Welcome back to Episode 2 of The Fastlane MOT Bible. I’m Mark, and today we’re diving into the stuff that literally sits right in front of your face every time you drive: visibility.
Quick note before we get stuck in: The Fastlane MOT Bible is its own standalone series, and it’s separate from Ramp Up Mondays.
When people think about an MOT checklist, they often picture the big mechanical stuff: brakes failing, suspension knocking, or emissions being through the roof. While those are definitely big hitters, some of the most common MOT failures are actually the simplest things to fix. If you can’t see where you’re going, or if your car can’t clear its own "eyes," you’re looking at a big red "Refusal of an MOT Test" certificate.
In Episode 2 of the Bible, we’re focusing on the glass, the blades, and the sprayers. These are the easy wins. If you spend five minutes checking these before you bring your car into us for your St Helens MOT, you could save yourself the hassle of a retest. If you want to get it booked in, here’s our MOT page: MOT booking in St Helens.
The Windscreen: More Than Just Glass
Your windscreen is part of the car’s structural integrity, but for the MOT, it’s all about the view. The MOT tester divides your windscreen into different zones. The most important one is "Zone A." This is a 290mm wide strip, centered on the steering wheel, right in your line of sight.
In Zone A, any damage: like a chip or a crack: larger than 10mm will result in a fail. To put that in perspective, 10mm less than the size of a 5p coin. Outside of Zone A (the rest of the area swept by the wipers), the limit is 40mm.
If you’ve got a chip, don't wait. A small stone chip can turn into a massive crack overnight if the temperature drops or you hit a pothole. We see it all the time at Fastlane Autocare - Autocentres. Getting a chip repaired is much cheaper and faster than a full windscreen replacement. Plus, if the crack is in your line of sight, it’s an immediate fail on your MOT checklist.
Wiper Blades: The Silent Fail
Wiper blades are one of those items people forget about until it starts pouring down on the M6. For an MOT, your wipers must effectively clear the screen. If they leave big smears, have bits of rubber hanging off, or make a screeching sound that sets your teeth on edge, they might be an MOT fail.
Testers look for:
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Condition of the rubber: If it’s split or perished, it’s a fail.
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Effectiveness: If they don't clear the water and leave the screen blurry, it's a fail.
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Security: The wiper arms must be securely attached and the pivot points shouldn't be seized.
A fresh set of blades costs very little and takes two minutes to fit. It’s one of those "quick fixes" that keeps you on the right side of the law. If you aren't sure which ones you need, pop in and one of our Fastlane Autocare mechanics will be happy to help you out. (And if your MOT is due, Episode 3 is your reminder to sort the basics before test day.)
The Washer System: Don't Run Dry
This is probably the most "avoidable" fail in history. If your washers don't work, you fail. Period. It doesn't matter if the rest of the car is brand new. The MOT tester will flick that stalk, and if nothing hits the glass, you’re going home with a fail.
Check these three things:
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Fluid Level: Top it up! Don't just use water; use a proper screen wash mix. It prevents the lines from freezing in winter and helps shift the greasy road film that builds up.
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The Pump: When you try to use the washers, can you hear the pump humming? If it's silent, the pump or a fuse might have blown.
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The Jets: Are they pointed at the screen? Sometimes they get knocked or clogged with wax and grit. You can usually clear a blocked jet with a thin needle or pin.
While we're talking about fluids and maintenance, it's worth noting that keeping your engine running as smoothly as your washers is vital. We perform wet belt replacements for all vehicle makes and models here at Fastlane Autocare - Autocentres. Just like a dirty windscreen, a worn wet belt is a disaster waiting to happen.
Mirrors and Sun Visors
Visibility isn't just about looking forward. You need to see what's behind you too. Your mirrors must be secure and the glass shouldn't be cracked or "discoloured" to the point that it distorts your view. If you've got a wing mirror held on with duct tape, that’s going to be an issue.
Also, don't forget the sun visor. The driver’s side sun visor must stay in the "up" position when you aren't using it. If it’s floppy and hangs down in your eye line, that's a safety hazard and a potential fail. It sounds minor, but the MOT is all about safety.
Dashboard Warning Symbols: The "Internal" Visibility
Visibility also applies to being able to see the status of your car. If you have warning lights on your dash, you might be in trouble. Since 2012, many dashboard warning lights are part of the MOT test. If your ABS, SRS (Airbag), or Electronic Power Steering lights stay on, it's an automatic fail.
If you see a light you don't recognise, check out our guide on how to know your dashboard warning symbols. If you want a proper run-through of the lights-and-visibility side of the test, jump to Episode 4 here: The Fastlane MOT Bible - Episode 4. Knowing what your car is trying to tell you is the first step to a pass. We also recommend checking your lights: headlights, indicators, and brake lights: as part of your visibility routine. If you have a blown bulb, we offer car and van bulb replacement in Merseyside to get you sorted before your test. If the warning light is pointing to a deeper fault, we can get to the bottom of it with vehicle diagnostics. And if your car’s overdue a proper once-over, booking it in for car servicing in St Helens alongside your MOT is a smart move.
Your Quick Visibility MOT Checklist
Before you head down to see us at Boundary Rd, run through this quick list (and if you need a hand, we can also help with mobile tyre fitting and fleet maintenance for business vehicles):
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Check the glass: Any chips in the middle? Any cracks bigger than a £2 coin elsewhere?
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Test the wipers: Do they clear the water cleanly? Are the rubbers intact?
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Squirt the washers: Is there plenty of fluid? Do the jets hit the middle of the screen?
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Inspect the mirrors: Are they cracked? Are they wobbly?
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Look at the dash: Are there any red or orange warning lights staying on?
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Clean the screen: Sometimes a good scrub on the inside of the glass makes a world of difference for glare.
At Fastlane Autocare - Autocentres, we pride ourselves on being the go-to spot for a St Helens MOT. We don't just "fail" you and send you on your way; we’re here to help you understand what's wrong and get it fixed. Whether it's a simple wiper blade or a complex diagnostic issue, we've got the tools and the team to handle it.
If you’re ready to sort your test, head here: MOT booking in St Helens. And if you’re due routine maintenance alongside it, here’s our main page for car servicing in St Helens. You can also see the full range of services we provide on our website.
Visibility is one of the easiest sections of the MOT to "pre-pass" yourself. By taking ten minutes to look over these items, you're not just ensuring an MOT pass: you're making sure you’re safe on the road.
Stay safe, keep it clear, and we'll see you at the workshop!
The Fastlane MOT Bible: Next/Previous Episodes
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Previous: Episode 1
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Next: Episode 3
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Also read: Episode 4
Fastlane Autocare Autocare
232-254 Boundary Rd, WA10 2PZ
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