What Really Happens During an MOT?

If you drive a SEAT or CUPRA, you already know that performance, precision, and personality are baked into every model. Whether it’s a Leon, Ateca, or Formentor, keeping your ride in top condition isn’t just about looks — it’s about safety, compliance, and making sure every drive feels as sharp as the first.

One key part of that maintenance puzzle? Your MOT. And if you've ever wondered exactly what a garage checks during the test — and how it applies to your SEAT or CUPRA — you’re in the right place.

Let’s break it down.

Why the MOT Matters for SEAT & CUPRA Owners

Here in the UK, every vehicle over 3 years old needs an annual MOT test to stay road legal. It’s not just red tape — it ensures your car meets essential safety and emissions standards. No valid MOT? That can land you with fines, points on your license, and even invalidate your insurance.

But beyond the legal side, it’s a great opportunity to make sure your high-performance hatch or SUV is still running like it should. Let’s face it — CUPRAs are made to be driven, and regular checks keep them driving at their best.

What Gets Checked During an MOT?

Here’s a detailed look at what garages check — with a CUPRA spin on what you should look out for.

Lights and Indicators

From the sleek LED headlights on the CUPRA Leon to your brake lights and hazards, every bulb gets tested. They need to be working correctly, not flickering or dim. Cracked lenses or mismatched bulbs? That’s a common MOT fail. If you’ve swapped to aftermarket units or tinted indicators, make sure they’re still road legal.

Suspension

With CUPRAs, suspension is tuned for performance, but it still needs to be smooth and safe. The garage will check for leaks, wear, or damage in springs, shocks, and linkages. If you’ve fitted coilovers or uprated suspension components, make sure everything’s tight, aligned, and properly secured.

Battery Health

They’ll look for corrosion, secure mounting, and basic charge condition. Weak batteries aren’t always an instant fail, but if your Leon’s dash lights flicker on startup — take it as a warning.

Brakes

Expect a thorough check on braking performance and responsiveness. They'll check pads, discs, and handbrake function. If your CUPRA’s been tracked or you’ve upgraded to performance brake kits (hello, Brembos), make sure everything’s bedded in correctly and not excessively worn.

Windscreen & Wipers

Clear vision is a must. Chips or cracks in your field of view can lead to a fail. Wipers need to clean evenly without smearing — no excuses. If you’re running a tinted windscreen strip, make sure it’s legal height.

Horn

Simple, but overlooked. The horn must work — end of story. It’s one of the fastest MOT fails you can avoid.

Fluid Levels

They’ll check oil, screenwash, and coolant levels. No major leaks allowed either. If you’re running a remapped engine or upgraded intercooler, check all your connections are dry and tight beforehand.

Seatbelts

All belts must latch securely, retract smoothly, and show no signs of damage. Rear belts count too, even if you never use the back seats.

Mirrors

You need a clear view behind and to both sides. No cracks, no wobble. Folding mirror mechanisms must function properly if fitted.

Exhaust & Emissions

Your exhaust system needs to be secure, with no major leaks or excessive noise. If you’re running a sports exhaust or decat pipe, emissions could be a problem — especially on petrol models with stricter Euro 6 standards. Diesel CUPRAs? Watch out for DPF issues.

Registration Plate

Plates must be clean, visible, and legal. That means correct spacing and font — no tinted covers or funky fonts.

Tyres

Tread depth must be above 1.6mm across the central three-quarters, and they’ll look for sidewall damage, bulges, or mismatched tyres. With CUPRA’s power output, uneven wear from aggressive driving or alignment issues can sneak up fast.

Other Areas Checked

Garages will also take a look at:

• Dashboard warning lights (especially ABS, TPMS, engine management)
• Doors, boot, and bonnet operation
• General body condition
• Steering system play or damage

So if you’ve been ignoring that check engine light or your driver's door doesn’t close smoothly, now’s the time to fix it.

Why I Recommend a Local Garage (Especially for SEAT/CUPRA Drivers)

You can go to a big-name chain. But in my experience, local independent garages often provide better value and a more personal touch. Mechanics at smaller MOT stations take the time to explain issues clearly and won’t upsell you for things you don’t need.

Even better? Many are familiar with SEAT and CUPRA quirks. If you're in Sheffield, for example, I've seen great work come out of TM Automotive — solid reputation, fair pricing, and they actually know what they're looking at under the bonnet of a Leon Cupra or Ibiza FR.

Final Thoughts

An MOT might feel like a chore, but it’s a golden opportunity to catch issues early and keep your CUPRA running at its peak. Whether you're daily driving your Leon or saving your Formentor for weekend blasts, passing your MOT means you’re road-ready — and driving safe.

Stay safe, stay fast!