MOT Testing in Salcombe

Salcombe is an estuary resort town with very steep, narrow streets, limited parking and plenty of holiday traffic, so cars here do a lot of hill starts, low-speed turns and creeping. That shows up in brakes, clutches, tyres and steering components.

We are Automaster, at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and we offer Class 4 MOT tests for cars, Class 7 for vans, and the repairs and retests that follow.

Which parts does an MOT look at?

The tester checks lights, brakes, tyres, steering and suspension, exhaust and emissions, windscreen and mirrors, seatbelts, plates, structural condition where it affects safety, and warning lights.

Salcombe's gradients and tight turns put extra strain on brakes and steering, so those areas deserve a look beforehand.

Salcombe's coastal setting means salt, so corrosion on brake pipes and suspension mounts is something testers look at closely. Keep an eye out for rust around those parts, because heavy corrosion is a fail.

What counts as a dangerous, major or minor fault?

A dangerous defect means do not drive. A major defect fails the test. A minor one is noted on the certificate and still passes.

Carrying heavy loads and making lots of short hops both affect tyres and brakes in different ways, so mention how the vehicle is used.

Advisories are worth reading carefully. They are not a fail, but a worn tyre or a weeping shock absorber noted this year often becomes next year's fail.

• Dangerous: stop driving
• Major: fix before it passes
• Minor: monitor it

Is a pre-MOT inspection worth it for a car used on steep streets?

Yes. A pre-MOT inspection gives you a view of brake and suspension wear before the test and lets you plan repairs around the busy holiday weeks.

It is also a good chance to deal with simple items such as bulbs and wipers.

Short hops and hill starts wear a clutch and brakes more quickly than steady driving. A pre-MOT check will not repair anything on the spot, but it gives you a realistic idea of what to expect, and the same work is available from us if you want it done.

What happens if the vehicle fails?

We provide the list of defects and can quote for repairs and a retest. Terms depend on the fault and the timing, so ask us.

If a defect is dangerous, do not drive the car until it is repaired.

Cost and time depend on what failed. A bulb or wiper is simple; a corroded brake pipe or a worn steering joint is a bigger job. We will explain which category yours falls into so you can ask for a quote knowing what is involved.

Do you cover Salcombe, and how do I book?

Yes. Drivers from Salcombe, Kingsbridge, Thurlestone, Loddiswell and Bantham come to our garage near Totnes. Parking in Salcombe itself is limited, so many drivers like to have the test done away from the town. Book online or by phone.

Tell us the vehicle type and any symptoms when asking for a quote.

If you are not sure whether a van counts as Class 7, tell us the make and model when you ask and we will confirm which test applies before you book.

We are Automaster, so you deal with the same garage for the test, the repair and any retest.