MOT Testing in Stoke-in-Teignhead

Stoke-in-Teignhead is a village on narrow lanes between Torquay and the Teign estuary, near Shaldon and Teignmouth. Country lanes mean scuffed tyres, kerbed wheels and extra wear on suspension and steering parts, and a dented wheel rim is easy to pick up without noticing.

Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. Drivers from the countryside around Stoke-in-Teignhead, and from Teignmouth, Newton Abbot and Milber, come to us for MOT testing.

What does an MOT look for on a car used on narrow lanes?

The test covers lights, brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, exhaust, emissions, mirrors, wipers, seatbelts, plates and body safety. Narrow lanes and hedges can lead to scuffed tyre sidewalls and bent steering parts, so those get close attention.

Warning lights on the dashboard are noted too. A tyre with a bulge or cut in the sidewall is a fail, even if the tread looks fine.

Mud and wet leaves also hide damage, so a quick wash before the test helps the tester see the underside properly.

• Tyre sidewall damage
• Steering rack and track rod ends
• Suspension bushes and springs
• Lights and wipers

What do dangerous, major and minor mean on the result?

Dangerous means the car should not be driven. Major means a fail that must be repaired. Minor means a fault that is recorded but does not fail the car.

We go through the results with you so you can plan repairs sensibly, starting with anything that affects safety on unlit rural roads.

Minor and advisory notes are worth keeping, because a worn bush or a perished boot noted this year can fail next year.

Is a pre-MOT check useful for a country car?

Yes. Lanes bring potholes and debris, and a pre-MOT check finds hidden problems before the test. Fixing them first reduces the chance of a retest.

After a fail we can repair and retest. Terms depend on the fault and the timing, so ask. If a dashboard light came on after a bump or a pothole, mention it when you book.

A short drive on the main road often reveals vibration, pulling under braking or a rattle that the lanes mask at low speed. Tell us what you notice and we will check it.

When is my MOT due, and how do I book?

The first MOT is at three years, then yearly. You may test up to a month minus a day early and keep the renewal date. Booking is online or by phone.

Vans are tested under Class 7, which suits small businesses in the area. Plan ahead if you rely on the vehicle for work.

Keep the certificate date in your diary, since rural drivers cannot easily pop to a garage at short notice.

Do you cover Stoke-in-Teignhead, and where do I come?

Yes. Bring the vehicle to the garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We see drivers from the villages and towns around, including Teignmouth, Newton Abbot and Milber.

Give us your registration when you ask for a quote.

Because this is a rural area with fewer buses, many people cannot easily go without a car for long, so say if you need the repairs planned around your week.