Did you know that nearly half of all cars fail their MOT on the first attempt? The good news is that many of these failures are preventable if you know what to look for.
Top Reasons for MOT Failures
- Lighting and signalling issues: Faulty bulbs are one of the most common reasons for failure.
- Worn-out tyres: Less than 1.6mm tread depth is illegal and unsafe.
- Brake problems: Worn brake pads or malfunctioning brake systems are critical failure points.
- Suspension issues: Broken or worn-out springs and dampers.
- Exhaust emissions: Excessive emissions due to faulty catalytic converters or engine issues.
- Damaged windscreens: Chips or cracks impairing driver visibility.
- Faulty wipers: Ineffective wipers that don’t clean properly.
- Loose or damaged seatbelts: Compromising safety.
How to Avoid Failing an MOT
- Check all lights and indicators before the test.
- Inspect tyres for tread depth and damage.
- Test brakes for responsiveness.
- Clean your windscreen and check for cracks.
- Inspect wipers for wear.
- Listen for unusual noises in suspension and steering.
- Fix dashboard warning lights.
Conclusion
Taking care of these simple maintenance tasks can significantly increase your chances of passing the MOT. Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than cure!