When buying a used vehicle, it’s important to know the vehicle’s history, including when it was last inspected for roadworthiness. In the UK, this is known as the MOT (Ministry of Transport) test. The MOT history of a vehicle can give you valuable information about the vehicle’s condition and any repairs that may have been made. In this article, we’ll show you how to check the MOT history of a vehicle and what to look for in the results.
Understanding the Mot Test
The MOT test is a legal requirement for all vehicles over three years old in the UK. It is designed to ensure that vehicles are safe to drive and meet minimum environmental standards. The test covers a variety of areas, including the vehicle’s brakes, steering, suspension, lights, and emissions.
If a vehicle passes the MOT test, it will be issued with a certificate that is valid for one year. If it fails, the vehicle owner must make the necessary repairs and have the vehicle retested before it can be driven on the road again.
How to Check the Mot History of a Vehicle?
Checking the MOT history of a vehicle is easy and can be done online. The UK government provides a free online service called the “MOT History Check” that allows you to check the MOT history of a vehicle by entering its registration number. The results will show the date of the last MOT test, the test result (pass or fail), and any advisories or defects that were identified during the test.
In addition to the government service, there are also private companies that offer extended versions of the MOT history check. One such company is Car Analytics (caranalytics.co.uk), which offers an advanced version of the MOT history check that detailed information about the vehicle’s history such as past owners, mileage, accident history, and other details. This can provide a more comprehensive view of the vehicle’s history and any potential issues to be aware of.
When checking the MOT history of a vehicle, it is always best to check multiple sources to have a more comprehensive view of the vehicle’s history.
What to Look For in the Mot History Results?
When checking the MOT history of a vehicle, there are a few key things to look for:
- The date of the last MOT test: If the vehicle has recently passed an MOT test, it’s a good sign that it has been well-maintained. However, if the date of the last MOT test is more than a year ago, it’s worth asking the seller why the vehicle hasn’t been tested recently.
- The test result: A pass result is obviously better than a fail, but even if the vehicle passed the test, it’s worth looking at the advisories and defects that were identified. These will give you an idea of any issues that may need attention in the near future.
- The mileage: The MOT history results will also show the mileage of the vehicle at the time of the test. This can be compared to the current mileage to check if the vehicle has been driven a lot in the past year.
Summary:
It is important to check the MOT history of a vehicle before buying it, as it can provide valuable information about the vehicle’s condition and any repairs that may have been made. The MOT history can be checked online for free using the UK government’s MOT History Check service, or with private companies such as Car Analytics which may have more detailed information about the vehicle’s history. When checking the MOT history, look for the date of the last MOT test, the test result, any advisories or defects identified, and compare it with the current mileage of the vehicle.