Council run M.O.T centres? Specifically Paignton!

gemzie85

Hi all, just after a little advice. Normally a friends husband does my M.O.T for me as I trust that he won't rip me off. However my M.O.T has crept up on me a little this year (shameful I know!), and along with a few other bills money could be tight if it fails astronomically! I've checked all the basics, ie water levels, oil, wipers, windscreen was, lights etc but the ABS light is on (although not all the time!) and the engine management light occasionally comes on but again not all the time.

I've read a lot about the council run centres and there is one not too far away from me in Paignton, Devon. Just wondering if people would advise that I stick to what I know or go for the council one in Paignton? Also if anyone out there is from this neck of the woods and has personal experience, maybe they could share? Sorry for the waffling post....

Strider590

Almost none of what you mention is checked during the MOT......

ABS could be a problem, engine management not unless it's causing emissions problems. Windscreen check for chips and cracks, anything bigger than 5mm (?) in the drivers view is a fail.
All fitted lights MUST work, tyres must be legal, any knocking in the steering or suspension is likely to fail, leaking exhaust = fail, broken exhaust mounts = fail, seatbelts must be undamaged, doors must open/close/lock, basically anything safety related.

People get stung on MOTs because they either go to a dodgy garage OR they ignore the warning signs/sounds for months and months (usually by cranking up the CD player), which means a simple fault can develop into a VERY expensive one by the time the MOT comes around.

Council run MOT centre is your best bet, BUT you need to have someone in mind for any repairs that may crop up.

If you want low cost motoring, you need to take a proactive approach to vehicle ownership and stay on top of maintenance so that the small things don't escalate.

SCO

If your warning lights stay on it is an automatic fail.

All warning lights must come on when ignition turned on and go out.

Retrogamer

SCO wrote: »

If your warning lights stay on it is an automatic fail.

All warning lights must come on when ignition turned on and go out.

In the OP's case, only for the ABS light. The engine management light is not part of the MOT test.

owen_money

SCO wrote: »

If your warning lights stay on it is an automatic fail.

All warning lights must come on when ignition turned on and go out.

Except for the hand brake light warning light or you'd roll away............. (if you're on a hill)