Drivers can help themselves when it comes to the MOT test. With a little bit of preparation you can avoid your car failing on silly items that anyone can easily have sorted for themsleves. According to the Department for Transport the top 3 reasons for a car failing it's MOT first time was Lights, Brakes and Tyres which accounted for half of all MOT first time failures during 2007/2008. A staggering 35% of the 27 million cars tested each year FAIL. Here are some of our simple DIY tips that can help your car pass it's MOT test first time

Lights – check all lights are working, get a friend to help check that brake lights and indicators are working
Screen wash – ensure your washer bottle is full (an empty bottle is a fail)Wipers – check not split and that clean the screen without marking/impairing visibility. Don’t forget the rear wiper if applicable
Tyres – ensure inflated and check tyre depth across the central three quarters of the tyre is above the 1.6mm minimum level. Also check there is no damage or cuts to the side walls or the valves
Emissions – there is some evidence that some engine treatments and premium fuels help keep an engine cleaner though this requires prolonged usage. Whilst perhaps not in the spirit of the test an engine that is up to operating temperature will have lower emissions
Seat belts – smooth retraction and not frayed/ cut

For cars being tested for the first time there is another consideration. For motorists considering purchasing an extended warranty now that, in the most part, their original warranty has expired, they may wish to do so before having the MOT test. An exclusion of all car warranties is that cover cannot be provided for a known fault. If a driver waits until the MOT has been done and has an advisory notice, by definition that becomes a known fault. In the event of a warranty claim a warranty company is able to view, on line, advisory notices and so would probably reject a claim