Kwikfit MOT's - ok or avoid?
- Thread starter Guv
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In theory, yes. In practice, no.
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Whilst an MOT is an MOT, you want to have it done at the same place you'll use to do any required work on the vehicle. Otherwise you'll have to pay for a re-test.
I wouldn't let Kwik Fit anywhere near my car, they're not very well trained and they're usually unprofessional and inexperienced.
I wouldn't let Kwik Fit anywhere near my car, they're not very well trained and they're usually unprofessional and inexperienced.
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I agree that Kwik Fit wouldn't be the first choice, but what exactly is going to go wrong?
They're just going to be checking stuff not rebuilding the engine or fixing stuff.
MOT is a very basic test. Windscreen wipers work, steering wheel turns, wheels turn, indicators work, horn works, brakes legal, tyres legal etc.
If your car's in reasonable nick, I don't think there's anything to worry about.
They're just going to be checking stuff not rebuilding the engine or fixing stuff.
MOT is a very basic test. Windscreen wipers work, steering wheel turns, wheels turn, indicators work, horn works, brakes legal, tyres legal etc.
If your car's in reasonable nick, I don't think there's anything to worry about.
You should not post about things you don't understand - the MOT test covers a whole lot more than that!
Doesn't look that complicated!
What the MOT test includes
The body and vehicle structure
Is free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas and there are no sharp edges likely to cause injury.
The fuel System
Has no leaks and the fuel cap fastens and seals securely. The fuel cap will need to be opened so be sure the key is available.
The exhaust emissions
The vehicle meets the requirements for exhaust emissions, dependant on the age and fuel type of the vehicle.
The exhaust system
Is secure, complete, without serious leaks and silences effectively.
The seat belts
All belts installed are checked for type, condition, operation and security. All compulsory seat belts must be in place.
The seats
The front seats are secure. Front and rear backseats can be secured in the upright position.
Components to be inspected
The doors
Latch securely in closed position. Front doors should open from inside and outside the vehicle. Rear doors may need to be opened to gain access to testable items.
The mirrors
The minimum numbers are on the vehicle, their condition and security.
Load security
Boot or tailgate can be secured in the closed position.
The brakes
Their condition, operation and performance (efficiency test). Note the removal of the road wheels is not part of the test.
The tyres and wheels
Their condition, security, size, type and tread depth. Spare tyres are not inspected.
The registration plates
Their condition, security, characters correctly formed and spaced.
The lights
Their condition, operation and security. Headlamps for aim.
The bonnet
Securely latches in the closed position.
The wipers and washers
Operate to give the driver a clear view ahead.
The windscreen
Its condition and the driver’s view of the road.
The horn
Operates correctly and is of a suitable type.
The steering and suspension
Are of a satisfactory condition and operation.
The vehicle identification number (VIN)
Is on vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1980. Not more than one different VIN is displayed except on multistage build vehicles.
What the MOT test includes
The body and vehicle structure
Is free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas and there are no sharp edges likely to cause injury.
The fuel System
Has no leaks and the fuel cap fastens and seals securely. The fuel cap will need to be opened so be sure the key is available.
The exhaust emissions
The vehicle meets the requirements for exhaust emissions, dependant on the age and fuel type of the vehicle.
The exhaust system
Is secure, complete, without serious leaks and silences effectively.
The seat belts
All belts installed are checked for type, condition, operation and security. All compulsory seat belts must be in place.
The seats
The front seats are secure. Front and rear backseats can be secured in the upright position.
Components to be inspected
The doors
Latch securely in closed position. Front doors should open from inside and outside the vehicle. Rear doors may need to be opened to gain access to testable items.
The mirrors
The minimum numbers are on the vehicle, their condition and security.
Load security
Boot or tailgate can be secured in the closed position.
The brakes
Their condition, operation and performance (efficiency test). Note the removal of the road wheels is not part of the test.
The tyres and wheels
Their condition, security, size, type and tread depth. Spare tyres are not inspected.
The registration plates
Their condition, security, characters correctly formed and spaced.
The lights
Their condition, operation and security. Headlamps for aim.
The bonnet
Securely latches in the closed position.
The wipers and washers
Operate to give the driver a clear view ahead.
The windscreen
Its condition and the driver’s view of the road.
The horn
Operates correctly and is of a suitable type.
The steering and suspension
Are of a satisfactory condition and operation.
The vehicle identification number (VIN)
Is on vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1980. Not more than one different VIN is displayed except on multistage build vehicles.
With my Golf I just get it done at the local VAG dealer. It's the same price as anywhere else (although not quite as cheap as that Quick Fit offer obviously) and they not only collect it and return it for me, they also wash it... all for no extra cost. Do BMW do a similar service?
As Lopez alludes to, the problem comes when you get a tester who is less than 100% honest, and can choose to fail your car and suggest remedial work which is un-necessary - for example telling you your brake pads and discs need replacing, when theres actually nothing wrong with them.
Such tactics are far from unusual - for a garage such tactics can generate a useful amount of extra work (hence income) from the typical motorist who sadly doesn't know any better than whatever his mechanic will tell him. Failing a car deliberately on what would, at an honest garage, be an advisory notice at best, and telling the owner its dangerous and illegal to drive unless he gets his wallet out is sadly not unusual...
You would hope that a big company such as Kwit Fit would be above this, but alas like any franchise its only as good/bad as the staff at any particular branch.
Such tactics are far from unusual - for a garage such tactics can generate a useful amount of extra work (hence income) from the typical motorist who sadly doesn't know any better than whatever his mechanic will tell him. Failing a car deliberately on what would, at an honest garage, be an advisory notice at best, and telling the owner its dangerous and illegal to drive unless he gets his wallet out is sadly not unusual...
You would hope that a big company such as Kwit Fit would be above this, but alas like any franchise its only as good/bad as the staff at any particular branch.
+1; in summary get a garage you can trust to do the work.
Soldato
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I bet they claim you need a new exhaust or atleast an adviser, new tyres and they love condemming brakes.
Either your brakes, exhaust or tyres will need replacing. Guaranteed.
You can take it anywhere you want for repairs then just take it back for the retest.
No I don't, I want to have my car fixed in front of my house by myself or F&F, I don't do an MOT there.
Most things it would fail MOT on would be an absolute waste of money to bring it to a garage/dealer/3rd party.
You want to go to a garage for changing your bulbs, brake pads, wipers, etcetc
?
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Soldato
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You can take it anywhere you want for repairs then just take it back for the retest.
On some items it's a free retest, on others it isn't. It used to say so on the back of the 'fail sheet' what is and isn't included, don't know if it still does.
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like my son who took his car to Halfords Redditch for an MOT & it failed on 17 points, took it to the one I use & it failed on just 2 minor points