Class 4 MOT Testing – Stanway

A Class 4 MOT is the standard annual test for most cars and smaller vans, and it’s the one the majority of drivers need. All Trans Autos carries out Class 4 MOTs in our own test bay on Peartree Industrial Estate in Stanway, with repairs available in our workshop if anything needs putting right.

Which vehicles need a Class 4 MOT?

Class 4 covers a wide range of everyday vehicles, including:

• cars with up to eight passenger seats
• goods vehicles, such as vans, with a design gross weight of up to 3,000kg
• taxis and private hire vehicles
• dual-purpose vehicles, such as some pickups
• passenger vehicles with nine to twelve passenger seats

If your van is heavier than 3,000kg, it will need a Class 7 MOT instead. You’ll find the design gross weight on the manufacturer’s plate, usually inside the driver’s door frame or under the bonnet.

When is your MOT due?

Most cars need their first MOT three years after they were first registered, and then every year after that. Taxis, ambulances, and vehicles with more than eight passenger seats need their first test after just one year.

You can have your MOT up to a month, minus a day, before your current certificate expires and keep the same renewal date. Booking early gives you breathing space to deal with any repairs without the risk of being left without a valid certificate.

What the test checks

The MOT is a check of the parts that keep your vehicle safe and within emissions limits. Our tester will look at:

• brakes, steering, and suspension
• tyres and wheels
• lights, indicators, and the horn
• seatbelts and seats
• the windscreen, wipers, and mirrors
• the exhaust and emissions
• the body and chassis, for corrosion and sharp edges
• the registration plates and vehicle identification number

It’s worth remembering that an MOT isn’t a service. It confirms your vehicle met the minimum standard on the day, but it doesn’t involve changing oil, filters, or anything else that wears out.

Simple checks before your test

A good share of MOT failures come down to small things you can check yourself in a few minutes. Before you bring your car in, make sure:

• every bulb works, including brake lights and number plate lights
• the screen wash is topped up and the wipers clear the glass cleanly
• tyres have at least 1.6mm of tread and no cuts or bulges
• there are no warning lights on the dashboard
• the number plates are clean and readable

If your car fails

We’ll talk you through every reason for the failure and send you photos so you can see exactly what the tester found. Advisories, which are items that passed but are close to needing attention, are explained in the same way.

Most failures can be repaired here in our workshop. You’ll receive a quote first, and nothing is fixed until you’ve said yes. If you’d rather book your MOT alongside a service, we can do both in one visit.

While you wait, our waiting area has comfortable seating, a coffee machine, cold drinks, and a TV. If you’d rather leave the car with us, there are regular buses into Colchester town centre, or a courtesy car can be arranged, although charges may apply.

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Tom Coates 2 weeks ago

Needed an MOT at short notice and found All trans. Very easy to book online, great communication from the staff, very nice facilities.

They even made sure the kids were safe, which had me laughing all the way home!

Would highly recommend.

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Sam Baker 3 weeks ago

My car went in for a service and MOT. From start to finish great comms and service.

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Jessica Bassnett 4 weeks ago

All trans managed to squeeze me in after realising my MOT ran out! They were honest, reliable and communicated well. My first time using since my original garage has gone down hill so we’ll defo be back.

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