Getting Your Car Ready for Its Annual MOT Check

Booking your car in for its annual MOT in Bedford probably doesn’t top your list of fun things to do, but it’s one of those important checks that helps keep everything ticking along safely and legally. The MOT test looks at different key parts of your car to make sure they’re working, and getting ready for it ahead of time can spare you from hassle, delays, and unexpected repair bills.

Once August rolls around, people tend to squeeze trips in before school starts back, so it's a good idea to deal with any inspection prep early. Giving your car the once-over before the MOT gives you peace of mind and helps avoid any last-minute surprises. Whether you've owned your car for years or just got it not long ago, doing a few quick checks can get you in a good spot before test day.

MOTs in Bedford don’t have to be a hassle. At Krause Autos Ltd, we help you handle the whole process with confidence so your car stays safe and legal on the road.

Check Your Lights And Signals

One of the simplest things you can check at home is your car's lights. It takes just a couple of minutes but plays a big part in whether your car passes or fails. Not only do faulty lights affect safety, they're also one of the most common reasons cars fail their MOT, and often it's due to something small that’s easily sorted.

Here’s a quick list to go through:

- Switch on the headlights and check both dipped and main beams

- Test the brake lights by asking someone to stand at the rear while you press the pedal

- Switch on your fog lights and make sure the rear ones are working too

- Check the indicators on all sides of the car and confirm they flash properly

- Don’t forget the number plate light – it must be clean and clearly visible

Even one faulty bulb can be enough to cause a fail, so catching it now saves you time and frustration. If a bulb isn’t working, replace it with the correct type. If you’re not sure what that is, it’s worth stopping by for a quick check with our team.

Examine Your Tyres

Tyres play a big role in safety, efficiency, and whether your vehicle passes or fails its MOT. If they’re worn, underinflated, or damaged, it can affect braking and steering. That’s why keeping them in good condition matters year-round, but especially before your MOT in Bedford.

Try this handy road check:

- Use a 20p coin to check the tread depth: if the outer rim of the coin is visible within the tread, it may be too worn

- Look for visible signs of wear like cracks, bulges, or objects embedded in the rubber

- Check tyre pressure at a local garage or using your own gauge – match it to the figures in your car's handbook

- Don’t forget the spare – if your car has one, it should be in good shape too

Uneven wear can suggest other problems like misalignment or worn suspension. These are things that are quick to fix, and resolving them early can prevent further issues and help you pass your test the first time.

Test Brakes And Suspension

Brakes keep you safe every time you drive, and the MOT tester will always pay close attention to them. If there’s any delay in response, strange noises, or pulling to one side when braking, it’s likely that something needs checking.

Have a look out for:

- Scraping, squeaking, or grinding when you brake

- Pedal feeling softer than usual or sinking lower than expected

- Longer stopping distances or a slower return on the pedal

- Any pulling to one side under braking conditions

Your suspension helps with comfort but also keeps the car stable when cornering or carrying loads. Noises when going over bumps, uneven tyre wear, or poor handling can all point to suspension issues. Address any of these signs early so they don’t become bigger issues during your MOT.

At Krause Autos Ltd, we can inspect both these systems if you're not sure what to look for.

Inspect Fluid Levels And Windscreen

Some MOT fails come from small things under the bonnet. Low fluids or leaks, even if minimal, can be flagged during the inspection. Make checking them part of your routine before test day.

Here’s what to take a look at:

- Engine oil: check it with the dipstick when the engine is cold and the car is on level ground

- Coolant level: it should sit between the min and max indicators

- Brake fluid: it needs to be topped up to the safe line and free from leaks

- Screenwash: make sure the reservoir is filled and the jets spray cleanly

The tester will also assess your windscreen and wipers. Damage like chips or cracks that fall into the driver’s view can result in a fail. Check the blades too – if they leave streaks or miss parts of the screen, change them. A clear view is not just important for the test, it’s important for your everyday driving.

Stay Clean And Organised

Presentation does play a role on MOT day. An untidy or cluttered car can make the tester’s job harder and delay the process. A clean car shows you're taking care of it, both inside and out.

Here are a few things to sort before you head to the garage:

- Remove bin liners, stray items, and unnecessary clutter from the interior

- Make sure all seats and belts are accessible, especially those in the back

- Clear the boot so it’s easy to see inside and check the spare tyre, if needed

- Take out any unneeded child seats unless they’re secured and required

- Give the car a quick wash and clean the number plates and lights so they’re visible

Dash warning lights should also go out once the car starts. If any lights stay on or flash, it could point to faults that require attention. This could affect your MOT outcome, depending on the system involved. Better to sort it in advance.

Finally, dig out your paperwork. Know the expiry date of your current MOT certificate and book early to avoid last-minute pressure.

Keeping Your Car MOT Ready

Getting ready for your MOT in Bedford doesn’t need to be stressful. When you chip away at the little tasks a week or two before your appointment, everything seems more manageable. By spreading out simple checks like fluid tops, tyre inspections, and light tests, you keep things under control.

The MOT is designed to make sure cars on the road are safe and roadworthy. Taking early action puts you in a better position to pass and keeps you driving legally and confidently. Sometimes repairs are needed, and that’s fine. But being ahead of them saves time and keeps your vehicle off the fail list.

Regular servicing and maintenance make these pre-test moments easier too. A well-maintained car will usually have fewer surprises when the test rolls around. And that’s less worry for you when you're booking your MOT in Bedford with Krause Autos Ltd. Once it's all ticked off for another year, you can focus on enjoying the drive.

If you’re planning ahead for the annual test, let Krause Autos Ltd take care of your MOT in Bedford so you can stay road-ready without the hassle. Our team makes it easy to keep your vehicle in top shape, with straightforward checks and trusted support every step of the way.