The Most Common MOT Failures and How to Avoid Them

Every year, millions of anxious UK drivers face the annual**** MOT Pelhams Lands test, with many cars not getting through on the first attempt. The fact of the matter is that most MOT failures can be avoided with just a few simple visual checks and general maintenance work. Knowing about all those common reasons why your car can fail an MOT test can really save you in terms of time, money, and stress. Whether it's blown bulbs or worn brake pads, you can spot a lot of these things and fix them before you ever get 5 miles from the test centre, easily turning what could be a failing score into a quick pass.

1. Lights and Signalling

The number one cause for MOT failure in Britain is a blown bulb, and at the same time, it's the easiest and cheapest thing to fix. Walk all around the car, while a second person is inside operating the lights. Systematically check for a bulb in every position: full beam and dipped beam headlights, all indicators-whether front, rear, or side repeaters-bulbs for brake lights and reverse lights, plus rear fog lights. Also, check number plate lights, a small little thing that is free to be overlooked but can be a common cause of failure.

2. Suspension System Issues

Suspension issues are amongst the most typical MOT failures because most of the times they set in gradually and stay unnoticed during normal driving.

Bouncing after hitting bumps, feeling loose in corners and noises during turns or on rough surfaces are all signs your car needs suspension work. Uneven wear of your tyres might show that your suspension needs attention.

Regularly get your suspension checked, most importantly if your car has driven a lot of kilometres or usually drives on rough roads.

3. Brake System Failure

Because brake problems are key to safe driving, having them fail an MOT is very serious.

If you hear any squealing or grinding during braking, it’s likely that your brake pads are worn out. Notice vibrations when you press the brake pedal or turn the steering wheel which may suggest warped discs. Test that your car doesn’t pull to one direction when you hit the brake.

Ensure that your brake fluid is always within the minimum and maximum marks in the brake fluid reservoir. 

4. Tyre Defects

Many MOTs are not passed due to tyre issues, but it’s a simple thing for drivers to test and maintain themselves.

Ensure your tyres have a 20p coin in each of the tread grooves. If you can spot the outer circle on your tyres, they are probably worn below the legal minimum.

Monthly, when your tyres are cold, check their pressure, rotate them if you can and replace them before they’re legally allowed to ensure better handling when it’s wet.

5. View of the Road

Many MOT failures happen when the driver’s view is restricted and the driver is frequently surprised by the result. All the mirrors should be fixed firmly to enable good visibility. Side windows should function as they should and the window tints must be permitted by law. When a small chip is caught early, it can usually be fixed fast and inexpensively so that it doesn’t turn into a longer crack and need a new windscreen.

6. Steering System Defects

They led to MOT failures, steering issues, and worse safety hazards requiring immediate attention. Ensure the power steering fluid level is between the minimum and maximum marks. Heavy steering might do some damage to the system if fluid is low. Heavy steering, vibrations through the steering wheel, or awkward noises while turning should all be sorted out before your MOT.

7. Fuel and Exhaust System Issues

Emissions failures are becoming more common as environmental laws tighten, but many can be avoided if the vehicle is well prepared.

Fuel System Treatments: Fuel treatment products clean the fuel system and reduce emissions. Put them into your fuel tank and drive for the recommended distance before the MOT test.

Exhaust System Checks: Visibly check your exhaust system for damage, corrosion beyond a certain limit, or loose sections. Listen out for abnormal noises signaling a problem.

8. Seat Belt Defects

If one or other seat belts are twisted, the webbing worn for the buckles are faulty, it is a direct cause of MOT failure. All seat belts should extend and retract smoothly, buckle securely, and be free of twist or damage. The airbag warning lights should show normal operation on starting the engine. 

9. Registration Number Plate Issues

Number plate issues could result in an avoidable MOT failure. Registration plates should be clean, legible, firmly fixed, and legally valid. Some quick fixes include cleaning the plates, replacing any damaged ones, and running checks on visibility.

Conclusion

Having an awareness of the common points of failure for the MOT Helpringham process puts you in charge of your test results. With some issues, you will have to turn to a professional, but other areas can be identified and rectified through just general checks and maintenance.