MOT Testing in Deancombe

Deancombe is a small hamlet in the South Devon countryside, reached by narrow lanes. Cars that live down lanes like these meet potholes, mud, hedges and tight passing places, so tyres, suspension and lights do more work than you might think.

Automaster is a garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. Drivers from the surrounding countryside and from Buckfastleigh, Holne, South Brent and Dartington come to us for MOT testing, and this page sets out what to expect.

What does a country-lane car need checked for its MOT?

Every Class 4 MOT covers the same ground: lights and indicators, brakes, tyres, steering and suspension, exhaust and emissions, mirrors and windscreen, seatbelts, number plates, warning lights and the safety of the body structure.

Lane driving adds scuffed tyre sidewalls, worn suspension bushes and wiper blades clogged with mud and hedge debris. None of these is dramatic, but any can turn into a fail.

• Tyre sidewalls and tread
• Suspension bushes and shock absorbers
• Headlamp aim and bulbs
• Wipers and washers

Do you test vans for farms and small businesses?

Yes. A Class 7 MOT is the test for vans in the larger light goods band, and we carry them out alongside car tests. If you run a van from a rural address, tell us the make and model when you ask about a booking.

A working van carries load and covers miles, so brake and suspension wear should be looked at before the test, not after.

I live in a hamlet. Will you cover me?

We will. Deancombe is a quiet corner of the South Hams, and our garage is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. Hamlet and village drivers regularly use us, and nearby named places include Buckfastleigh, Holne, South Brent and Dartington.

You can book online or by phone and mention anything unusual about the vehicle.

Because the hamlet is reached by narrow lanes, it is worth thinking ahead about how you will get the vehicle to us and home again. Our garage is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from the surrounding countryside are used to making the trip.

What happens if my car fails?

Faults are graded as dangerous, major or minor. Dangerous means do not drive it. Major means a fail. Minor is noted while the vehicle still passes. Advisories note parts that are wearing.

If it fails, we can repair the fault and retest. Retest and repair terms depend on the fault and timing, so ask. For brakes, steering or tyres in poor shape, avoid narrow lanes and speed until it is fixed.

Ask us how the retest would work in your case before you agree to any repair, and we will explain it plainly.

When should I book, and can I test early?

The first MOT is due when a vehicle reaches three years old, then every year. You can test up to a month minus a day early and keep the same renewal date, so the trip to the garage can be planned around the rest of your week.

A pre-MOT inspection is a good idea if your car has not been looked at for a while.