Every driver in Stockport with a car over three years old needs an MOT, but most people have only a vague idea what the test actually covers beyond “safety stuff.” Knowing what’s checked makes it easier to spot problems yourself before test day — and easier to understand what’s happened if something fails.

What the test covers

An MOT is a roadworthiness check, not a full mechanical inspection. The tester works through a defined list set by the DVSA, including:

• Lights — all exterior bulbs, indicators and reflectors working correctly
• Tyres — tread depth, condition, correct size and no visible damage
• Brakes — condition and performance, checked using specialist equipment
• Steering and suspension — no excessive play or wear
• Seatbelts — present, working, and in good condition
• Windscreen and wipers — no cracks in the driver’s line of sight, wipers clearing properly
• Horn — working and audible
• Exhaust and emissions — within legal limits for your vehicle type
• Bodywork and structure — no sharp edges or corrosion that could cause injury

What it doesn’t cover: engine condition, clutch, gearbox, or general reliability — a car can pass its MOT and still need work.

The most common reasons cars fail

Nationally, the most frequent MOT failures are lighting and signalling issues, followed by tyres, then brakes — all things a five-minute check at home can often catch before test day. Bulbs are the easiest and cheapest fix; tyre and brake issues need a proper look.

Booking your MOT in Stockport

A6 Autos is a DVSA-approved test centre (number 3170A1) at 13 Charlesworth Street, Stockport (SK1 3UE), with MOTs from £39 when booked online. If anything comes up, we explain it in plain English and offer a free retest within 10 working days.

FAQs

How long does an MOT take?

Around 50 minutes — you can wait or drop the car off.

What happens if I fail?

You’ll get a clear breakdown of failures versus advisories, and can get any necessary work done with us, with a free retest within 10 working days.

Can I check anything myself before the test?

Yes — tyres, lights, wipers and screenwash are all worth a quick check beforehand, since they’re the most common fail points.

Book your MOT online or call 0161 480 0919. Open Monday to Friday 8am–5:30pm, Saturday 8am–1pm.