MOT Testing in Brixham

Brixham is a working fishing port with a busy harbour, steep hills and a surge of holiday traffic every summer. That mix is hard on cars: heavy braking down to the quay, low-gear climbing back out and plenty of waiting in queues.

Automaster carries out MOT testing for Brixham drivers at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We test cars and vans, repair what fails and retest, so you are not passed from garage to garage.

What gets tested on a Brixham car or van?

Every MOT follows the same national checklist. Hills make some parts work harder, which is why we pay close attention to them. The tester checks brake performance and condition, tyres and wheels, steering and suspension joints, lights, the exhaust and emissions, the windscreen and wipers, seatbelts, plates and the general safety of the body structure.

Warning lights on the dashboard, such as ABS or airbag, are also looked at.

• Brake pads, discs and brake lines
• Tyre tread and sidewall condition
• Suspension arms, springs and shock absorbers
• Exhaust leaks and emissions readings

What does a fail mean: dangerous, major or minor?

Defects are graded. Dangerous means a direct risk to safety and the car must not be driven. Major means a fail that must be repaired before the car passes. Minor means a small fault that is noted but does not fail the car.

After a fail we explain each item in plain English, so you know what is urgent and what can wait.

Is it worth a pre-MOT inspection before the summer rush?

Yes, particularly if the car spends its time on the harbour hills. A pre-MOT inspection finds worn brakes, tired suspension bushes or a failing bulb before the official test. Fixing them first can save you a retest and an awkward gap without a car.

If you would rather wait, we also do the repairs after a fail. Retest terms vary with the fault and when the car comes back, so please ask.

How does the MOT date work, and can I book online?

A new vehicle has its first MOT at three years old, then once a year. You can test up to a month minus a day ahead of expiry and the renewal date stays the same, so you can avoid peak holiday weeks when everyone wants the car.

Booking is online or by phone. Fishermen, delivery drivers and builders with vans can ask for Class 7 testing.

Do you cover Brixham, and where is the garage?

Yes. The garage is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and we give you the details when you book.

Send us your registration with your quote request so we can prepare.