MOT Testing in Thurlestone

Thurlestone has a beach, golf and a hotel close by, and its narrow lanes carry heavy holiday traffic in summer. That means a lot of slow driving, queuing and tight parking, which wears tyres, brakes and clutches.

We are Automaster, at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and we test cars as Class 4 and vans as Class 7, and we handle the repairs and retests that follow.

What will the MOT actually cover?

The test looks at lights, brakes, tyres, steering and suspension, exhaust and emissions, mirrors and windscreen, seatbelts, registration plates, the structure of the vehicle where it matters for safety, and warning lights.

These are the same items whatever you drive, so a van gets the same careful attention as a car, with the Class 7 test applying to the heavier goods vans.

Visibility is part of the test too. The tester looks at the windscreen for damage in the driver's view, at wipers and washers, and at mirrors, so a chipped screen from a gravelly lane is worth mentioning when you book.

• Lights and signals
• Brakes and tyres
• Steering and suspension
• Exhaust and emissions

How do dangerous, major and minor defects differ?

A dangerous defect means the vehicle should not be driven until it is fixed. A major defect is a fail and has to be repaired. A minor defect is recorded but the vehicle still passes. Advisories flag wear to keep an eye on.

If the wording on a certificate is unclear, ask us and we will explain it plainly.

Plenty of drivers are surprised that a single major defect fails the whole test. A worn tyre, a failing brake light and a corroded brake pipe are all separate reasons, and fixing one does not remove the others.

Is a pre-MOT inspection useful for holiday-season cars?

Cars that have crawled through summer queues often come out with worn brakes and tyres. A pre-MOT inspection finds that before the formal test does, and gives you a chance to arrange the work.

It also lets you deal with small items, such as a blown bulb, before they cause an avoidable fail.

A pre-MOT inspection is also sensible for any van that works around the area. Vans carry loads, so tyres, brakes and suspension take more strain, and a Class 7 test looks at those with the heavier weight in mind.

What happens if my vehicle fails?

You get the list of defects and what each means. We can repair the faults and retest. Terms depend on the fault and the timing, so ask when you book.

If a defect is dangerous, do not drive the car on until it has been dealt with.

After a fail, you do not need to find a second garage. We explain what failed, in plain words, and what the repair involves, which helps you decide with the facts in front of you.

Do you cover Thurlestone, and how do I book?

Yes. Drivers from Thurlestone, Bantham, Kingsbridge, Bigbury and Salcombe come to our garage near Totnes. Book online or by phone.

Give us the vehicle details, say if it is a car or a van, and ask for a quote on any work.