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KITH Cars Garage — Hackbridge, South London

MOT Testing in Hackbridge, South London

KITH Cars Garage is a DVSA-authorised MOT test centre in Hackbridge, South London. MOT tests from £50 for all cars. Same-day remedial work available. Free retest within 10 working days. Book online or call 020 4629 9469.

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★★★★★ 4.9/5 — 87 Google Reviews
🕑 Mon–Sat 8am–8pm
📍 Hackbridge SM6 7HN
MOT Testing South London
Pricing

Transparent pricing — written quote before any work begins

MOT test: £50 for all cars and light vehicles. The DVSA maximum fee is £54.85 — we charge less. Retest: free within 10 working days. All MOT repairs are priced separately and quoted before work begins.

Written quote
Before any work begins
12-month warranty
Parts and labour
Mon–Sat 8am–8pm
Extended hours
OEM-equivalent parts
Manufacturer spec

What does an MOT test cover?

An MOT test checks that a vehicle meets the minimum road safety and environmental standards set by the DVSA. Test items include: lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazards, number plate lights), steering and suspension, brakes, tyres and wheels, seat belts, horn, windscreen wipers, exhaust emissions, fuel system, doors and bodywork, mirrors, and the vehicle identification number (VIN). The test does not cover the engine, clutch, gearbox, or most mechanical components unless they directly affect safety.

MOT advisories — what do they mean?

An advisory is a note on your MOT certificate that a component is showing early signs of wear but has not yet reached the point of failure. Advisories do not fail the MOT but must be monitored. Common advisories: tyre wear approaching the limit, corrosion on brake pipes, worn wiper blades, slight play in a suspension component, or a cracked headlight lens. We go through every advisory with you after the test and advise on urgency.

Emissions testing — what is checked?

For petrol cars, a four-gas analyser measures carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) at idle and 2,500rpm. Diesel cars are tested with a smoke meter — the engine is revved to maximum and the opacity of the exhaust smoke is measured. Euro 5 and Euro 6 petrol cars must also pass a lambda (oxygen sensor) reading within specific limits. Cars with a DPF must have the filter present and must not emit visible smoke.

Can I drive my car to its MOT without a valid MOT?

Yes — you may drive directly to a pre-booked MOT test appointment. You may also drive directly back from a failed test. You must not drive for any other purpose without a valid MOT — doing so is illegal and invalidates your insurance. If your car fails and is not safe to drive, we can arrange for it to remain at the garage until repairs are complete.

What causes the most MOT failures?

The most common MOT failure items in South London: tyre tread depth below 1.6mm across the central three-quarters, blown bulbs, excessive brake pad wear, play in suspension components or steering, windscreen damage in the driver's line of sight, and diesel smoke opacity above the limit. We carry out a free pre-MOT visual check on request to identify obvious failure points before the formal test.

Same-day MOT repairs

If your vehicle fails, we aim to carry out the remedial work the same day in most cases. Common same-day repairs include bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement, tyre replacement, minor brake work, and exhaust repairs. More complex repairs are discussed and scheduled according to the work required. A free retest is included within 10 working days of the initial test.

Book your mot testing

Unit 1, Soho Mills, London Road, Hackbridge SM6 7HN.
Mon–Sat 8am–8pm.

Get a Free Quote Call 020 4629 9469
020 4629 9469
Hackbridge SM6 7HN
Mon–Sat 8am–8pm
★★★★★ 4.9/5
87 Google reviews
Frequently asked questions

MOT Testing in South London — Questions Answered

Common questions about mot testing at KITH Cars Garage, Hackbridge.

How much does an MOT cost at KITH Cars?

£50 for all standard cars and light vehicles. The DVSA maximum fee is £54.85. We charge £50.

How long does an MOT take?

Approximately 45–60 minutes for most vehicles. More complex vehicles with additional systems may take longer.

Do I need to book an MOT?

Yes, booking is recommended to guarantee a slot. We cannot always accommodate walk-ins, particularly during busy periods.

Can I stay at the garage while my car is being MOT tested?

Yes. We have a waiting area. The test takes 45–60 minutes.

What happens if my car fails its MOT?

We issue a VT30 refusal document listing the failure items. We then quote for the remedial work. If you agree to have the work done with us, a free retest is included within 10 working days. If you have the work done elsewhere, you return for a partial retest at a reduced fee.

Can you do the MOT and any repairs on the same day?

In most cases yes. Common failures — bulbs, wipers, tyres, minor brake work — are carried out the same day. Advise us when booking if you want same-day repairs and we will schedule accordingly.

What is a dangerous MOT failure?

A dangerous fail means the item presents immediate danger to the vehicle, driver, or other road users. Examples: failed brakes, a tyre with exposed cord, a broken steering component, or a seriously cracked windscreen in the driver's line of sight. A vehicle with a dangerous failure cannot legally leave the garage under its own power.

What is a major MOT failure?

A major failure is one that impairs safety or has a significant effect on the environment but is not immediately dangerous. The vehicle fails the MOT and cannot be driven (other than to a pre-booked test or for repair). Most common failures are in this category.

What is checked on my car's lights at the MOT?

All forward-facing lights (headlights dipped and main beam, sidelights, daytime running lights), indicators front, rear and side, brake lights, rear fog light, reversing light, number plate light, hazard lights. Headlight aim is also checked — incorrectly aimed headlights will fail the test.

Does the MOT check my engine?

No. The MOT does not open the bonnet in most cases. Engine components are only relevant to the MOT where they affect emissions, the horn (which uses the battery), or if there is a fault that triggers a warning light that is visible at test. Some MOT items are adjacent to the engine bay (battery security, coolant level) but the engine internals are not assessed.

Does my car need an MOT if it is a new car?

New cars are exempt from MOT testing for the first 3 years from the date of first registration. After 3 years, an annual MOT is required.

How do I check when my MOT is due?

Go to gov.uk/check-mot-status and enter your registration number. This is a free official DVSA check.

Can I drive my car with a SORN to a pre-booked MOT?

No. A SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) means the vehicle cannot be driven on public roads at all, including to an MOT test.

What tyres will fail the MOT?

Tyres below 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre around its full circumference. Any tyre with a bulge, cut to the cords, or damage that penetrates the cord structure will also fail. Mismatched tyres (different speed ratings on the same axle) can fail on some vehicles.

Does a DPF warning light cause an MOT failure?

A DPF warning light that is illuminated at the time of the test is a failure. Additionally, if the diesel smoke opacity exceeds the limit (which a blocked DPF typically causes), the vehicle fails the emissions test regardless of whether a light is showing.

Can you carry out an MOT on a van?

Yes — class 4 MOTs (cars up to 8 passengers) and class 7 (goods vehicles up to 3,000kg) are available at KITH Cars. Heavy goods vehicles (class 5 and above) require a different licence.

Do you test electric cars for MOT?

Yes. EVs have the same MOT test as petrol or diesel cars for safety items. The emissions test is not applicable. High-voltage battery systems are visually inspected but not tested for capacity or performance.

What is the MOT free retest policy?

A free partial retest covers only the items that failed on the original test, carried out within 10 working days. A full retest is required if the vehicle is presented more than 10 working days after the original test.

Do I need to take anything to the MOT test?

Your V5C (logbook) is not required for the test but should be available. Any warning lights on the dashboard should be reported to the tester. The vehicle must have at least enough fuel to complete the test.

Can I renew my car tax without a valid MOT?

No. You cannot renew vehicle excise duty (road tax) online or at the Post Office without a valid MOT. The DVLA checks DVSA records automatically.

Will a cracked windscreen fail the MOT?

It depends on the location and size. A chip or crack in the driver's line of sight (directly behind the swept area of the wiper on the driver's side, in a 290mm zone centred on the steering wheel) that is larger than 10mm will fail. Outside this zone, up to 40mm is acceptable. Cracks that impair the driver's view will fail regardless of size.

What happens if my MOT has expired and I get stopped by police?

Driving without a valid MOT is a civil offence with a fine of up to £1,000. More significantly, it may invalidate your insurance policy, leaving you personally liable for any damage in the event of an accident.

Can you do an MOT and service on the same day?

Yes. We often combine MOT testing and service work on the same day. Book both when calling — we will schedule efficiently to minimise your wait.

Do you provide a courtesy car during the MOT?

We do not provide a courtesy car for MOT-only appointments. A vehicle is usually back within 60–90 minutes. For MOT plus repairs, we will advise on timing.

What is checked on my brakes at the MOT?

Brake performance is measured on a brake roller — each axle is measured separately and the imbalance between left and right is calculated. The handbrake is also tested on the roller. Brake pad and disc condition is visually inspected through the wheels. Brake pipes and hoses are inspected for leaks and corrosion.

My car has an EML warning light. Will it fail the MOT?

On post-2010 vehicles, an illuminated engine management light is a major MOT failure. Clear fault codes before the test is not sufficient if the underlying fault is still present — the light will come back on during the test drive.

Where are you located for MOT testing in South London?

Unit 1, Soho Mills, London Road, Hackbridge SM6 7HN. 5 minutes from Sutton, 12 minutes from Croydon, 8 minutes from Mitcham. Open Mon–Sat 8am–8pm. Call 020 4629 9469.

Can you test my car on a Saturday?

Yes. We are open Monday to Saturday 8am–8pm including for MOT testing.
Book in today

Book your appointment with KITH Cars Garage

Quick booking below. Or call 020 4629 9469 — we reply within 30 minutes during business hours.

Why choose KITH Cars Garage?

Written quote before any work begins
No surprises on collection. Every time.
Workmanship warranty on every repair
12-month parts and labour warranty included.
OEM-equivalent parts to manufacturer spec
Textar, TRW, Brembo, MANN, Mahle, INA.
Pick-up & drop-off across South London
Croydon, Sutton, Mitcham, Carshalton & more.
Mon–Sat 8am–8pm
Extended hours for you.
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Google Reviews

What our customers say

Rated 4.9 ★ on Google — 87+ reviews

★★★★★

“BMW 1 Series needed a new timing chain and clutch. Fair price, courtesy car offered. Stands out from most garages.”

Aaron Konadu
★★★★★

“Professional, no upselling, everything explained clearly. Work completed same day and car runs perfectly.”

Ziaur Rahman
★★★★★

“Rare to find a garage you can truly trust. Fair price, brilliant service. Will always come back.”

Thinushan Keitheswaran
Read all reviews on Google ★★★★★
Areas we serve from Hackbridge

Serving all of South London

Croydon · Sutton · Mitcham · Wallington · Carshalton · Beddington · Thornton Heath · Rosehill · Morden · Purley · Wimbledon · Streatham · Tooting · Norbury · Coulsdon · Cheam · Worcester Park

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