MOT Testing in Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a historic port on the River Dart, with steep, narrow streets, ferries, the Britannia Royal Naval College above the town and a steady flow of visitors. Driving here means hill starts, tight turns and a lot of low-speed work, all of which find out weak brakes, tired suspension and worn tyres.

Automaster, at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, offers Class 4 MOT tests for cars and Class 7 tests for vans. People from Dartmouth, Churston, Brixham, Kingsbridge and Totnes use the garage, and we can do the repairs and retest too.

What does a Dartmouth MOT cover?

The test is the same wherever you live. The tester checks lights, brakes, tyres, steering and suspension, exhaust and emissions, visibility, seatbelts, registration plates, safety-related body condition and warning lights.

Steep streets lean hard on brakes and steering, so if you have noticed pulling, squealing or a long pedal, mention it when you book.

Exhaust and emissions are tested on petrol and diesel alike. The tester looks for leaks and security of the exhaust system and measures what comes out of the tailpipe against the limits for the vehicle.

• Brakes and brake pipes
• Steering and suspension
• Tyres and wheels
• Lights, mirrors and glass

What do dangerous, major and minor mean?

Dangerous means do not drive the vehicle. Major means the test is failed until it is repaired. Minor means it is noted but still passes. Advisories are worth reading, because they flag wear that may be next year's fail.

On hilly roads a brake or steering defect is not something to put up with. Get it looked at promptly.

A vehicle with a dangerous defect should only be driven to a pre-arranged repair, if at all. Tell us honestly what the symptoms are and we will advise what to do next.

Should I get a pre-MOT inspection first?

If your vehicle has been tackling hills and narrow streets all year, a pre-MOT inspection is a smart step. We check what the test checks and give you a clear picture of what is likely to fail.

Then you can choose to have the MOT preparation done beforehand. Often that avoids a retest, and it spares you finding out about a worn part at the wrong moment.

The first MOT is due at three years, and you can test up to a month minus a day early without moving the renewal date.

What are my options after a fail?

We can repair the faults and retest the vehicle. Terms for retests and repairs depend on the fault and the timing, so please ask for a quote.

What drives time and cost is the fault itself, the part, how much has to be removed to reach it and whether other wear shows up. We will explain each point, with no pressure.

Can Dartmouth drivers book with Automaster?

Yes. Our garage is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from Dartmouth and the nearby towns of Churston, Brixham and Kingsbridge come to us. You can book online or by phone.

Tell us if it is a car or a van, the fuel it uses and anything that is troubling you.

Visitors and locals alike fill Dartmouth's streets in season, so booking ahead is sensible.