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MERCEDES MOT TESTING BEDFORD

Find out what is included in a Mercedes MOT with us

An MOT test checks that your vehicle complies with the minimum standards required for lawful use on the road.

Nearly half of all faults found during MOT checks could be avoided by carrying out simple maintenance, so it’s worthwhile checking items like lights, wiper blades and tyres beforehand so that your vehicle has the best chance of passing first time!

Lights

Did you know…30% of MOT faults are due to lighting and signalling

To pass your MOT test, front, rear, brake, fog, indicator and registration plate lights and rear reflectors must:

  • Be correctly positioned and secure
  • Not be obscured
  • Be in good condition
  • Show the correct colour
  • Not be adversely affected by the operation of any other light
  • Illuminate with a single operation of the switch

Pairs of lights must emit light of the same colour, size and shape.

Headlight aim (both dip beam and main beam) should be below the horizontal, so as not shine into oncoming drivers.

Horn

The horn must emit a continuous uniform note and must be loud enough to be heard by another road user.

Battery

The battery must be secure and not show any signs of leaking.

Electrical wiring

Wiring should be secure and must not be damaged where it is likely to short circuit or become detached.

Vehicles with a tow-bar

Any electrical socket will be tested for its condition and to ensure that it correctly operates the lights.

Steering

The strength and condition of the steering wheel will be checked by pushing the steering in different directions and inspecting for wear or damage

If your steering has a locking device, it’ll be tested to ensure it only locks when the engine is not running.

Vehicles with power steering must have at least the minimum level of power steering fluid in the reservoir.

Suspension

Suspension components and shock absorbers will be checked for excessive corrosion, distortion and fractures.

Brakes

Did you know…9.6% of MOT fails are due to brake failure

The general conditions of the brakes, pedals and levers will be checked, as well as warning lights.

A brake performance test will be carried out to test brake efficiency.

Tyres

Did you know…10% of MOT failures are due to tyres

The tyre must be of an appropriate speed and load rating for the vehicle.

Tread depth must not be below the legal limit of 1.6mm, and tyres will be examined for cuts in excess of 25mm, lumps, bulges, tears, exposure of the cord and tread separation.

For vehicles with run-flat tyres, the warning light must operate correctly.

Road wheels must be in good general condition.

Seat belts

Each seat belt (including the attachment and adjustment fittings) will be checked for its security and condition.

Body

A general inspection of the body, chassis, engine mountings, seats and doors will be made as part of your MOT checks. All components must be free from excessive corrosion and must not have any sharp edges that might cause injury.

Registration plates

A registration plate must be fitted at the front and rear. The plates must be secure and clearly legible to someone standing 20 metres away from the car.

The characters on the plate must be correctly formed and spaced and not likely to be misread.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Every vehicle must permanently display a legible VIN, either on a VIN plate secured to the vehicle, or stamped or etched on the body or chassis.

Speedometer

A speedometer must be fitted, and the it will be checked that it illuminates. As long as the speed can be read, it doesn’t matter if the glass is cracked.

Exhaust system

The exhaust system will be inspected to ensure it is secure and doesn’t leak. If your vehicle was originally fitted with a catalytic converter, it must still be present.

Fuel system

The fuel system will be checked for leaks and the tank cap must seal properly.

Emissions

A gas analyser probe will be used while the engine is running to test the smoke emitted from the exhaust. Emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons must fall within the legal limit.

The tester will make a visual check for excessive dense blue or black smoke emitted from the exhaust, which is a cause for MOT failure.

Mirrors and wipers

Rear view mirrors and wing mirrors must be secure and provide adequate views to the rear and side.

Wipers and washers must sweep a wide enough area to give the driver an adequate view of the road

Windscreen

In the area of the windscreen directly in front of the driver, there must not be any damage or obstruction to the view larger than 10mm. Outside this area (but within the swept area), there must not be any damage or other obstruction larger than 40mm.

LISTED BELOW ARE THE MAIN ELEMENTS CHECKED DURING AN MOT TEST:

 

  • Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment
  • Steering and suspension
  • Brakes
  • Tyres
  • Seat belts
  • Body structure
  • Exhaust, fuel and emissions
  • Drivers view of the road

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FIND ANSWERS TO COMMON MERCEDES CARE QUESTIONS

Millennium Mercedes is based at 2 Shuttleworth Court, Shuttleworth Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 0EN. This makes us a convenient choice for Mercedes owners looking for a trusted garage in Bedford.

We offer Mercedes servicing and repairs, MOT testing, electronic diagnosis, dent and crash repair, restoration work, and air conditioning repairs and servicing. We also provide seasonal checks such as battery, tyre, fluid and anti-freeze inspections.

Yes. We state that we can service and maintain Mercedes-Benz vehicles without affecting the manufacturer’s warranty. We use OE quality parts, and if requested we can also supply Mercedes-Benz genuine parts. The oils and fluids used conform to Mercedes-Benz specification.

As a general rule, your Mercedes should be serviced every 12 months or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. Service frequency can also depend on mileage, road conditions and how the vehicle has been maintained.

A Mercedes service can include an engine oil change, oil filter replacement, checks on lights, tyres, exhaust, brakes, steering, hydraulic fluid and coolant levels, suspension, steering alignment and battery condition. Millennium Mercedes also notes that they inspect suspension, shock absorbers, brake systems, emissions, windshield wipers and washer fluid as part of servicing work