The Top Reasons Your Car Might Fail Its MOT and How to Avoid Them

Your vehicle’s MOT (Ministry of Transport test) is essential for ensuring it remains safe and roadworthy. However, many cars fail their MOT due to simple, avoidable issues. Regular car servicing and repairs can keep your car in good condition and increase its chances of passing the test. In this blog, we’ll explore the top reasons your car might fail its MOT and how to avoid them, using our expert services at your local garage.

1. Poor Brake Condition

One of the most common reasons cars fail their MOT is due to worn or faulty brakes. Brake pads wear down over time, and neglecting to replace them can lead to serious problems. Poor brake efficiency or unbalanced braking can cause an MOT failure.

How to Avoid Brake Failures:Routine brake repairs are essential. If your car's brakes make unusual noises, feel soft, or respond slowly, it's time for professional servicing. We provide expert brake repairs to ensure your vehicle’s braking system is in top condition, reducing the risk of failure.

MOT Service

2. Faulty Lights and Indicators

Another top reason for MOT failures is malfunctioning lights and indicators. This includes headlamps, rear lights, indicators, and even number plate lights. Defective lighting can pose a serious risk on the road, which is why they are rigorously checked during an MOT.

How to Avoid Light Issues:Before your MOT, check that all lights are working properly. Replacing bulbs is often an easy fix, but for more complex electrical issues, our garage offers reliable car repairs and diagnostics to resolve the problem efficiently.

3. Worn Tyres

Tyres with insufficient tread depth (below the legal limit of 1.6mm) or damage such as cuts, bulges, or punctures will result in an MOT failure. Tyres are critical for both safety and performance, especially in challenging weather conditions.

How to Avoid Tyre-Related MOT Failures:Regularly check your tyres for wear and ensure they are properly inflated. If you're unsure, book an inspection at our garage service, where we can check tyre pressure, tread depth, and overall condition, and replace them if necessary.

4. Windscreen and Wiper Problems

Cracks or chips on your windscreen that are larger than 10mm in the driver's view or 40mm elsewhere can result in an MOT failure. Worn or damaged wiper blades also pose a risk, as they can obstruct your vision during bad weather.

How to Avoid Windscreen Issues:Inspect your windscreen regularly for damage, and if you notice a crack, get it repaired immediately. Our garage services include windscreen inspections and repairs. Also, replace your wiper blades every six months to a year to ensure they are functioning correctly.

5. Exhaust and Emissions Failures

Your car’s exhaust system and emissions levels are thoroughly tested during an MOT. Excessive smoke, loud noises, or failed emissions tests can result in failure.

How to Avoid Exhaust and Emission Issues:Regular car servicing can help maintain your exhaust system and ensure it meets emissions standards. Our team will inspect your car’s exhaust system for leaks, damage, or excessive emissions, and perform necessary repairs to ensure compliance with regulations.

6. Suspension and Steering Faults

Worn or damaged suspension components and steering faults are common reasons for MOT failures. Signs of suspension issues include excessive bouncing or uneven tyre wear, while steering problems might present as difficulty turning the wheel or strange noises when steering.

How to Avoid Suspension and Steering Failures:Schedule regular check-ups at our garage to ensure these systems are in good working order. Our experienced mechanics offer comprehensive car repairs and will replace any faulty components to keep your car safe and roadworthy.

7. Bodywork and Structural Damage

Damage to the car’s bodywork, such as sharp edges, rust, or broken panels, can also result in an MOT failure. The test checks for anything that could cause injury to pedestrians or other road users.

How to Avoid Bodywork Issues:Inspect your vehicle’s body for any visible damage and get it repaired promptly. Our garage service includes bodywork repairs, ensuring your car is both safe and aesthetically pleasing.

8. Fluid Leaks

Leaking fluids such as oil, brake fluid, or coolant can be a sign of underlying issues that could lead to MOT failure.

How to Avoid Fluid Leaks:Regular car servicing will help identify and fix any leaks before they become serious. At our garage, we offer thorough car servicing, ensuring all fluids are at the correct levels and your vehicle is leak-free.

9. Inadequate Maintenance and Lack of Servicing

Many MOT failures could be avoided with regular maintenance. Neglecting your car’s routine servicing can lead to overlooked issues that might become serious problems.

How to Avoid General MOT Failures:Book regular maintenance with us to stay on top of your car’s condition. Our garage service includes comprehensive checks that will help you avoid unexpected MOT failures. We also offer tailored maintenance packages to suit your needs.

Why Choose Our Garage for Your Car Servicing and MOT Needs?

At our garage, we understand how important it is to keep your car in top shape and pass its MOT on the first attempt. Our expert mechanics are dedicated to providing high-quality services, including car repairs, brake repairs, and garage services. Whether you need a routine MOT, diagnostic tests, or comprehensive repairs, we have the skills and tools to ensure your car is roadworthy.