Winter MOT Prep: Must-Check Items For Cars In Maidenhead & Taplow

As we head into the darkest and coldest months of the year, it’s worth remembering that winter is one of the toughest times for your car. Short daylight hours, icy mornings and constant rain all put extra strain on key components, which is why winter sees a spike in MOT failures.

If you’re driving regularly around Maidenhead, Taplow or the surrounding areas, a little preparation before your MOT can save you time, stress and unexpected repair bills. Below are the main areas we always recommend paying attention to before booking your winter MOT check.

LIGHTS & VISIBILITY

With fewer daylight hours, your lights are more important than ever. Even a single blown bulb can result in an MOT failure, and many drivers don’t notice until it’s too late. Make sure all external lights are working correctly, including headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and number plate lights. Headlight alignment is also checked, as misaligned beams can dazzle other road users.

TYRES & ROAD GRIP

Cold weather causes tyre pressures to drop, which affects handling, braking and fuel efficiency. Worn or underinflated tyres are a common MOT issue during winter months. Check that your tread depth is comfortably above the legal minimum of 1.6mm, look out for uneven wear, and keep an eye on tyre pressures, especially if you’re driving on wet or icy roads around Taplow’s rural routes.

BATTERY & ELECTRICS

Winter is the number one battery killer. Cold temperatures reduce battery performance, and short journeys don’t always give it enough time to recharge. If your engine is slow to start, warning lights appear, or your battery is more than four or five years old, it’s worth having it tested before your MOT.

WIPERS, WASHERS & WINDSCREEN

Good visibility is essential in winter rain, spray and early-morning frost. MOT testers will check that your wipers clear the screen effectively and that washers spray properly. Smearing wipers, low washer fluid or cracks in the windscreen (especially in the driver’s line of sight) can all cause problems.

COOLANT & ANTIFREEZE

Your engine relies on the correct antifreeze mixture to stop coolant freezing in low temperatures. Low or incorrect coolant levels can lead to overheating, engine damage and MOT issues. This is a simple check that can prevent expensive repairs later on.

A SIMPLE STEP THAT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE

A bit of winter car maintenance goes a long way. At LJ Vehicle Specialist, we help drivers across Maidenhead and Taplow keep their vehicles safe, legal and reliable throughout the winter months.

If your MOT is due, or you’d like a pre-MOT winter check, our friendly local team is always happy to help.