Birmingham car owners booking their MOT can find themselves facing an unexpected failure, with thousands each year being unable to pass their test. It’s maddening, expensive and often unnecessary. If you drive around Selly Oak, Moseley or Edgbaston, just the day-to-day wear and tear of driving in the city can take its toll on your car. But why are there so many MOT failures in Birmingham and how do you ensure a hassle-free pass?
If you’ve ever had a surprise failed MOT or are steeling yourself for your next one, this blog will guide you through the most common reasons for failure — and what you can do to avoid them.
Faulty or Broken Lights: The Most Overlooked Reason
Broken or faulty lights are one of the most common reasons for cars failing their MOT in Birmingham and also one of the easiest to fix. Whether it be a blown headlamp, non-working brake light, or faded indicators, these small details are often lost during everyday use. But for MOT testers, they’re non-negotiable.
The darker winters and wet weather in Birmingham mean that working lights are even more important. Many drivers are unaware their rear lights or number plate lights are not working until during the test itself. But keep in mind that a friend could save you a lot of time and hassle when of the lights, that can be checked with a quick walk around your car before your MOT.
Worn Tyres: Easy to Miss, Costly to Ignore
Shagging about Birmingham’s myriad potholes can do a number on your tyres. MOT failures also include everything from uneven wear to slow punctures, tyres.The legal tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but if your tyres are anywhere near that you’re in danger of not only failing an MOT but putting your safety on the line as well.
It’s not only the tread that matters: any cracks, bulges or damage to the sidewalls will turn up as an MOT failure too Check them regularly, every few weeks should do, particularly if you do a lot of driving on bumpy or broken roads as you might through Birmingham city centre or along the A38.
Brake Issues: More Common Than You’d Think
Faulty brakes don’t just fail your MOT – they’re a danger. But many problems are hidden until it’s too late. You probably don’t feel the diminished braking power or hear the fine sounds of reduced driving pleasure during stop-and-go traffic near places in the Jewellery Quarter or Aston Expressway.
MOT testers will inspect your brake pads, discs and fluid levels. If your brakes feel spongy, or you hear grinding noises, then schedule a brake inspection in advance of your MOT. It’s one of the most critical systems in your car, and also instrumental to passing.
Why Suspension Problems; Roads Are to Blame
There are many things about Birmingham drivers that get complained about but their potholes are perhaps the most notable. But they’re not just a nuisance—they’re hard on your suspension system. Everything from worn-out shock absorbers to snapped springs — the damage accumulates over time. You may find your car bouncing more over speed bumps or feeling “loose” in corners. These are signs that your suspension may not be working the MOT.Mechanics in Birmingham encounter this type of problem all sorts of times, particularly in vehicles that regularly travel the Pershore Road or its way round Digbeth.
Windscreen Wipers and Washer Fluid: Basic but Breakable
It may seem hard to believe, but you can fail an MOT for something as minor as worn wiper blades or empty washer fluid. Visibility is a major safety consideration, and anything that impairs it, whether it be a smeared windshield or dry wipers, could mean a fail.
When you live in a place as rainy as Birmingham, having up-to-scratch wipers isn’t a box-ticking exercise — it’s a necessity. Inspect your wipers for signs of tears and/or streaking, and ensure your washer-fluid reservoir is full by test day.
Dashboard Warning Lights: Do Not Ignore Them
Those tiny icons on your dashboard aren’t there for decoration. A permanent warning light, be it engine management, airbags or ABS, can result in an MOT fail.Today’s cars feature an abundance of sensors, and if you ignore a warning light, the problem can snowball into something much more serious.
A Birmingham mechanic found that many motorists arrive with the engine warning light lit, thinking it’s a minor fault. But MOT testers are strict if that light is on during the test, it is generally an automatic failure. Always have diagnostics run and sorted before your appointment.
Number Plates: Yes, Really
An cracked, faded or incorrectly spaced number plate can also see you fail an MOT. It feels petty, but the law requires clear identification. But if you’ve got a brand new set of plates or a personalised plate in recent months, ensure it meets UK regulations.
Selly Oak is one of the student areas in Birmingham where modified or stylised number plates are loved. But if they don’t follow the spacing or font requirements by law, your car won’t pass. It’s a quick fix but a common oversight.
Exhaust and Emissions: A Growing Concern
With Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone operating, emissions are more vital than ever. An MOT incorporates emissions testing to ensure your vehicle is within UK thresholds. If your car smokes too much or flunks the test, you could face expensive repairs — or even a retest.
Particularly at risk are diesel cars. Fail if your diesel particulate filter (DPF) is clogged, or your car emits clouds of visible smoke.Short journeys where the engine doesn’t reach peak temperature (a common scenario with city driving) can exacerbate the problem. If your motor is in need of a clear-out then try going for a long drive on the motorway before your organised test.
How to Prevent MOT Surprises
Regular servicing is your best defence. Making a booking for a pre-MOT check or interim service with a Birmingham garage near you will be able to highlight problems before your genuine test.Such checks usually take less than an hour, and can save you the hassle of failing and having to retest.
Knowing your local garage also helps. Whether you are in Birmingham City Centre or further afield in Kings Heath or Handsworth, opt for a local mechanic you can trust, one who understands the impact regional factors — such as weather and roads — have on your car. They will see things that national chains will miss.
Everyday Tips That Make a Difference
Ever left your car parked on a hill in Harborne and then realised your handbrake isn’t as strong as it once was? Or maybe your mirrors steam up more frequently than they should? These minor signs can often highlight the larger issues resulting in failed MOTs.
Urban settings can be tough on cars, and Birmingham’s stop-start traffic, pothole-riddled roads, and long winters are no help. Caring for your car need not be a full-time job, but giving it a little attention before your MOT can be well worth it.
Don’t roll the dice if your MOT is approaching — Do a self-check, schedule a quick inspection if you need to, and hit the roads with confidence—you’ve done your part to keep your car safe, road-legal, and equipped for the busy streets of Birmingham.