MOT Testing in Ivybridge

Ivybridge sits on the southern edge of Dartmoor beside the A38, and a great many of its drivers commute towards Plymouth. Daily motorway-style miles, queues at peak times and steep roads up to the moor are a demanding mix for tyres, brakes and suspension.

Automaster is an independent garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We carry out MOT tests for cars and vans, and we can repair the faults that come up. Here is what Ivybridge commuters and van drivers should know before booking.

Where do Ivybridge drivers take their car for an MOT?

Many drivers from Ivybridge, South Brent, Ermington, Modbury and Kingsbridge bring their vehicles to our garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. You can book online or by phone, and it helps to tell us the make, model and registration.

If your vehicle is a van, we also carry out Class 7 testing. Say so when you book so that the right test is arranged.

What does the test cover for a commuter car?

A Class 4 MOT looks at lights and indicators, brakes, tyres, steering and suspension, exhaust and emissions, mirrors and windscreen, seatbelts, number plates, warning lights and the structure for safety. Commuter cars tend to rack up miles quickly, so tyre wear and brake condition get close attention.

Stop-start queues can leave brake discs lipped and pads thin, while steady fast driving can wear tyres unevenly.

Many Ivybridge drivers also climb towards the moor, which means the brakes work hard on the way back down. If the pedal feels soft, or the car pulls to one side, say so when you book.

• Tyres and wheel condition
• Brake discs and pads
• Exhaust and emissions
• Seatbelts and warning lights

What do the fail categories mean?

Dangerous means a direct risk, and the vehicle should not be driven until it is fixed. Major means it fails, and minor means it passes with the issue recorded. Advisories flag wear that is coming.

If the car fails, the sensible route is to repair it and have it retested. The terms depend on the fault and timing, so ask us for details.

Is a pre-MOT inspection worthwhile if I rely on my car for work?

When your car is how you get to work, a failed test is more than an inconvenience. A quick inspection beforehand finds bulbs, wipers and tyre issues, so you can fix them before the official test.

We can then repair anything the check finds, so you go to the test knowing what to expect.

When is the MOT due, and how early can I test?

First MOT at three years old, then every year. You can test up to a month minus a day early and keep the same renewal date, which lets you choose a quieter week.

Ask for a quote on any repairs once we have seen the vehicle.

If you need the car every day for the commute, book early and ask what the plan would be should a repair be needed.