MOT Kent
We are passionate about keeping ICE (Internal-Combustion-Engines) cars on the road for as long as possible!
MOT Centre
Our state-of-the-art garage offers comprehensive MOT testing services.
Our experienced technicians meticulously inspect your vehicle to ensure it meets road safety standards.
We provide prompt results and offer additional repairs or maintenance as needed.
Trust us to keep your vehicle safe and compliant.
MOT Services
MOT & Service
from £99
Minimise downtime and let us take care of your motor.
Seeing the car prior to MOT ensures the car can go through with flying colours.
More info on MOT & Servicing
If repairs look steep, we can advise for best plans of action, prior to it being labelled as an MOT failure.
As with classics, and modern cars alike, having an MOT failure on the record is not ideal. This is public information and may tarnish the reputation and value of the car.
We therefore always recommend trying to pair a service with an MOT wherever possible.
Garage Services
Any repairs can take place before, or after the MOT.
We have 5 ramps which can be utilised, along with ample storage for any parts that may need ordering in prior to the MOT.
Each technician has at least 10 years experience, working with both high end, and economy motors.
Modified Car MOT
Any shift away from stock, is classed as a modified exhaust. This get’s tricky when it comes to finding original exhaust systems <2010, especially with catalytic converter theft on the rise!
In the instance of a catalytic converter failure, aftermarket parts are often significantly cheaper. Manufacturers stop producing older parts, which makes it tricky to keep the car stock.
More info on modified car MOT
When modifying your car (new / classic / modern classic), it can result in MOT failures due to imbalances in the system. This is especially the case when the exhaust system has been altered.
At Wall End Garage, many modified cars have come through our doors. We are very familiar with solutions to negate issues with MOT failures, whilst also maintaining performance (airflow).
We have a vast network of suppliers who can provide performance ‘sports cat’ exhaust systems. This both allows the car to breathe easier, yet also captures the nasties which cause MOT failures. We can even get custom exhaust systems made up, on request. This is especially advantageous for classic cars.
Rest assured, we have extensive experience in this field, and can talk through various options over the phone, or via chat.
MOT KENT FAQ
How much is a car (Class 4) MOT?
The UK government sets the maximum cost of an MOT, however this depends on the class of vehicle.
For a full list of vehicles, please see https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot/mot-test-fees
At Wall End Garage, we charge a flat rate for all vehicles at £50.
How long does an MOT take?
The MOT will take around 45mins.
If you specifically request a time slot, and turn up 15 mins before it starts, you can wait in the office / MOT viewing bay.
How early can you do an MOT?
A car can go through an MOT up to a month, minus a day, before it runs out.
For example, if it’s due on the 5th of Feb, you can carry out the MOT on Jan the 6th.
What happens if a car fails MOT?
If a car fails an MOT, you legally can’t drive the car.
The next steps would be to repair these issues. We can then supply a free MOT retest.
If the car fails the MOT, this will be logged with DVLA, and this information will be publicly available.
Rather than fixing once failed, a better approach, is having a pre MOT inspection, or better yet, a service before the MOT, as the inspection can take place at the same time as beneficial maintenance, such as an oil change.
Can I drive without MOT?
It is illegal to drive a car without an MOT.
With the increase in ‘smart’ motorways, they are finding ever more ways of getting money out of us motorists, so driving without an MOT is likely to result in a fine.
If a car has failed, it also can’t be parked on UK state owned roads.
What is an MOT?
MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual roadworthiness test required for all vehicles over three years old in the United Kingdom. It ensures that a vehicle meets minimum road safety and environmental standards.
During an MOT, a mechanic inspects various components such as brakes, lights, steering, suspension, exhaust, and emissions. If a vehicle fails the test, it must be repaired before it can be driven legally.
Passing an MOT is essential for keeping your vehicle on the road and avoiding fines or insurance issues.
Aside from the legal formalities of an MOT, the MOT and servicing of a car provide confidence in the longevity and performance of a car.
What can fail an MOT?
There are many systems on a car to keep you, and others safe, on UK roads, therefore the list of reasons is extensive.
That being said, common items include:
- Brakes: warn pads, warped disks or faulty handbrakes.
- Lights: Dead headlights, indicators or brake lights.
- Steering: vibrations, excessive play, and issues with associated systems.
- Suspension: Worn or broken shock absorbers or springs.
- Emissions: Dreaded engine warning lights, sensors, exhaust systems issues and a host of engine related issues.
- Tyres: Bald, heavily warn or inconsistent wear in tyres.
- Wipers & washers: Not working or inadequate performance.
- Seatbelts: Malfunctions of kinds.
- Mirrors: Missing, damaged, or unusable.
- Bodyworks: Excessive rust, or damage due to collisions.
When is my MOT due?
To check the MOT history of a car, and to see when the MOT expires, you can search the number plate on the DVLA website https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history
Whilst separate from the MOT, you can check when your car’s tax runs out via https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax
Is my car taxed and MOT?
MOT and tax require separate actions.
For tax you can check https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax
For MOT, you can check https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history
What does MOT stand for?
MOT stands for Ministry of Transport.
Can I drive my car if it fails the MOT?
Once the car has been through an MOT, and has failed, it is illegal to drive it on the UK roads.
Often the best approach, is to have a service at Wall End Garage, prior to getting the MOT carried out.
If you feel that the car is nearing the end of it’s life, then we can help you evaluate the car, prior to any official documentation being put in place.
Unless the car has been in a major incident (major chassis damage), we are confident we can get most cars back to good working order.
When should you get an MOT?
On the third year of registration (the anniversary), every car will require an MOT.
That being said, some cars will require to be checked after the first year of registration.
Is airbag light an MOT failure?
If not fixed prior to the MOT, yes, this will result in a failure.
Fixes can be simple, or extensive. Please call up for advice on this matter.
Is an ABS light an MOT fail?
Yes, it could be an indicator that there is a malfunction with the ABS systems.
ABS systems significantly reduce the chances of the car losing traction, under heavy braking.
Whilst sensors can go wrong, we would recommend calling Wall End Garage, prior to driving the car any further.
Is an engine management light a MOT failure?
Often known as an ‘engine check light’, this is a broad-reaching signal that there is an issue.
Often, this is in relation to a sensor going wrong, rather than an actual fault, as often the sensor life span is less than the components.
Whilst this light is probably the most dreaded of them all, at Wall End Garage, we have the latest diagnosis equipment, and years of experience ‘reverse engineering’ engine check light issues.
Needless to say, we can fix, or provide diagnostics on the car in mention, prior to the MOT taking place, so please get in contact if you worry about your car.
Each of our engineers has at least 10 years of experience with all brands of cars… few things are unfixable at Wall End Garage.