An MOT is required for every vehicle that is over 3 years old. When a garage completes an MOT every year it checks for the vehicle’s roadworthiness, safety and emissions to ensure that they meet road safety and environmental standards. At Advanced Auto Glazing, we ensure that your windscreen is kept to the highest standard to be able to pass its MOT.
Windscreens and the MOT Test
Not only does the MOT test, test for the overall condition of the windscreen, it also checks the windscreen wipers and the washers too. If your vehicle does not meet any of the standards listed below your vehicle may FAIL its MOT.
Your car may fail if:
- The windscreen is cracked or chipped. The maximum damage size is 10 mm in the drivers’ line of vision. The drivers’ line of vision is a vertical strip 290mm wide centred on the steering wheel. Outside of this area, the damage size is 40mm if the windscreen wipers sweep over the area of the windscreen.
- The windscreen wipers are missing, insecure or in poor condition. This is to ensure that the windscreen is kept clean at all times and the driver has a clear view of the road ahead.
- The washers do not provide enough liquid to clear the windscreen along with the windscreen wipers. You need to ensure that your vehicle has windscreen fluid that is topped up when taking your vehicle in for its MOT.
So even if your vehicle has a small chip in the drivers’ line of vision, your vehicle may fail its MOT test. At Advanced Auto Glazing, we specialise in the repair of chips – sometimes free of charge if you are covered with fully comprehensive insurance.
Penalties for driving without a valid MOT
If you are caught for driving without a valid MOT certificate, you run the risk of being fined up to £1000. Not only will you get a fine up to the value of £1000, but your insurance will also be invalid and you can end up with 6 points on your licence.
An MOT certificate is important and required when taxing your vehicle and again, you can be fined for driving your vehicle without tax.
Unless you are driving to the MOT centre to get you a valid MOT certificate, ensure you are always driving with a valid MOT certificate, vehicle tax, and vehicle insurance.
When do I need an MOT test?
As soon as your vehicle is over 3 years old, you are required by law to have an MOT test every year. Public service vehicles are required to have an MOT once they are a year old. Vehicles made before 01 January 1960 are exempt.
You can book your vehicle in up to one month before the MOT is due.
Not Only Do You Need an MOT Test
As well as a valid MOT certificate for your vehicle, you need to ensure that you are paying road tax. In 2019, Road Tax Changed once again. Ensure that you stay on top of the new road tax price changes to ensure that you stay legal on the roads!
Windscreen Repairs
As mentioned, Advanced Auto Glazing are leading specialists in completing windscreen repairs. From complete replacement to chip repair, we can be certain that your vehicle will pass its MOT. Covering Colchester and surrounding areas, our engineers are never too far away. We offer same day service if your vehicle is booked in before 11 am. Not all chips can be repaired so depending on the damage to the windscreen we will have to replace the screen. But not to worry, Advanced Auto Glazing will help you through the process to make it as easy as possible.
