Sometimes A Classic Car will fail its MOT
Here we provide details on what the next steps are, and how you can get your classic vehicle back to being legal and roadworthy, quickly! And, when you’re thinking about it many different questions arise, like what if it fails MOT? Or what if there is an issue which cannot be resolved.
Re-Test MOTs for Classic & Vintage Cars
So Basically, if you have handed over your vehicle to a mechanic or a third party garage who will carry out all MOT related tasks. We expect that When a classic car has its MOT and the result is a fail, you’ll be notified by the, before you can collect the vehicle. This gives you several options on going about the next MOT test it will need to take – details to follow below.
Procedure to follow if your Classic Car MOT fails
Firstly, should the vehicle fail and you go to pick your classic car up they’ll issue you with a VT30 certificate that clearly states on what grounds the classic car failed.
Sometimes it’s necessary for works and repairs to be carried out on the vehicle. These works can be carried out by specialists wh work in classic cars and their repair team. They can discuss with you, thoroughly what needs to be done and they’ll give you a no obligation quotation.
You can then choose either you want to carry out the necessary repair works and then re-test it, or you can choose to have the vehicle repaired off site (although you won’t then qualify for a free re-test).
MOT Re-Test if your Classic Car fails its MOT
If you decide for the same garage or team to repair your vehicle, either you’ll leave the vehicle for repair or can go for it the next working day. If the repairs are any of the following points, normally you won’t be charged:
(although re-test is carried out straight away after repair, only delays occur when you need to wait for unique parts or spares) You may have your vehicle repaired elsewhere and bring in the vehicle for a retest.
MOT Preparation
Here are some areas to check on your vehicle before you bring it in for its MOT that could help your MOT be a pass rather than a fail – remember, prevention is the cure!
Please note – you always need to bring your V5C Vehicle Registration Document with you when you come along for your Classic Car MOT, along with the current MOT certificate.
Don’t forget. A Classic Car MOT in Cranleigh is not a substitute for regular servicing. Regular servicing is vital to ensure maintenance and well being of your vehicle. Vehicle parts will and can deteriorate or perish. Vehicles that are regularly maintained and serviced are more likely to pass an MOT first time around.
If you have time, take a moment to check your vehicle before you bring it in for its MOT test. These simple checks are easy to carry out yourself…
Lights
test the lights of your vehicle; front and rear, not forgetting the hazard lights or indicators.
Fuel Cap
Make sure your fuel cap is locked securely.
VIN Number
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must be clearly visible, along with the number plates being clear and clean.
Suspension
Check your vehicle’s suspension – put your weight on each corner of the vehicle and release; the vehicle should settle down quickly and smoothly.
Seat Belts
All seat belts need to work correctly, even if you’re not using certain ones. Make sure all buckles and belts are accessible and that they aren’t trapped behind seats or arm rests.
Washer Bottle
The washer bottle needs to be full.
Oil & Other Fluids
There needs to be full oil and brake fluid.
Tires
Tires need to be above the legal limit – a minimum of 1.6mm tread is required by law. The spare tire is not checked in the MOT, however, CCM Cranleigh does advise however you take this time to check the spare tire in the event of any emergency.
Windscreen
Any chips or cracks or other such damage to the windscreen must be within the legal limit –damage cannot be in the central view of the driver or larger than 40mm of the swept area of the windscreen.
Exhausts
Exhausts must not omit excess noise, which could indicate a leak.
Free Re-Test Points
Free Classic Car MOT Re-test – failure points to qualify for a free re-test
- Bonnet
- Boot lid
- Brake pedal antislip
- Direction indicators
- Doors
- Dropsides
- Fuel filler cap
- Hazard warning
- Horn
- Lamps
- Loading door
- Mirrors
- Rear reflectors
- Registration plates
- Seat belts
- Seats
- Sharp edges
- Steering wheel
- Tailboard
- Tailgate
- Towbars
- VIN
- Windscreen and glass
- Wipers and washers
- Wheels and tyres
- Towbars