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Looking For A Quality Maidstone MOT Testing Centre?

This year has proven challenging as the coronavirus continues to have an impact across most sectors. Fortunately, through hard work and dedication, Elite Garages have managed to provide essential services to many customers as vehicle safety remains a number one priority. To expand our operations even further, our new Maidstone site opened on Monday 2nd November, offering servicing, tyres, vehicle checks and MOTs.

Why Choose The Elite Garages Maidstone MOT Testing Centre

Elite Garages recently celebrated 50 years in the vehicle servicing industry representing three generations of dedicated people looking out for your best interest. With servicing and MOT testing centres across several prime locations, Elite Garages remain one of the south’s leading independent tyre, MOT, car service and forecourt operators.

The Maidstone MOT testing centre may be new but the team has been in the industry for a long time. Elite has always hired the best of the best to ensure you receive the level of service you’d come to expect from a family-owned business. You are in exceptionally capable hands as the team is professional, friendly and willing to help where they can.

Elite Garages Maidstone has ample customer parking, several service bays and a comfortable, spacious reception area. Of course, all of our centres follow government guidelines to ensure they meet the strictest Covid-19 safety protocols.

Why Are MOTs So Important?

In short, an MOT is there to help protect you, your passengers and other road users. An MOT test involves several checks to ensure a vehicle meets certain safety criteria to be classified as roadworthy.  A vehicle that is not roadworthy is essentially unsafe to operate on public roads and can be extremely dangerous if left unchecked.

An MOT is an annual test and a legal requirement on all cars older than three years. The only MOT exceptions are as follows:

  • cars newer than three years
  • electric vehicles registered before 1 March 2015
  • any vehicle that is deemed historic or ‘classic’
  • tractors

If you are caught without an MOT, besides putting lives at risk, it may invalidate your insurance and you could face hefty fines of up to £1,000 or £2,500 when driving with a dangerous fault.

Recommended: ‘What Should I Do When My MOT Is Late?’

What Happens During An MOT Test?

Considering an MOT is only a visual check and not a car service, examiners perform several checks of the exterior, interior, under the bonnet and underneath the vehicle. Some of the components include:

  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Registration plate
  • Lights
  • Steering and suspension
  • Windscreen
  • Wipers and washer bottle
  • Horn
  • Seats and seatbelts
  • Fuel systems
  • Emissions
  • Bodywork
  • Doors and mirrors
  • Brakes
  • Wheels and tyres

Remember, always check if the centre you choose has DVSA-approved examiners as they are the only ones allowed to carry out an MOT. All of the Elite Garages that provide MOTs are DVSA-approved and the Maidstone MOT testing centre is no exception.

What Happens When I Fail An MOT?

After the MOT, you will either receive a certificate for a Pass or Fail. When you pass an MOT, you will receive a VT20 MOT certificate but if you fail, examiners offer feedback on faults and advise whether you need repairs. If so, you have to book a service and arrange a re-test. At the Elite Garages Maidstone MOT testing centre, you get a FREE re-test when booked within 10 working days.

There is a limit on how much an MOT will cost as it’s based on the size of your vehicle and its purpose. The VOSA recommended maximum MOT price is £54.85 for a car and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle. Once you’ve booked your MOT test, take along your appointment letter, vehicle registration document or logbook (V5C) and your latest MOT certificate, if you have one.

Related: ‘What To Do If My MOT Has Expired’

Get Free Reminders From The Maidstone MOT Testing Centre

Many people often forget their MOT which can be an expensive (and dangerous) oversight. We took note of that and by redesigning our website, booking your MOT online has never been easier. You can also become part of the Elite Member’s Club which entitles you to free MOT and Service text reminders as well as access to a range of special offers and discounts.

Never forget your MOT again and let Elite Garages help keep you and your family safe by signing up for the free membership. If you want a local, friendly and professional centre to look after your vehicle, our Maidstone MOT testing centre has everything you need, and more.

Please get in touch with your nearest branch if you have any questions or would like additional information about our standard and premium car services, tyres, wheel alignment, brakes, clutches and free vehicle checks among others.

Read more about MOT Easbourne and MOT Canterbury