Simply call 01279 445858 today to book your MoT test in Harlow.