Common MOT Failures and How to Avoid Them

Every car over three years old in the UK must undergo an annual MOT test to ensure it meets road safety and environmental standards. However, many vehicles fail their MOT for reasons that could have been easily avoided with regular maintenance and simple checks.

To help you keep your car in top condition and improve your chances of passing the test, we’ve outlined the five most common MOT failures and how you can prepare for them.

1. Lighting and Signalling Issues

Faulty lights are one of the most frequent causes of MOT failure. This includes headlights, brake lights, indicators, sidelights, fog lights, and even number plate lights.

How to avoid failure:

• Turn on all your lights and walk around your car to check they’re working correctly.
• Ask someone to check your brake lights while you press the pedal.
• Look for cracks in the light lenses and clean any misty or cloudy headlamp covers.
• Replace any blown bulbs before your MOT.

2. Suspension Problems

The UK’s pothole-ridden roads contribute to many suspension-related MOT failures. Worn-out shock absorbers, broken springs, and other suspension issues can develop gradually and go unnoticed.

How to avoid failure:

• Listen for unusual knocking or clunking noises when driving over bumps.
• Check if your car sits level when parked. A sagging corner could indicate a suspension problem.
• Push down on each corner of your car – it should return to its normal height without excessive bouncing.

3. Brake Defects

Brakes are crucial for safety, yet many vehicles fail their MOT due to worn brake pads, discs, or faulty handbrakes.

How to avoid failure:

• Listen for grinding or squealing noises when braking – these could indicate worn brake pads.
• Ensure your car doesn’t pull to one side when braking.
• Check that the handbrake holds the car securely on an incline.
• Inspect the brake discs through the wheel spokes – they should be smooth and not excessively worn.

4. Tyre Condition

Your tyres are the only part of the car that makes contact with the road, so their condition is vital. Worn or incorrectly inflated tyres can lead to an MOT failure.

How to avoid failure:

• Use a 20p coin to check the tread depth. If the outer band of the coin is visible, the tread is too low. The legal minimum is 1.6mm.
• Check for cuts, bulges, or uneven wear, which could indicate a suspension or alignment issue.
• Ensure tyres are correctly inflated to the recommended pressure.

5. Visibility Issues

Windscreen cracks, faulty wipers, and obstructions in the driver’s field of vision can all result in an MOT failure.

How to avoid failure:

• Check for cracks or chips in the windscreen, particularly in the driver’s line of sight.
• Ensure windscreen wipers are in good condition and effectively clear water.
• Keep your windscreen clean and free from stickers or other obstructions

Preparing for Your MOT

To reduce the risk of an MOT failure, consider these additional steps:

• Regular maintenance: Keep up with routine servicing and checks.
• Pre-MOT inspection: Book a service before your MOT
• Address issues promptly: If you notice any faults, get them fixed as soon as possible.
• Check your MOT expiry date: Book your test in advance to avoid driving without a valid MOT.

A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your car passes its MOT the first time. Regular checks and maintenance not only help you avoid the inconvenience of a failure but also keep your vehicle safe and roadworthy all year round.

Read a Quick Guide to Car Services and MOTs