What Are the Benefits of Checking a Vehicle's MOT and Service History Before Purchasing It?

If you have finally made the decision to buy your first car or you are just upgrading your current one, purchasing a car is one of the most exciting decisions one can make. Not only does this mean independence but you can finally be on the open road on your own after years of relying on others to give you a lift to work or simply getting from A to B.

There's no denying that having a car has its benefits, but getting one isn't as straightforward as taking the keys and driving off into the open road. Because the risks of buying a used vehicle are usually higher, it's vital to ensure that your vehicle is acceptable for your needs before agreeing to the sale. Taking a car for a test drive is nice, but certain defects may not be apparent immediately away, and it may be difficult to tell whether a car is good value for money simply by driving it- so how can you be sure you get the car of your dreams?

Before purchasing a car, it's vital to check the vehicle's service and check MOT history. A used vehicle will almost definitely have a lot of miles on it and regular wear and tear is unavoidable. However, the service history and MOT history are both important as they will show you the vehicle's past condition and if it's worth the money.

Checking MOT certificates

A MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a yearly assessment that must be completed by all vehicles over the age of three. A MOT test will examine the vehicle's safety, roadworthiness, and emissions, as well as a thorough examination of all the vehicle's components that are required by the DVSA.

As a legal requirement, vehicles must pass a MOT every year, and receiving evidence of these checks is crucial. The vehicle owner will get a certificate after each MOT that states whether the MOT was passed or failed, as well as any recommendations for repairs. To get a better idea of your potential new vehicle's history, you should request to see prior MOT certificates, as well as check MOT status to ensure the vehicle currently has a valid MOT.

While it's preferable if a seller can provide physical proof of a vehicle's MOT history, this information is also easily accessible online. You may instantly check a vehicle's MOT history or status, which will tell you if it passed or failed, the mileage, the location of the test centre, details of failures and minor concerns, and when the next MOT is due. Identifying any past car concerns will allow you to establish whether they have been fixed. If the tyres were characterised as having poor wear, for example, you may check them to see if the vendor has repaired the problem.

Most garages in Reading do offer a pre-purchase health check for a small fee. This could be well worth the money you pay now for this check before purchasing the vehicle as this will confirm the exact condition of the car.

A car's MOT history can inform you what kind of condition it is in (or has been in), which might help you determine whether the purchase is worthwhile. Buying a terrible vehicle might end up costing you a lot of money in the long term, not to mention that it could be dangerous. In light of this, it's best to steer clear of caution and double-check car MOT test certificates to guarantee you get the vehicle you want.

As mentioned earlier, it might be worthwhile asking the seller if you can have a pre-purchase inspection completed of the vehicle at a car garage in Reading for your peace of mind.

If the police stop you and request to see a copy of your valid MOT certificate and you don't have one, you might face harsh repercussions. Failure to pass a MOT can result in a substantial penalty, even if you receive a warning. Failure to pass a MOT can result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Things might become a lot worse if your car is deemed "unroadworthy." If your car is in a potentially unsafe state, you might face a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on your licence. If you have points on your licence already, one or two damaged tyres paired with a blown headlight bulb might result in a two-year driving ban.