For motorists, the letters M-O-T can spell dread, but there is nothing to fear.

For most people the date their car has to go in for its annual MOT test, is worse than a visit to the dentist. However, there is no reason to fear the test if your car is prepared. It is actually a very reassuring way to get your car checked over by an expert and to make sure it is safe for you to drive and also meets legal requirements.

The MOT test has been designed to be as customer friendly as possible. There is a viewing area by the test bay to provide motorists with the opportunity to watch the test taking place.

The MOT test exists for the protection of all motorists, and is the only statutory test for safety and environmental legislation. All vehicles aged three years and older need to be taken in for an annual MOT test. Since 1995, the MOT test has included an emissions output monitor to ensure that cars are not polluting our air excessively.

There is much you can do to help your car through the MOT. A car can fail the test on seemingly trivial things, so a quick once over could enable you to find out if your car is likely to pass the MOT or not. A few moments forethought could mean the difference between your car sailing through, and a nasty shock where a long list of problems need to be fixed.

Areas for attention include:

· if you are driving to us without any Road Fund Licence, ensure that you call us to make a note of your registration number so that if challenged, you can prove that it is in the process of being tested

· if there are any unexpired days left on your previous MOT the computerised system will automatically add the unexpired time so long as the vehicle is presented for MOT no more than one calendar month before the expiry of the old certificate. This is a really good idea as if you car does fail the MOT test it gives you enough time to plan for the required repairs

· if the car is three years old, and it is its first test, the car can be tested up to one calendar month before its third birthday

· seatbelts should be clearly visible and not frayed

· make sure the boot is uncluttered and does not hinder the tester in any way, as the tester can refuse to test the car if the boot is full

· make sure the underside of the car is not covered in mud or dirt, as the tester can refuse to test excessively dirty vehicles

· check your lights are in good working order, clean and not damaged

· tyre tread depth should be at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference

· cracked or illegible number plates could mean a failure

Regular inspections of your vehicle all year round will help you maintain your vehicle for your own safety and that of other road users. However the best way to help your car to pass the MOT is for it to be properly serviced. There are many elements covered by the MOT test, and the motorist needs the help of professionals to help highlight possible problem areas.

As an Alliance Auto Centre we undertake a Service Pledge. As such we will be able to advise you on the type of service you need, and will be able to point out potential problem areas before they arise, or become serious.