MOT – Falkirk

An MOT is a yearly check that your vehicle meets the legal standards for road safety and emissions, and most cars need their first one when they turn three. At Ian Grieve Service Centre, we carry out Class 4 MOTs in our dedicated test bay just off Glasgow Road in Falkirk, and we can arrange Class 7 MOTs for larger vans.

If your vehicle fails, our workshop is right next door, so any repairs can be carried out quickly and without the hassle of taking it elsewhere.

Which vehicles we test

Our in-house test bay covers Class 4 vehicles, which includes:

• Cars, including hybrid and electric vehicles
• Motor caravans and campervans
• Vans and goods vehicles up to 3,000kg design gross weight
• Taxis and private passenger vehicles with up to eight passenger seats

For goods vehicles between 3,000kg and 3,500kg design gross weight, which fall under Class 7, we’ll arrange the test for you, so you still only need to deal with one garage.

What an MOT checks

During the test, the tester examines the key parts of your vehicle to make sure they’re safe and working as they should. These include:

• Brakes, steering, and suspension
• Lights, indicators, and the horn
• Tyres and wheels
• Seatbelts and seats
• The windscreen, wipers, and mirrors
• Exhaust emissions and the fuel system
• The body and chassis, checked for corrosion or sharp edges

An MOT doesn’t cover the condition of the engine, clutch, or gearbox, so it isn’t a replacement for regular servicing.

Understanding your MOT result

Faults found during the test are graded by how serious they are; dangerous and major faults mean your vehicle fails, while minor faults and advisories are recorded on the certificate as things to keep an eye on.

If your vehicle fails with a dangerous fault, it can’t be driven until the fault has been repaired. We’ll talk you through what the results mean in plain terms and give you a clear quote for any repairs before any work goes ahead.

When to book your MOT

You can have your MOT up to a month, minus a day, before the current certificate runs out and still keep the same renewal date, but booking early gives you time to sort out any repairs without the risk of being left without a valid MOT.

Driving without a valid MOT can lead to a fine and may invalidate your insurance. The main exception is driving to a pre-booked test.

Common reasons vehicles fail

Many MOT failures come down to simple things that are easy to check at home beforehand. Blown bulbs, worn wiper blades, low screen wash, and tyres below the legal tread depth are some of the most common, along with warning lights left on the dashboard.

Why choose us for your MOT

With our test bay and workshop on the same site, we can deal with any failures promptly using original equipment parts, and you can also book your MOT alongside a service to save a separate trip.

We’ve been a family business since 1991, and we’ll always give you honest advice rather than recommending work your vehicle doesn’t need. While you wait, you’re welcome to use our comfortable waiting area with free Wi-Fi, or we can collect your vehicle and return it free of charge from across Falkirk, Larbert, Denny, and Bonnybridge.

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Simon 4 months ago

From initial contact David gave us the confidence to purchase a used Kia remotely and we could not speak highly enough about the whole experience. If you are thinking about purchasing a vehicle from this company do not hesitate.It was delivered by an amazing company without any issues. Davis & Ian Grieve Thank you. Amanda & Simon

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