Book your MOT in Bristol
An MOT is a full inspection of your car's general health, condition, and roadworthiness, and must be carried out at an approved garage or test centre. Named after the Ministry of Transport, the test - a requirement for most active vehicles in the UK - also assesses the vehicle safety and exhaust emissions and must be carried out by a certified and trained specialist - Like Carbase!
It focuses on the key areas of your car, including; brakes, bodywork, doors and openings, electrics, exhaust and emissions, horn, lights, seats, seatbelts, steering, tow bar, vehicle ID, wheels and tyres, windows and mirrors, as well as some other minor areas.
Why Book your MOT with Carbase Autocentre?
At the Carbase & Vanbase Autocentres we know how important your vehicle is to you and our highly trained staff are here to help you keep things running beautifully. We are an RAC Approved Dealer and our Autocentre Technicians adhere to the RAC Approved Preparation Standard, so you can rest assured that you are getting a top-class service from a dealer you can trust.
Have you suddenly developed a problem with your vehicle? Don't fret, with Payment Assist you can spread the cost of those unexpected bills and ease the burden on your wallet!
When is my MOT due?
This test is compulsory for all cars over 3 years and from then on a yearly inspection - on the date of your car's registration - will be required in order to keep your car active and on the road. You can also check when your vehicle's next MOT is due on the gov.uk website. When your car passes its MOT, you will receive a test certificate with the expiry date so you can be prepared for your next test.
How far can you drive without an MOT?
It is against the law to drive a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate. Without a valid MOT, you risk facing fines of up to £1,000 and penalties of up to six points on your driving license. You are allowed to drive your vehicle to a pre-booked MOT test appointment such as from Carbase if the previous certificate has expired.
How long does an MOT take?
Generally, an MOT will take between 45 minutes to an hour. However, if your vehicle was to fail, or the technician finds faults, then it could take longer to account for the time needed to make repairs. Even if your actual MOT takes under 60 minutes, you might have to consider dropping your car off in the morning, so it is always worth preparing alternative travel until you collect your car.
How much does an MOT in Bristol cost?
The cost of an MOT can vary depending on several factors. In the UK, the maximum price a garage can charge for an MOT test is set by the government. Currently, the maximum fee for a car is £54.85, while for a motorbike, it is £29.65. However, these are only the maximum charges, and prices can vary between different garages. If any repairs or replacements are needed to pass the MOT, the costs for these will be separate from the test fee.
I'm part of the Carbase Owners Club, do I get a discount?
Yes, our valued members will receive 50% off their MOT test fee along with 10% off any parts required.
What is covered during an MOT test?
During an MOT test, various aspects of a vehicle are thoroughly inspected to ensure its safety and compliance with environmental standards. This includes:
- Brakes - Checked for efficiency and balance.
- Tyres - Examined for tread depth, condition, and integrity.
- Lights - Including headlights, indicators and brake lights are tested to ensure they are working properly.
- Seatbelts - Examined for damage or malfunctioning mechanisms.
- Steering & suspension - Inspected for any wear or damage that may affect handling.
- Emissions - Measured to ensure they are within legal limits.
What happens if my vehicle fails its MOT?
If your vehicle fails its MOT, you will receive a refusal of an MOT test certificate (VT30) which states the reasons for the failure. This means that your vehicle is officially unroadworthy until the necessary repairs and retests are completed and therefore illegal to drive.
Our Bristol MOT Locations
Here at Carbase we have Autocentres available in Bristol, Weston-super-Mare and Lympsham. We give a warm welcome to both exisiting and new customers. If you have any questions, our friendly team are on hand to help!
Get Directions to our MOT Centres >
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