10 year MOT checklist : what to look out for.
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If your car is around 10 years old, getting ready for its MOT is very important. Older cars are more likely to have wear and tear or small faults that could cause them to fail the test. This 10 year old car MOT checklist will help you check the most common trouble spots before your MOT.
Why 10-Year-Old Cars Need Extra Checks
By the time a car reaches 10 years of age, many of its parts may have started to wear out. Brakes, suspension, tyres, and lights can all be affected by age and corrosion, and leaks are also more common. Doing some basic checks can help you avoid an MOT fail and keep your car safe to drive.
What to Check Before the MOT
Lights and Indicators
Lights are a leading reason for MOT failures. Check your headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and number plate lights. Make sure they all work, are not cracked and are properly fixed in place.
Brakes
Test the brakes by pressing the pedal; it should feel firm, not soft or spongy. Listen for any strange sounds and check that the car stops as expected. If you're unsure, have a mechanic check the pads and discs.
Tyres
Look for cracks, bulges or cuts on all tyres. The tread depth should be at least 1.6 mm, and you can check this by inserting a 20p coin into the tread. If you can see the outside rim of the coin, the tyre might be too worn and need replacing. If you need new tyres, use our handy tyre finding service at Protyre https://www.protyre.co.uk/tyres. We supply and fit tyres from leading brands such as Pirelli and Sumitomo.
Suspension and Steering
Older cars can have worn suspension parts. If your car feels bouncy or makes noises over bumps, it could be a problem. Check for leaks and rust, and make sure the steering moves smoothly with no looseness.
Exhaust
Look under the car and check the exhaust for rust or holes. Listen for loud or strange noises which could signify a leak. The exhaust should be fixed tightly and not hanging loose.
Windscreen, Wipers and Washers
Check for cracks or chips in the windscreen. Any damage over 10 mm in the driver's line of sight or over 40 mm elsewhere in the swept area, can cause a fail. Wipers should clean the glass well, and the washer fluid should be topped up.
Mirrors and View
All mirrors should be clean, undamaged and securely fitted. Make sure nothing blocks your view, such as stickers or hanging items.
Seat belts and Seats
Seat belts must work properly. Pull each one sharply to make sure it locks. The driver's seat belt should move easily and lock in place.
Fuel and Oil
Check that there is enough fuel and engine oil in the car, as the MOT tester needs both to run checks. If levels are too low, they may not carry out the test.
Other Useful Checks
Horn: It must work and be loud enough to hear clearly.
Number Plates: Must be clean, readable, and follow legal size and spacing rules.
Bodywork: Look for sharp edges or heavy rust.
Warning Lights: If your airbag, engine, or brake warning light is on, it could cause a fail.
Battery: Should be tightly secured and not leaking.
Leaks: Look underneath for signs of oil, coolant, or brake fluid leaks
Why These Checks Matter
This old car MOT guide will help keep your car safe and legal to drive. Fixing any problems in advance gives your car a better chance of passing first time. If you're unsure about anything, it's a good idea to get a garage to do a pre-MOT check. You can find your local Protyre garage by putting your postcode in our garage finder . We offer a range of free checks, servicing and MOTs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can book your MOT test up to a month before your current certificate expires. The renewal date will still stay the same.
If your car fails, you'll get a list of problems to fix. If your current MOT certificate is still valid, you can still drive it (unless the faults are dangerous). You must repair the issues and then get a retest.