MOT 2026 — five things to check on your car beforehand
Want to avoid a re-test? These five checks prevent 80% of the failures we see in our workshop.
MOT is mandatory for every car in the Netherlands, but most failures are caused by the same few items. Run through these five checks before driving to the workshop.
1. Lights work all round
Side lights, dipped, main beam, fog lights front and rear, reverse, brake, indicators, plate lights. Ask someone to point out which are on and which aren't.
2. Tyres — enough tread, no cuts
Legal minimum is 1.6 mm. Below 3 mm we recommend replacement before winter. Also check the sidewall for cuts or bulges.
3. Wipers and washers
Streaks on your windscreen? New blades are cheap. Top up washer fluid and check the jets are aimed correctly.
4. Rust on load-bearing parts
Rust on the floor, arches, sills or subframe mounts is an instant fail. If unsure, drop by for an inspection beforehand.
5. Belts, horn, headlight aim
Pull every belt fully out and check it rolls and locks. Test the horn. Headlights aimed too high will blind oncoming drivers — that's a fail.
