You may not be able to check your car forevery potential problem before it enters its MOT, but there are a few thingsyou can do to spot problems and get them fixed before the test, preventing yourcar being off the road for any longer than the time taken for the test itself -usually around 45 minutes.

Firstly, make sure your car is reasonablyclean. A tester can refuse to examine a car if it is really filthy,particularly underneath. Also, make sure the boot is uncluttered and does nothinder the tester in any way.

Brakes are an important component of theMOT. Check that the handbrake works properly. If you have to pull the lever uptoo far, through lots of clicking, then the cable probably needs adjusting.Also, check that the handbrake can't be released by simply tapping on thelever.

Press the brake pedal and check that itdoesn't feel spongy. If it does, there may be air in the hydraulic system,which must be removed.

Check that the steering wheel is not looseon the column, and that there are no abnormal movements when you turn it. Ifthere are, there could be wear in the column support bearings or steeringjoints.

Another thing to do is to 'bounce' eachcorner of your car. If it doesn't settle after one or two bounces, then theshock absorbers may need changing.

There should be no cracks or large chips inthe windscreen - although some small stone chips are allowed. All your mirrorsmust be securely fixed, and the glass must be in good condition.

Switch on the ignition and check that thehorn works. Check the windscreen washers and wipers, and check the wiperblades. Renew damaged or split blades, and top up the screenwash.

Also check that all the lights work,including the indicator, brake and number plate lights.

Have a look at the seat belts. Do they workproperly? Are any of the belts frayed or cut?

Worn tyres are a common reason for failingan MOT. Check each tyre for any damage, bulges, or objects stuck in the treadsor sidewalls. If the tread on a tyre has worn more on one side than the other,it may be a sign that the wheels are misaligned.

Tyres must have at least 1.6mm depth oftread. This is the legal minimum, but it's best to change your tyres wellbefore they become this worn. Use a tread depth gauge to check the amount oftread remaining.

Finally, get someone to hold a cloth overthe end of the exhaust while you start the engine. If there are no leaks in theexhaust system, the engine should stall after a few seconds. If the enginedoesn't stall this indicates a leak which will need to be repaired.

Passing the MOT reassures you that yourvehicle is safe to drive. So when the time comes to make that annual trip tothe test centre, don't be annoyed, be prepared.

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