MOT Testing in Pear Tree

Pear Tree is a small rural hamlet in South Devon, reached by narrow country lanes. Drivers from there and from nearby Totnes, Dartington, Paignton and Churston bring their cars and vans to our garage at Longcombe Cross, near Totnes.

We are Automaster, and we do MOT testing for petrol and diesel vehicles. Here is how it works and how to get the most from your booking.

What is checked in a Class 4 or Class 7 MOT?

Lights, brakes, tyres and wheels, steering and suspension, exhaust and emissions, mirrors, windscreen and wipers, seatbelts, registration plates, the horn, the safety condition of the body and warning lights on the dash.

Class 4 is for cars and Class 7 is for vans.

Whichever class applies, you will receive a result sheet listing any defects and advisories. We are happy to explain anything on it in plain terms, because a list of technical phrases is not much use if you do not know what it means for the vehicle.

• Lights and indicators
• Brakes and tyres
• Steering and suspension
• Emissions and warning lights

Why do lane-driven vehicles fail on tyres and brakes?

Narrow lanes with tight verges mean frequent kerb contact, and stop-start driving puts extra wear on brakes. Tyres can pick up cuts or bulges that are easy to miss.

A pre-MOT inspection checks those areas. If something is worn, repairing it before the test is simpler than a fail and retest.

Short lane journeys with plenty of stopping and starting wear pads and discs quicker than steady running. Mention how you use the vehicle and we can focus on the parts most likely to be affected.

What do dangerous, major and minor defects mean?

Dangerous: do not drive, and the test is failed. Major: also a fail. Minor: noted, but you pass. Advisories mention wear to keep an eye on.

After a fail, we can quote for the repair and retest. Terms depend on the fault and timing, so ask.

Please do not drive a vehicle that has been given a dangerous result. A leaking brake pipe, a split tyre or a worn steering joint can fail without warning, and it is better to arrange repair than to carry on.

Do you cover Pear Tree, and where do I go?

Yes, drivers from Pear Tree and the surrounding countryside come to us, as do people from Totnes, Dartington, Paignton and Churston. The garage is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL.

Book online or by phone with your registration and vehicle type.

If you need the vehicle for a particular day, tell us your plans and we can talk about what is possible. Retest and repair arrangements depend on the fault and timing, so ask when you book.

How does the MOT date work?

The first MOT is due at three years, then every year. Testing up to a month minus a day early keeps your renewal date.

Repair cost depends on the fault, parts and labour. Ask for a quote and we will explain it.

A first MOT is due when the vehicle reaches three years from registration, and the date then rolls forward each year. If your vehicle is older, the date is on your last certificate.