Ensure your car passes its MOT 16/08/19

The DVSA requires all cars over 3 years old to have an MOT every year, this is intended to ensure that various key components of your vehicle are functioning correctly and that your car is safe to drive. Checks are also performed to ensure that your vehicle emissions are within the legal limits.

The MOT rules changed in May 2018 with stricter emission regulations for diesel engine vehicles. The new rules state that it is now mandatory to have a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) fitted to the vehicle and if this filter produces smoke of any colour when the engine is running, the vehicle will fail its MOT test.

Along with this, a few more elements were added to the new MOT test including – checking the tyres pressures, checking for contaminated brake fluid, any leaking fluids, functional reversing lights, brake pad warning lights, headlight washers function correctly and daytime running lights also function.

There are things you can check yourself prior to an MOT test.

  • Check your brake fluid levels. Press your brake pedal to see if it feels spongy, if it does then that could mean there is air in the hydraulic system, this can be fixed by bleeding the brake fluid

  • Check your wing mirrors and your rear-view mirror, make sure they’re not broken or cracked and adjust them if you need to

  • Check the tread & pressure on your tyres, usually you can see the tyre specifications on the tyres themselves or on the inside of your door

  • Check all your external lights, including day lights

  • Make sure the horn, windscreen wipers and windscreen washers are all working correctly. Fill the windscreen washer reservoir with fluid

  • You can check your exhaust by holding a clean cloth over the exhaust pipe, you will be able to hear if the system is leaking

  • Check your seatbelts for fraying, cuts or signs of wear and tear

  • Make sure your registration plate meets the government-mandated requirements. Making sure the letters are correctly spaced and visible. Also make sure it’s clean so it can be seen clearly


Checking these things could mean the difference between a pass and a fail on your MOT. It’s important to make sure your car meets these standards not just to pass the MOT but to make sure your car is safe to drive.




All information is believed to be correct at the time of publication.



No need to claim on your insurance

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.

No excess to pay

Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.

This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.

By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.

Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle

Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.

Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.

Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.

So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.

Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs

If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.

Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.

Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.

Legal Assistance

Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.

They issues they can assist you with include:

  • Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
  • Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
  • Recovery of all repair costs
  • Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
  • Seeking financial compensation for an injury