MOT Testing in Heathfield

Heathfield sits between Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey, beside the A38 and A382, with an industrial estate and busy through traffic. Plenty of vans and cars rack up steady mileage here, whether for work or commuting.

If that sounds like your vehicle, a yearly MOT matters. We do MOT testing at Automaster, Longcombe Cross near Totnes, for both cars and vans, and we will tell you plainly what we find.

Which vehicles do you test, and what separates Class 4 from Class 7?

Class 4 covers ordinary cars. Class 7 covers vans in the light goods range. The checks are similar, but the class matters for the test procedure, so tell us which you have when you book.

Tradespeople around Heathfield who depend on a van will want the test booked with a little notice, since a failed van can mean a lost working day.

If you are unsure whether a vehicle counts as a car or a van for test purposes, ask us and we will confirm before the booking is made.

What is checked on a busy working vehicle?

Everything on the standard list: lights, brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, exhaust and emissions, visibility, seatbelts, plates, horn and the safety condition of the body. High-mileage vehicles tend to show wear in tyres, brake parts and suspension first.

A pre-MOT inspection is worthwhile for work vans in particular. Catching a worn part beforehand means fewer surprises on test day.

Busy roads also mean stone chips and wiper wear, so the screen and washers are worth a look too. A clear view of the road is part of the test, and a cracked or heavily scratched screen in the driver's line of sight can be marked against you.

• Tyres on every axle
• Brake pads, discs and pipes
• Suspension joints and springs
• Seatbelts and load area condition

What if my vehicle fails?

Defects are graded dangerous, major or minor. Dangerous and major are fails, and dangerous means the vehicle should not be driven. Minor defects are logged and you still pass.

We can quote for MOT failure repairs and arrange a retest. Terms depend on the fault and timing, so ask us when you book.

Where do I take my vehicle from Heathfield?

Drivers from Heathfield, Liverton, Newton Abbot, Bickington and Hexworth come to our garage at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL. Booking is online or by phone.

Please give your registration and say whether it is a car or a van, plus any warning lights you have seen.

Because several routes meet around Heathfield, we see vehicles from a wide spread of nearby villages, and we are used to explaining the test to people who just want a straight answer.

How do I time my MOT around my working week?

You can test up to a month minus a day before expiry and still keep the same renewal date. That gives you room to pick a quieter point in your schedule and leaves time for any repair.

The first MOT is due at three years.