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German Car Specialists in

Car MOT in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

If you want to know that your MOT in Hitchin, Hertfordshire is in good hands, Auto Service & Tuning Centre has over 40 years of experience in the field. Who better to ensure that your trusted car is roadworthy?

The MOT test is an official roadworthiness check, which must be undertaken and passed on an annual basis by all vehicles over three years old. This test is designed to ensure the safety and functionality of the main components of a vehicle, such as the steering and brakes, alongside additional systems and parts such as fuel systems, exhaust, tyres, wheels, body structure, lights, and windscreen. Safety features such as wipers, seatbelts, and warning lights are also inspected.

Auto Service & Tuning Centre has arranged MOT tests for clients hailing from Hitchin, Letchworth, Stevenage, Royston, Baldock, Bedford, Luton, and beyond for over 40 years. Our partnered team of expert technicians have the automotive knowledge and skill needed to perform testing promptly and effectively using a fusion of traditional investigative techniques, and innovative diagnostic equipment.

Book your MOT Online

We are proud to provide fully accredited and certified Bosch vehicle servicing to Hitchin, Letchworth, Stevenage, Royston, Baldock, Bedford, Luton, and beyond. For further advice on selecting a service most suited to your car, or to speak to one of our specialists regarding any of our other services, contact us today.

car servicing BMW
BMW
car servicing mini
Mini
car servicing mercedes
Mercedes
car servicing seat
Seat
Land Rover
Land Rover
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Porsche
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VW
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Audi
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Skoda
Jaguar
Jaguar
MOT Approved Test station symbol

Testing at a Glance

What does an MOT check?

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Battery

must provide electricity to all electrical components of the vehicle. All wiring must be intact and functional.

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Brakes

must be fully functional and adhere to road safety standards.

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Bodywork

will be checked extensively for corrosion.

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Exhaust / Emissions

exhaust must be secure and adhere to emissions standards for vehicle type.

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Seats

secure in the cab, with front seats able to perform all required adjustments.

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Seatbelts and airbags

must be fully functional and adhere to safety standards

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Fuel System

all pipes and hoses must be secure and intact.

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Horn

able to hold a continuous note and suitable for the vehicle.

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Lights

front, side, and rear lights must be functional.

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Mirrors And Wipers

windscreen must be fully intact with wipers attached and functional.

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Registration Plates

must conform to all UK number plate display standards.

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Steering

the steering lock mechanism must work properly and be in a good condition.

suspension

Suspension

all springs must be fully operational.

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Mirrors

must allow for full, unobscured vision on either side of the vehicle

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Tyres

treads and air pressure must be at recommended levels.

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Doors

hinges and latches must be secure and allow for full motion. Must remain secure when closed.

National Standard MOT in Hitchin, Every time.

Car MOT

Top-of-the-line diagnostic equipment – Our MOT agent’s commitment to the use of sophisticated diagnostic equipment during MOT testing allows for the inspection of all aspects of a car’s operating system, with speed and precision.

High-Quality Parts – Some faults or issues revealed during the MOT test require part repair or replacement. In the case of this, Auto Service & Tuning Centre guarantees our use of only high quality, or manufacturer-approved parts, getting your car back on the road and performing optimally at a fraction of dealership costs.

Free re-testing – Vehicles failing their MOT, and undergoing subsequent repairs with us are allowed a free-retest, getting you back on the road promptly, and with confidence in the roadworthiness of your vehicle.

Honest, jargon-free service – Though our technicians are highly knowledgeable on all aspects of MOTs, repairs, and part replacements, they also appreciate the value of simplicity and honesty. Auto Service & Tuning Centre takes pride in our commitment to trustworthy, uncomplicated service – we work constantly to ensure our clients are assisted in making informed decisions, at their own pace.

MOT Testing for Cars, Vans, and Passenger Vehicles

Auto Service & Tuning Centre is highly skilled in the maintenance and repair of German cars, but this is in no way the limit of our expertise. Our MOT agents are able to complete tests across a variety of vehicles, meaning our services may be adjusted to suit a variety of vehicle classes. We currently offer testing for class 4 vehicles – cars and light vans.

mot car checklist

Bosch Standard Class 4 MOTs

We’re proud to offer MOT testing through our specialist partners, catering to class 4 motor vehicles.

Choosing a quality MOT testing centre can be the difference between your vehicle remaining roadworthy for much time after the test, and a subsequent breakdown. As a proud member of the Bosch Car Service Network, Auto Service & Tuning Centre, and our partners, adhere to a high national standard, one which ensures our use of parts of the highest quality and guarantees the quality of our work.

We believe that entrusting an experienced garage with your MOT test provides priceless peace of mind and assurance in the roadworthiness of your vehicle.

Whether your vehicle is approaching its 12-month MOT mark or is due for its first test, contact Auto Service & Tuning Centre for expert, prompt service. Our Bosch accredited team will be happy to assist you.

logo bosche approved
logo castrol approved
logo mobil approved
RMI logo
logo IMI approved
logo TSI approvedA

Auto Service & Tuning Centre are accredited providers of Bosch standard servicing. Our highly trained technicians combine their unrivalled knowledge, and confident use of dealership standard diagnostic technology to provide a complete service, including extensive checks and adjustments, alongside scheduled part replacement using only quality, or manufacturer approved parts.

Hertfordshire MOT FAQs

What is an MOT?

The MOT test is an official roadworthiness check, which must be undertaken and passed on an annual basis by all vehicles over three years old. MOTs must be carried out at registered testing stations – which may be found at an independent business dedicated to testing, or exist as part of a garage. There are around 21,000 testing centres across the country, all of which display the office blue MOT sign.

MOT tests ensure vehicles are safe to drive, safe for other road users, and safe for the environment – but should not be confused for a service. Tests do not include the inspection of the engine, clutch, or gearbox.

There are five potential outcomes of an MOT test. Vehicles can receive a pass, or be given an advisory, a minor defect, a major defect, or a dangerous defect. A pass deems the vehicle safe at the time of inspection and requires no further action until the next MOT 12 months after the pass date. A vehicle with an advisory is still legal to drive but highlights issues that may require attention in the near future, whilst a minor fault should be fixed as soon as possible.

Major defects significantly affect the safety of the vehicle, meaning it cannot legally be driven until repairs have been undertaken. There is one exception to this rule – vehicles with a current MOT may be driven to a garage for repair.

Book your MOT with Auto Service & Tuning Centre today here.

What does MOT stand for?

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport – a government department now absorbed by the Department of Transport, though, the abbreviation MOT is most commonly used when referring to the roadworthiness test of the same name.

The MOT test is designed to test vehicles on aspects relating to safety, emissions, and general roadworthiness. All cars over three years old must meet the minimum requirements of the MOT by law.

The MOT test will ensure the safety of the main components of a vehicle, such as the steering and brakes, alongside additional systems and parts such as fuel systems, exhaust, tyres, wheels, body structure, lights, and windscreen. Safety features such as wipers, seatbelts, and warning lights are also inspected.

How much does an MOT cost?

MOT costs are capped by government restrictions in Scotland, England and Wales. The maximum charge for an MOT is dependent on vehicle type – with cars costing no more than £54.85, and standard motorcycles no more than £29.65. VAT is not applied to this fee.

All vehicles over three years old are legally required to have a valid MOT pass certificate. Driving a vehicle without this could result in fees up to £1000, or prosecution.

Auto Service & Tuning Centre currently charge £X for an MOT. Book in here.

How long does an MOT take?

MOTs generally take between 45 to 60 minutes from start to completion – however, if the test reveals issues with the vehicle, or the vehicle fails, the additional work required to bring all components up to passing standard may take more time.

Our clients are welcome to make use of our reception waiting area for the duration of their vehicle’s MOT, and for any repairs, or leave their vehicle with us for a specified period of time.

What is included in an MOT?

The MOT test involves the inspection of dozens of aspects of a vehicle. Listed below are just some on the primary points of inspection;

  • Horn – able to hold a continuous note and suitable for the vehicle
  • Seats – secure in the cab, with front seats able to perform all required adjustments
  • Battery – must provide electricity to all electrical components of the vehicle. All wiring must be intact and functional.
  • Lights - front, side, and rear lights must be functional.
  • Towbar and corresponding equipment if applicable – can secure another vehicle or trailer safely
  • Steering – will be checked for a full range of motion, and locking
  • Suspension – all springs must be fully operational
  • Brakes – must be fully functional and adhere to road safety standards
  • Tyres – treads and air pressure must be at recommended levels
  • Seatbelts and airbags – must be fully functional and adhere to safety standards
  • Registration Plates – must conform to all UK number plate display standards
  • Exhaust and Emissions – exhaust must be secure and adhere to emissions standards for vehicle type
  • Fuel System – all pipes and hoses must be secure and intact
  • Windscreen and Wipers – windscreen must be fully intact with wipers attached and functional
  • Mirrors – must allow for full, unobscured vision on either side of the vehicle
  • Bodywork – will be checked extensively for corrosion
  • Boot – must open and close safely and securely
  • Doors – hinges and latches must be secure and allow for full motion. Must remain secure when closed.

What if my vehicle fails its MOT?

There are five potential outcomes of an MOT test. Vehicles can receive a pass, or be given an advisory, a minor defect, a major defect, or a dangerous defect.

A pass deems the vehicle safe and requires no further action until the next MOT 12 months after the pass date. A vehicle with an advisory is still legal to drive but highlights issues that may require attention in the near future, whilst a minor fault should be fixed as soon as possible.

Major defects (also known as dangerous defects or issues) significantly affect the safety of the vehicle, meaning it cannot legally be driven until repairs have been undertaken. There is one exception to this rule – vehicles with a current MOT may be driven to a garage for repair.

Any vehicles failing the MOT under the inspection of Auto Service & Tuning Centre will be re-tested free of charge following the provision of a list of failed items with a corresponding price estimate, and the implementation of all necessary repairs.

As is mentioned above, you may be able to take your vehicle away after failing an MOT – so long as your current MOT certificate is still valid, and no dangerous problems were listed in the MOT.

How can I check when my MOT is due?

Vehicle owners are normally issued a certificate upon the successful completion of an MOT, which lists the issue, and expiry date. Luckily, if this certificate cannot be found, there are other ways to check when your MOT is due.

You can check the MOT history of a vehicle, including dates using the gov MOT history checker. This government database provides some great data on vehicle history, including any prior points of concern, and resulting action taken.

Why take our Word for it?

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Main Depot.

42 Wilbury Way
Hitchin
Hertfordshire
SG4 0AP

Service hours.

Mon - Thur: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 18:00
Sat - Sun: Closed
Closed on bank holidays