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Lexus centres have time after time been rated the UK’s best, as well as the most fairly-priced – and our cars’ exceptional reliability means visits to the workshop should be rare. That said, all cars over three years old are required to undergo the annual MOT checkup, and any of our centres will be happy to use their expert knowledge and genuine Lexus parts to ensure your car remains road-legal, all for £49. However, if you’d like to do your bit to keep your Lexus running in tip-top condition, watch our video above to see our tips for helping your car through the MOT. Read on to see our top 10 tips, based on the SMMT’s ‘Minute Or Two’ check:
1. Headlights and indicators
Test all of your car’s headlights, sidelights, rear lights, hazard lights and indicators to make sure they work.
2. Brake lights
Ask a friend to check that the rear brake lights come on when you press the brake pedal – including any brake strip light. If you’re working alone, carefully reverse up to a reflective surface such as a window, wall or garage door and use your mirrors to see for yourself.
3. Number plate
Make sure that the number plate is clean and readable – even a quick wipe with a cloth can make a big difference. The font and spacing of letters must comply with legal requirements to be passed by the MOT station.
4. Wheels and tyres
Check that wheels and tyres are undamaged. The minimum legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm and any tyres with less than this will be marked as an MOT fail, although for safety’s sake, we advise that tyres are changed when tread reaches 3mm. If you’re in doubt about how much tread is left on a tyre, your local Lexus centre can check for you and supply the right tyre if a replacement is needed.
5. Seats and seatbelts
The driver’s seat should adjust forwards and backwards and all seatbelts should be in good working order. Inspect the seatbelt’s full length for damage, and tug sharply on all seatbelts to check that they react as they’re supposed to if you have to brake severely.
6. Windscreen
Check the view from the front of the car – any damage larger than 40mm will cause a fail, as will any damage wider than 10mm within the sweep of the windscreen wipers.
7. Windscreen wipers
Any tears or holes in the wiper rubber can cause an MOT fail, so make sure your wipers are able to keep your windscreen clean.
8. Screenwash
Something as simple as an empty screenwash container can cause an MOT fail, so if you have some screenwash liquid, top up the container before the test. A Lexus centre can supply high-quality grime-fighting screenwash if needed.
9. Horn
Press the horn button to ensure it works – if it doesn’t, your Lexus centre will need to repair or replace it.
10. Fuel and engine oil
Make sure your car is filled with enough fuel and engine oil – both are required to test your car’s emissions levels. If you are unsure about the type of oil that should be used, your Lexus centre can supply the right kind.
When checking fluid levels and handling parts that could be become hot to the touch (eg bulbs), it’s always best to ensure that the vehicle has had an opportunity to cool down fully.
Visit lexus.co.uk to find your local Lexus centre.
