Tel: 01761 241444


Full test fee = £40 using the latest 'state of the art' system.



­MOT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. When does my car need an MOT?­
Every car must have its first MOT when it is three years old and thereafter every 12 months. If you have mislaid your last MOT you can check the due date online at www.direct.go.uk. You will need to enter your log book (VS5) document number before information can be obtained.

2. When can I take my car for an MOT?
You can renew your MOT up to one month before it expires without affecting your annual expiry date. In effect this means you could have a 13 month MOT. You can find out the earliest date to present your vehicle for MOT by checking the front of the current pass certificate.

3. I have lost my MOT certificate can I get a copy?
Go along to your MOT test centre and they will be able to issue you with a duplicate. You will need proof of your ID and the vehicle log book VS5. The maximum charge for a duplicate certificate for a car is £10.

4. Why don’t I get a reminder about my MOT?
Previously there was no reminder issued for MOTs – unlike tax and insurance. However, VOSA now offer a MOT text reminder service. The reminder is sent approximately 5 weeks before the MOT is due followed by two more reminders nearer the date. There is a fee for this service.

5. Does an MOT guarantee my vehicle is in good order?­
An MOT is only an indication that the vehicle met the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards required by law at “the time of test” without dismantling it. If you are purchasing a vehicle do not assume the vehicle is fault free just because it has a current MOT.

6. Can any garage perform an MOT test?
No. Only a garage approved and regulated by VOSA is able to perform MOT testing. ­­


TYRE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the minimum legal tread depth?
The current tread depth legislation requires that car tyres must have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread in a continuous band and throughout the central ¾ of the tread width and over the whole circumference of the tyre.

Although the minimum UK requirement, we recommend changing your tyres sooner than this as the tread is responsible for water dispersement in wet weather conditions, and the tyres ability is much better with 3mm or more compared to the 1.6mm minimum.

2. How can I check my tread depth?
Call in and see us and we will check your tread for you or you can purchase a tread depth gauge at any good car spares shop. Manufacturers often mould tread bars at roughly 1.6mm. If you can see these bars and they are flush with the tread you are about to become illegal and unsafe.

Did you know you can receive 3 points on your driving licence for EACH illegal tyre and a substantial fine? It really is worth having your tyres checked regularly. Four illegal tyres – 12 points – resulting in a ban plus fines which can be up to £2,500.

3. What is Tracking (also known as wheel alignment)?
All cars have specific steering rack settings for its wheels. These settings can be upset by striking a kerb, hitting a pothole or simply by wear and tear. You may notice your tyre wearing unevenly on the inner or outer edges. You may also experience the car pulling to one side of the road.

Wheel alignment consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground, thus maximising tyre life. We offer 4 wheel laser alignment.

4. How do I know what size tyres I need?
Every tyre sidewall shows information about the size, model, manufacturer etc.

Example: 205 55 16 93H
  • 205 – refers to the tyre width – 205mm
  • 55 - refers to the height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the width
  • 16 – means it is suitable for a l6” diameter wheel
  • 93 – is the load index.
  • H - is the speed rating – the maximum speed a tyre can sustain at full load. See table
Speed Rating
Maximum Speed Tyre Can Sustain at Full Load mph­
Maximum Speed Tyre Can Sustain at Full Load km/h
Q
100
160
R
105
170
S
113
180
­ T
118
190
H
130
210
V
150
240
Z
150
240
W
168
270
Y
186
300

5. What is the correct air pressure to put in my tyres and when should I check them?
Correct tyre pressures can be found in the vehicle hand book and usually on a plate which is often located either inside the fuel filler flap or inside the drivers door. If you are unsure any reputable tyre retailer will be able to advise you.

We ­advise you to regularly check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold. You can do this at a petrol station or alternatively call in to see us and we will happily check them for you free of charge.

­Remember if your vehicle is fitted with a spare tyre to regularly check i­t. Nothing more infuriating than getting a puncture only to find the spare is not inflated.
Under or over inflation of tyres can reduce tyre life and result in increased fuel useage.

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Fastlane