The Ministry of Transport (MOT) test is a mandatory annual inspection for vehicles in the UK that ensures roadworthiness and safety. A car that fails its MOT test cannot legally be driven on UK roads without an updated MOT certificate. MOT tests are essential for keeping vehicles safe and roadworthy, but unfortunately, these MOT certificate failures are all too common. Let’s dive into the top 10 common reasons cars fail their MOT and how drivers can avoid these common MOT failures.
1. Faulty Lights
One of the most common reasons cars fail their MOT is lighting issues. Lights (including brake lights and front fog lights) account for a significant number of MOT failures each year. A car’s lights are crucial for road safety, as they ensure the vehicle is visible to other road users and allow the driver to see clearly. Headlights, brake lights, and front fog lights must all be working correctly for a car to pass its MOT. Blown bulbs are a frequent cause of failure. Even a single blown bulb can result in an MOT failure.
2. Suspension Issues
Suspension plays a critical role in vehicle stability and handling, and it’s another common reason vehicles fail their MOT. Suspension issues, such as worn-out shock absorbers or damaged springs, are often identified during MOT tests. These defects can severely impact road safety by reducing the car’s control and increasing the risk of accidents, particularly when driving on uneven surfaces.
Regular maintenance checks can help catch early signs of wear and tear in the car’s failed suspension system. Drivers should ensure that their car’s suspension is in good condition before their annual MOT test.
3. Worn Tyres
Tyres are a critical component of a vehicle, and they must meet the legal tread depth requirements to pass the MOT test. A vehicle’s tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the outer band of the tyre. Tyres below this legal limit are considered dangerous defects, as they can compromise grip, especially in wet or icy conditions. Many vehicles fail their MOT due to worn tyres that fall below the legal limit.
Drivers should regularly inspect their tyres for wear and check the tread depth before MOT time to avoid failing the test.
4. Brakes in Poor Condition
Faulty brakes are another leading cause of MOT failures. The braking system is one of the most critical safety systems in a vehicle, and it needs to be in top working order. The MOT test checks for wear and tear in brake pads, discs, and other brake components. If any part of the braking system is worn out or not working properly, it will result in a failed MOT. Brakes must be able to stop the vehicle efficiently and safely, and any signs of damage or wear can pose a serious risk to other road users.
Common MOT fails related to brakes include worn-out pads or faulty brake lights. Regular servicing and brake checks can help drivers avoid or repair these issues.
5. Seat Belts Not Working Properly
Seat belts are another vital safety feature that MOT testers check for functionality and wear. If a car’s seat belts are frayed, damaged, or do not latch correctly, it will fail its MOT test. Seat belts are safety systems designed to protect the driver and passengers in case of an accident, so any defects in their structure are considered serious.
It’s important to regularly inspect seat belts to ensure they are working correctly and repair any faults immediately. This simple check can prevent an MOT failure and ensure the safety of everyone in the vehicle.
6. Defective Registration Plates
Registration plates are a small but significant part of an MOT test. They must be clear, legible, and meet the legal requirements for font size and spacing. If the registration plates are dirty, faded, or damaged to the point where they are no longer legible, the car will fail its MOT. In addition, any fancy fonts or illegal spacing between characters can result in an MOT failure.
Ensuring that the registration plates are clean and properly fitted is a quick fix that can prevent an unnecessary MOT failure.
7. Electrical Equipment and Wiring Faults
Electrical equipment in the car, such as the dashboard lights, indicators, and horn, must be in working order for the vehicle to pass its MOT. Faulty electrical systems can lead to dangerous situations, especially if crucial indicators or warning lights aren’t functioning. While many electrical issues might seem minor, they can still cause dangerous defects and a car to fail its MOT.
Drivers should regularly check all electrical equipment in their vehicle and fix any faults before MOT time to avoid being caught out by common MOT failures.
8. Leaks and Emissions
Leaks, especially those involving fuel, brake fluid, or engine oil, are a common MOT failure reason. Leaks can affect the car’s performance and pose a significant safety risk, leading to further damage and potentially costly repairs. In addition to fluid leaks, a vehicle’s emissions are also checked during the MOT. Excessive emissions can result in a failed MOT, particularly if the car does not meet the required environmental standards.
Regular servicing can help catch and fix any leaks or emissions issues before they result in an MOT failure.
9. Faulty Steering Wheel and Alignment
A vehicle’s steering system is crucial for safe driving. If the steering wheel is loose, misaligned, or otherwise not working correctly, it will cause the car to fail its MOT. Steering issues can make it difficult and dangerous to control the vehicle, especially at higher speeds, and pose a significant safety risk to both the driver and other road users.
Routine checks of the steering wheel and the alignment of the body of the vehicle can help prevent steering-related MOT failures. If you notice that your car pulls to one side or that the steering wheel feels loose, it’s a sign that an immediate repair is needed.
How Can BS Garages Help With Your MOT?
While MOT tests can sometimes feel like an inconvenience, they play a vital role in keeping vehicles safe and roadworthy on the UK road network. Regular maintenance checks can help identify and fix any potential issues before the annual MOT test, ensuring that your car passes.
BS3 Garages is based in Bedminster, Bristol and our qualified mechanics carry out MOT inspections for a range of different vehicles. If you need to schedule your vehicle for an MOT test, contact us at 0117 9537 577 today.