Preparing your campervan or motorhome for its MOT doesn’t just boost your chances of passing first time—it also helps you avoid unexpected repair costs and keeps your vehicle safe for the road.
We spoke to NY Highways’ Fleet Manager, Steve Bowe, about simple checks that will help prepare your campervan or motorhome for its MOT.
Whether you’re a seasoned motorhome owner or new to life on wheels, these six quick and easy checks will help you get MOT‑ready.
- Check Your Lights and Indicators
Faulty bulbs are among the most common MOT fails, and they’re quick to fix.
Steve advises: “Ensure you test all exterior lights, including headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and number plate lights. Replace any bulbs that flicker or fail to light up.”
Ensuring proper lighting also makes your vehicle safer for night and low‑visibility driving.
2. Inspect Tyres for Wear and Correct Pressure
Motorhomes are heavy, so tyre condition is crucial. Make sure all tyres—including the spare—have at least 1.6mm of tread depth.
“Look for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear,” says Steve. “Inflate tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure – under‑inflated tyres can affect braking, vehicle stability and fuel economy.”
3. Check Fluid Levels
Before your MOT, top up essential fluids such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windscreen wash, and power steering fluid.
Steve explains: “Low levels can trigger dashboard warnings that may lead to a fail. Performing regular fluid checks also helps to maintain
your engine’s health during longer trips.”
4. Test Your Brakes
“If your brakes feel spongy, make unusual noises, or pull to one side, get them checked before your MOT,” Steve warns, as brake
performance is a major part of an MOT test.
A quick pre‑MOT service can identify worn pads, discs, or leaks in the braking system.
5. Ensure Your Windscreen and Wipers Are in Good Condition
Steve advises: “Your windscreen must be free from major cracks or chips, especially in the windscreen swept area. Check your wiper
blades for splits or streaking and replace them if necessary.”
A clean, clear windscreen, undamaged windscreen keeps you safe and ensures minimal distractions and will help your campervan or
motorhome pass its MOT.
Steve adds: “Mobile phone holders attached to the windscreen, or positioned in a way that causes a slight obstruction to the driver’s view,
are not an MOT fail—provided they are removable and not a type‑approved device.
“However, the test station is required to remove the holder for the duration of the test. It will be placed on the passenger seat, and you will
be informed that it has been removed and the reason why.”
6. Secure All Seats, Doors, and Bodywork
Motorhomes have extra features such as swivel seats, interior doors and external access doors. Make sure seats lock into place, adjust
correctly, cupboards close securely and external doors are secure. Body panels that are damaged or modified unsafely can pose a risk
to other road users ensure that modifications or body damage does not affect stability or safety of the vehicle.
Steve explains: “While not all internal systems fall under the MOT, anything that affects safety or access will be checked so it’s important
that everything is as safe as it can be before we test.”
Final Thoughts
Getting your campervan or motorhome ready for its MOT doesn’t need to be stressful. By carrying out these simple checks in advance,
you’ll reduce the chance of unexpected fails and keep your home‑on‑wheels safe and roadworthy.
Regular maintenance—not just pre‑MOT prep—is the best way to ensure happy travels all year round.
MOT your campervan or motorhome at NY Highways in Northallerton, North Yorkshire
If you’ve ticked off our six checks, why not get in touch with our expert team at NY Highways for an MOT?
Click here to visit our Campervans and Motorhomes MOTs page
Our Northallerton workshop regularly services campervans and motorhomes, with the ability to cater for vehicles with the weight of up to 5 tonnes.
Our independent, reliable and experienced team are responsible for maintaining a large and varied fleet of vehicles, therefore you can be sure your campervan or motorhome is in safe hands with NY Highways.
We serve North Yorkshire and all surrounding areas, including: Northallerton, Richmond, Thirsk, Catterick, Bedale, Barnard Castle, Stokesley, Great Ayton, Osmotherley, Hutton Rudby, Yarm & Eaglescliffe, Teesside, Middlesbrough, Stockton on Tees, Billingham, Thornaby, Ingleby Barwick, County Durham, Darlington, Hurworth, Middleton St John, and more.