Your MOT certificate is more than just proof that your car is legally roadworthy — it’s also a valuable record that can help you track your vehicle’s maintenance history. Understanding how to read and use this information can help you stay on top of repairs, plan servicing schedules, and even boost your car’s resale value.

In this article, we’ll explain how you can use your MOT certificate and online MOT history to maintain your car effectively.

Understanding What’s on an MOT Certificate

An MOT certificate includes key information about your vehicle and the outcome of its latest MOT test. It records:

• The test date and expiry date
• The vehicle’s mileage at the time of the test
• Whether the car passed or failed
• Any advisories or defects identified during the inspection

These details form a snapshot of your car’s condition at a particular point in time. Keeping your MOT certificates (either printed or digital) helps you build a complete picture of how your car has performed and aged over the years.

Why MOT History Matters for Maintenance

Your MOT history can reveal recurring problems or patterns that need attention. For example:

• If your last MOT listed tyre wear advisories, it’s a sign you may need alignment or suspension checks.
• Repeated brake or exhaust issues could suggest deeper mechanical problems.
• Consistent mileage increases help confirm whether servicing has been done regularly.

By reviewing your MOT certificates annually, you can schedule timely maintenance and prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs.

Using Online MOT History Tools

Even if you’ve lost old certificates, you can easily check your full MOT history online. Websites like CheckMot.com allow you to enter your vehicle registration number and instantly view:

• Previous MOT results
• Mileage records
• Advisory and failure notices
• Expiry dates for future MOTs

This information is pulled directly from the official DVSA database, ensuring it’s accurate and up to date. It’s a simple but powerful way to manage your vehicle’s maintenance record.

How to Build a Complete Maintenance Log

To make the most of your MOT data:

1. Save all your MOT certificates – whether paper or digital copies.
2. Note repairs that were done following each MOT, especially for failed or advisory items.
3. Track mileage between tests to ensure servicing intervals are followed.
4. Compare past advisories to see if they’ve been fixed or are recurring.

A complete log combining MOT history, repair receipts, and service records will make your car’s maintenance transparent — ideal when selling or insuring your vehicle.

FAQs

1. Can I see my old MOT certificates online?

Yes, you can view all previous MOT test results for free using your registration number on CheckMot.com.

2. What should I do if my MOT certificate has advisories?

Address advisories promptly. They indicate potential issues that could worsen before your next MOT.

3. Does MOT history affect resale value?

Definitely. A clean and consistent MOT record reassures buyers that a car has been properly maintained.

4. Is digital MOT history the same as a paper certificate?

Yes. The online version is the official record and includes all the details found on a physical certificate.

By learning how to use your MOT certificate to track car maintenance history, you can ensure your vehicle stays safe, reliable, and retains its value. Regularly checking your MOT history through trusted tools like CheckMot.com makes car ownership simpler and more transparent.