An MOT test is an essential check to ensure your vehicle meets the necessary safety and environmental standards. A staggering 28.58% of vehicles failed their MOT on their first attempt between 2023 and 2024, often for preventable reasons. Understanding the most common failures and taking proactive steps can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s a breakdown of the typical reasons vehicles fail their MOT and how to avoid them.
Lighting and Signalling Issues
Faulty lights are one of the most frequent causes of MOT failures. This includes headlights, brake lights, indicators, and number plate lights.
Prevention Tips:
- Regularly inspect all lights on your vehicle.
- Replace any bulbs that are dim, flickering, or non-functional.
- Ensure that lenses are clean and free of cracks.
Indicators often fail due to incorrect coloration. Bulbs that are covered with an orange film tend to deteriorate over time, resulting in a shift towards yellow or white hues.
Tyres
Worn or damaged tyres can lead to an MOT failure. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but tyres with less than 3mm may still compromise safety.
Prevention Tips:
- Check your tyre tread depth regularly with a gauge.
- Look for any visible damage, such as cuts or bulges.
- Ensure tyres are properly inflated according to manufacturer guidelines.
We most commonly see wear on the inner edge of the tyre where most people don’t check, this is normally caused by worn suspension components or bad tracking.
Brakes
Brake performance is critical for safety, and issues like worn brake pads, discs, or leaking brake fluid can result in a failed MOT.
Prevention Tips:
- Listen for unusual noises like squealing or grinding when braking.
- Pay attention to changes in braking performance.
- Schedule regular brake inspections and maintenance.
Suspension
Suspension faults are another common MOT failure, often caused by wear and tear over time.
Prevention Tips:
- Watch for signs like uneven tire wear, excessive bouncing, or noises when driving over bumps.
- Have your suspension checked during routine servicing.
Exhaust and Emissions
Failing emissions tests due to a faulty exhaust system or high pollution levels is a significant reason for MOT failures.
Prevention Tips:
- Monitor your car for unusual smoke or louder-than-usual engine noise.
- Keep your car’s service history up to date, including regular oil changes.
- Use quality fuel and consider a pre-MOT emissions check.
Visibility
Problems with wipers, washers, and the condition of the windscreen can cause an MOT failure. Cracks or chips in the windscreen, especially in the driver’s line of sight, are red flags.
Prevention Tips:
- Check and replace wiper blades if they leave streaks.
- Top up washer fluid regularly.
- Repair windscreen damage promptly.
Registration Plates
Illegible, damaged, or incorrectly formatted registration plates are a common and easily avoidable failure point.
- Ensure plates are clean, undamaged, and securely fixed.
- Check that the plates conform to UK regulations regarding font and spacing.
Final Checks Before Your MOT
Before heading to your MOT appointment, perform these simple checks:
- Ensure seatbelts are functional and accessible.
- Test your horn to confirm it works.
- Remove any obstructions from the windscreen and mirrors.
When to Get Your MOT Done
Plan your MOT test in advance and avoid last-minute panic. Booking your test one month before the current certificate expires ensures you have time to address any issues.
By staying vigilant and addressing these common problems ahead of time, you can significantly increase your chances of passing your MOT on the first attempt. Regular maintenance not only ensures your vehicle remains roadworthy but also keeps you and others safe on the road. We suggest booking in your vehicle for a service before your MOT test to ensure everything is safe and ready for the test! We offer car servicing in Kidderminster, book today and get your vehicle MOT ready!
You can read a more in-depth and all legal requirements for a MOT test here.