The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an important annual test that all vehicles in the UK must undergo. It is to ensure that they meet the least safety and environmental standards set by the government. It is illegal to drive without an MOT certificate. So get your MOT Newbury, if you don't have one yet. The importance of an MOT test is as follows:
Safety: The primary purpose of the MOT test is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive on the road. The test checks various components of your vehicle, including the brakes, steering, suspension, lights, and tyres. This is to ensure that they are working properly and meet the minimum safety standards.
Environmental standards: The MOT test also checks your vehicle's emissions. They ensure that they meet the minimum environmental standards set by the government. This helps to reduce the impact of vehicles on the environment and improve air quality.
Legal requirement: It is a legal requirement in the UK to have a valid MOT certificate if your vehicle is more than three years old. Driving without a valid MOT certificate can result in a fine and penalty points on your driving license.
Maintenance: The MOT test can also help to identify any potential issues with your vehicle. This alarms you to fix them before they become more serious and costly to fix. This can help to keep your vehicle in good condition and prevent breakdowns or accidents on the road.
Overall, the MOT test is an important part of maintaining the safety, environmental standards, and legal requirements of your vehicle. It's important to ensure that your vehicle undergoes the test every year. This also ensures that you make necessary repairs or maintain your vehicle to keep it in good condition.
How are MOT tests and wheel alignment related?
During the MOT test, the examiner will check various components of your vehicle, including the steering and suspension systems. Misaligned wheels can cause these systems to wear out prematurely. This can lead to failure during the MOT test. Besides, misaligned wheels can cause your tyres to wear out more quickly. It can also cause your vehicle to fail the test.
So, it's recommended that you have your wheels aligned before the MOT test to ensure that your vehicle is driving safely and efficiently. If your wheels have misalignment during the test, you may have to realign them and retest before you can legally drive on the road.
What is wheel alignment?
Wheel alignment, also known as tyre alignment, is the process of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. This is to ensure that the tyres make proper contact with the road. It helps to improve vehicle handling, reduce tyre wear, and improve fuel efficiency.
Your wheels need alignment every 10,000 miles or once a year. This ensures that your vehicle is operating at peak performance and also prevent premature tyre wear.
Different types of wheel alignment
There are three main types of wheel alignment:
Front-end alignment: This type of alignment is also known as a two-wheel alignment. This is because it only involves adjusting the angles of the front wheels. It is typically used for vehicles with a solid rear axle, such as trucks and older cars. During a front-end alignment, the technician will adjust the camber and toe angles of the front wheels to ensure they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground.
Thrust alignment: This type of alignment is also known as a rear-wheel alignment. This is because it involves adjusting the angles of the rear wheels as well as the front wheels. It is typically used for vehicles with an independent rear suspension, such as most modern cars. During a thrust alignment, the technician will adjust the camber, caster, and toe angles of all four wheels to ensure they are in alignment with each other and perpendicular to the ground.
Four-wheel alignment: This type of alignment is similar to a thrust alignment. But it also involves measuring and adjusting the vehicle's wheelbase and track width. This ensures that all four wheels are in alignment with each other. A four-wheel alignment is typically used for high-performance vehicles or vehicles with complex suspension systems.
It is important to consult with a qualified technician. Only they determine which type of alignment is appropriate for your vehicle based on its suspension system and driving characteristics.
Signs that show your tyres need a wheel alignment
Several signs can or show that your tyres :
Uneven tyre wear: Misaligned tyres will often wear unevenly, with one side of the tyre wearing more quickly than the other. This can cause the tyre to wear out faster and need replacement sooner than expected.
Pulling or drifting to one side: If your vehicle pulls to one side or drifts off course while driving on a straight road. It could be a sign of misaligned tyres. This is often more noticeable when driving at higher speeds.
Steering wheel off-centre: If the steering wheel is not centred while driving on a straight road, it could be a sign of misaligned tyres. This is often more noticeable when driving at slower speeds.
Vibration or shaking: Misaligned tyres can cause the vehicle to vibrate or shake, especially at higher speeds. This can also be a sign of other issues, such as unbalanced tyres. So it's important to have it checked by a professional.
Squealing tyres: Misaligned tyres can cause the tyres to squeal, especially when turning. This is due to the tyres not making proper contact with the road surface.
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to have your tyres checked by a qualified technician. A Wheel Alignment Newbury may be necessary to ensure that your vehicle is driving safely and efficiently.