MOT Testing in Kingston

Life in Kingston means narrow, high-hedged lanes, and a car that spends its year brushing past hawthorn, grit and the odd stone wall takes more punishment than most. When the MOT comes round, it is worth knowing exactly what the tester will be looking at.

At Automaster, our garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, we carry out Class 4 MOT tests for cars and Class 7 tests for vans. If something fails, we can repair it and retest, so you are not sent off to find a second garage.

What does an MOT test check on my car?

The test is a snapshot of whether your vehicle meets the legal minimum for road safety and emissions on the day. The tester looks at lights, brakes, tyres, steering and suspension, exhaust and emissions, mirrors and windscreen visibility, seatbelts, registration plates and the condition of the structure and body where it affects safety. Dashboard warning lights are looked at too.

High-hedged lanes are hard on wing mirrors, tyre sidewalls and lamp lenses, so those are worth a glance before you book.

• Lights, indicators and number plates
• Brakes, steering and suspension
• Tyres, seatbelts and visibility
• Exhaust and emissions

What do dangerous, major and minor mean on an MOT?

A dangerous defect is a direct risk to safety or the environment, and the car should not be driven until it is fixed. A major defect is a fail and needs repair before the car passes. A minor defect is recorded but the car can still pass, and advisories flag wear that is worth watching.

If a tester finds something dangerous, please do not carry on driving on the lanes with it. Ask us what is safe to do next.

Can I get the car checked before the MOT in Kingston?

A pre-MOT inspection is a sensible step if your car has had a hard year. We look over the items the test covers and tell you what is likely to fail, so repairs can be done first and the formal test has a better chance of going through at the first attempt.

It also helps with planning, because worn tyres or a blown bulb are far easier to deal with before the test than after a fail.

What happens if my car fails its MOT?

You will get a list of the defects and what category each falls into. We can quote for the MOT repairs and then arrange the retest. Retest and repair terms depend on the fault and the timing, so please ask us when you book rather than assuming.

Do not drive away on a car with a dangerous defect unless it is to a pre-arranged repair.

Do you cover Kingston, and how do I book?

Yes. Drivers from Kingston come to Automaster at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, as do people from Bigbury, Ringmore, Modbury and Kingsbridge. Bring cars and vans alike.

You can book online or by phone. When you ask for a quote, tell us the make, model, age and fuel type, whether it is a car or a van, and any warning lights or noises.