MOT tests are mandatory for vehicles in the UK that are over 3 years old and made after 1960. These tests are carried out, to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and meet required safety standards. If they don’t meet the required standards, then this will result in an MOT Failure.
While many vehicle owners approach the MOT test with a sense of trepidation, understanding and addressing common failures can make the process a lot more smoother.
This article will tell you the most common MOT failures and provide tips on how to avoid them.
The Most Common MOT Failures
Lights & Bulbs
Blown bulbs are the most common cause of MOT failures. This is one of the easiest and cheapest things to fix.
Prior to you MOT Test, you should check that all the bulbs are working. Including, headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators and the number plate bulb. Doing this check takes 5 minutes of your time.
You should also check for cracks on the headlights, as this can also result in a MOT failure. Especially if it affects the beam.
Suspension
Another MOT failure can be caused because of broken springs. These can brake due to potholes.
They way to check your springs, is to listen for unusual clunks when you are driving.
You can also check the suspension by pushing it down on each corner. By doing this, it should return to normal without bouncing a few times.
Moreover, you can take a torch and look under the wheel arch. This will reveal any obvious defects.
Brakes
Brakes are one of the most important part of the vehicle. Not only because of MOT failure, but also because of safety.
Checking your brakes for squealing or grinding noises, are signs that the brake pads may need replacing.
It is also a good idea to check the handbrake on a slope. This is to ensure that it holds the car securely. If for any reason it doesn’t, then you will need to get it adjusted. This will also result in a MOT failure.
Tyres
Tyres are fundamental to check, as not only can it cause your vehicle to fail its MOT, but you could also get a fine.
Not only prior to an MOT, but on a regular basis, you should check the tread depth and perished tyre walls.
If your vehicle has been standing for any length of time, it can cause the tyre walls to perish and crack.
Tyre tread can be checked easily. You can do this by looking for the ‘wear bar’, which sits between the tread. If you see that it is close to 1.6mm and is low, you should get them replaced. The reason for this, is so it’s not flagged as an advisory on the MOT certificate.
Tracking and suspension can cause uneven tyre wear. This can be caused by potholes, which will result in tyre tread being uneven.
If your tyre wear is uneven, you need to get the tyre replaced. Furthermore, you will need to get the tracking and suspension checked. This can be done by any tyre garage.
Drivers View of the Road
Did you know that anything that obstructs a driver’s view of the road, will result in a MOT failure.
It is important to check for stone chips. Because if there are stone chips within the eye level, this can also result in an MOT failure.
Moreover, remove any obstructions, such as; air fresheners and mobile phone cradles.
Wipers
Are your front and rear wipers in working order? Its a good idea to check the blades, to ensure they are clean with no tears or rips.
Your wipers need to be able to clean the windows with no smears. If they don’t, and they leave smears, this can cause your vehicle to fail its MOT.
On a regular basis you should check the washer fluid bottle. Not only for safety, but If it’s empty, it can also cause an MOT failure.
Exhaust emissions
It is more common for diesel vehicles to to fail their MOT’s based on their emissions. The simplest way to avoid an MOT failure, is to buy a fuel treatment pack and take your car for a good run. By taking your vehicle for a good run, this will clear the fuel lines and tank.
Seat belts
For Health and Safety reasons and for your vehicle to pass its MOT, your seatbelts must;
- Be in good condition
- In working order
- Retract easily with no tears or knots
Bodywork
Prior to an MOT, you should have a look at the bodywork of your vehicle and that it is in good condition. If there is any accident damage, like; loose bumpers or sharp edges, this will result in an MOT failure.
Registration plates
Are you aware, that registration plates need to be clean and visible? Along with, a working light bulb at the rear. To avoid an MOT failure you should wipe and replace the bulb if necessary.
Exhaust, Fuel & Emissions
An emission test is carried out on an MOT test. You can check noise levels and any excessive smoke from your exhaust, whilst driving your vehicle.
It is more common for diesel vehicles, to have issues with clogged Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), which results in MOT failures. The reason for the clogging of the DPF, is due to short journeys and driving at low revs.
Did you know, that if you drive a diesel vehicle for at least 30 to 50 minutes at a sustained speed on a motorway, or on an A-road, this will help clear the filter.
Fuel cleaners to clean the fuel lines are available to purchase, like Redex.
Clean your Vehicle
Prior to your MOT, it’s a good idea to make sure that your car is clean and tidy. Also that the windows, doors, bonnet release and boot are in working order. If your vehicle is really dirty and full of junk, an MOT tester can refuse to test your vehicle.
Engine Management Warning Lights
If there are any warning lights that are illuminated on your dash, this could result in an MOT failure. Unfortunately, this isn’t something you are likely to resolve yourself. If you get a waning light on your vehicle, it is a good idea to take it to a garage, so that a mechanic can resolve the problem as soon as possible.
The Previous Year’s MOT Advisories
It is very easy to forget about the previous year’s MOT. It is highly recommended, that you check your last MOT for the ‘advisory’ items on the pass certificate. This is because, these are potential concerns that the MOT Tester identified on the last MOT.
If you haven’t fixed the advisory items from the previous MOT, then they are likely to get worse. Which can impact your upcoming MOT. The most common advisory items on the pass certificate, are usually the brake discs and brake pads. It is important to either get them checked, or get them replaced.
Servicing
A full service a few weeks before the MOT test may identify any potential MOT fails, which gives you the opportunity to remedy them before the MOT test.
A good mechanic will flag any concerns and discuss your options to ensure your car passes the MOT test.
This will save you money, as you will have the opportunity to get the work done before the MOT test, at the best price.
Any issues identified when your car is in for the MOT, leaves you potentially exposed to extortionate costs by garages. This is because they will know that you need your vehicle back quickly with a pass certificate and can charge accordingly.
Check your Vehicle Prior to its MOT
Prior to your vehicle going in for its MOT, you should walk around the vehicle and check to see that everything is as it should be. Double check that the mirrors and the fuel cap is secure. Also, check that the horn works and that there are no warning lights displayed.
By doing these simple checks, this will reduce the risk of an MOT failure.
Want to Learn more about MOT Testing?
Here at MTC, we have a range of courses available;
- MOT Training, Class 4 & 7 – This course is to become a fully qualified MOT tester for cars and vans.
- Level 3 VTAA – The VTAA course is for people that are skilled in the motor trade and don’t have no formal qualifications.
- MOT Training (Car, Motorbike, HGV)
- Level 1 MOT & Hybrid/EV Training Course
- MOT Managers Courses
- Hybrid Training Courses – Level 1, 2 and 3 (Raise Awareness, Light Vehicles, Buses, HGV, Cars)
For more articles like this one; Vehicle MOT Checklist
