MOT Testing in Hexworth

Hexworth is a small hamlet in Dartmoor-edge country, reached by narrow lanes. Drivers from here and from the surrounding countryside, along with nearby Heathfield, Liverton, Bickington and Caton, come to us for their MOT.

Our garage is at Longcombe Cross, near Totnes, and we are Automaster. This is a straightforward guide to what the test covers and how to get through it first time.

Why would a car used on narrow lanes fail an MOT?

Narrow lanes mean scrapes, kerbed tyres and rough surfaces. The usual culprits are tyre sidewall damage, worn suspension joints, loose exhaust mounts and cracked lights or mirrors. Mud and grit also speed up brake wear.

None of this is unusual. It is simply what the test is designed to catch, and a quick look beforehand can save a retest.

Because the roads around Hexworth are quiet, drivers sometimes put off checks until something sounds wrong. A yearly test is a sensible habit even when the vehicle feels fine, since worn brake and steering parts can deteriorate gradually without much warning.

What does the tester check?

Lights, brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, exhaust and emissions, windscreen and wipers, seatbelts, number plates, the horn and the safety condition of the body. Dashboard warning lights are included.

Cars are Class 4 and vans Class 7, so the right test is chosen from the type of vehicle you bring.

Exhaust and emissions are tested too: diesels are checked for smoke and petrol vehicles for exhaust gas readings, and a lit engine warning light can lead to a fail. Tell us if a light has come on or gone off, since the history helps us understand what is going on.

• Lights and horn
• Tyres and brakes
• Steering and suspension
• Seatbelts and plates

What do dangerous, major and minor mean?

A dangerous defect fails and means the vehicle should not be driven. A major defect also fails. Minor defects are recorded without failing, and advisories note wear to watch.

If you are told not to drive the vehicle, please follow that and ask us about repairs and retesting. A car with failing brakes or loose steering is not worth risking on a lane.

Where a failure is a straightforward repair, we can usually explain exactly what is needed and what it involves before you decide, and we will then quote for the work if you ask us to.

Can I bring my vehicle to you from Hexworth?

Yes. We are at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL, and drivers from the surrounding countryside and nearby towns come to us. Book online or by phone.

Give your registration and say if it is a car or van, and mention anything that has changed in how it drives.

How do I plan an MOT and any repairs?

The first MOT is due at three years, then yearly. Test up to a month minus a day early and you keep your renewal date, which helps if you want time to repair something.

Repair time and cost depend on the fault and the parts needed. Ask for a quote, and consider a pre-MOT check to reduce surprises.