The Most Common Reasons for Failing an MOT

All vehicles that are more than 3 years old need to have an annual MOT test, and these tests can be the source of worry for many, particularly drivers of cars that have seen better days. A failed MOT can result in costly repairs, and a vehicle can fail an MOT for a number of reasons, the most common of which we’re going to outline here.

The most common reasons for MOT failure may well surprise you; it’s not the engine, it’s not the steering, and it’s not the clutch. The most common reasons for failing an MOT are:

– Lights
– Tyres
– Suspension
– Registration plate
– Windscreen
– Windscreen wipers
– Exhaust system
– Brakes

Lights

Lights are responsible for 17% of MOT failures. These failures can be down to anything from a broken bulb to poor headlight aim, as well as faulty brake lights and indicators.

Each external light on your vehicle need to work correctly, this includes: running lights, main beam, high beam, hazard lights and indicators – on both the front and rear of the vehicle.

Did you know that since 2011, all new cars are required to have daytime running lights, which are separate from the headlights? This was EU legislation that is still part of UK to this day.

Tyres

The tread depth on tyres is very important, and if yours are found to have insufficient depth – less than 1.6mm – your vehicle will fail its MOT. In fact, tread depth issues are responsible for 14% of MOT failures.

Many manufactures suggest you change your tyres when they fall below 3mm tread depth, but this is up to the owner of the vehicle. Below 1.6mm can land you with a £2,500 fine and three penalty points if stopped by the police.

Registration plate

Perhaps one of the most surprising culprits. If your front or rear number plate has significant damage, or the light above the plate is faulty, your vehicle will fail the MOT; 14% of failures are due to number plate issues.

You can buy and have replacement number plates fitted for around £30-£40.

Windscreen

Your vehicle will fail the test if there are any chips or cracks that block the driver’s view of the road. It is illegal to drive with a cracked or chipped windscreen were the drivers view is obstructed, if stopped by the police, this could lead to a fixed penalty notice and points on your licence.

Windscreen Wipers

Windscreen wipers are the reason for 12% of MOT failures; visible tears or damage will somewhat unsurprisingly result in failure, but another factor is whether or not they leave smears on the windscreen when used. If they do, your vehicle will fail the test.

It’s very quick and easy to replace the rubber of your windscreen wipers, in most cases you don’t need to replace the full wiper – just the ‘blade’. In some cases, a small stone could be stuck, and removing it fixes the streaks.

Suspension

Overly worn suspension systems will cause your vehicle to fail the MOT test – 7% of failures are down to faulty suspension. If the suspension does not deal well with bumps and you can hear banging or knocking, or it lurches in a particular direction when you drive, your vehicle will fail its MOT.

An MOT looks at all aspects of your suspension; suspension bushes, coil springs / suspension arms and joints. Driving over bad potholes, or going too fast over road humps can cause damage and excessive wear to these areas.

Brakes

It’s not surprising that brakes have a decisive say in whether or not your vehicle passes its MOT. In fact, 7% of MOT failures are down to brake issues. If they are found to have excessive wear or strange patterns of wear, that is grounds for an MOT failure.

Exhaust system

If your exhaust system is loose, makes excessive noise, is missing silencers or has evidence of corrosion, your vehicle will fail the test. 7% of MOTs are failed due to problems with exhaust systems.

What happens if I fail my MOT?

If you fail your MOT, in most cases you will need to fix the issues that caused your vehicle to fail. In most cases, you won’t be able to drive your vehicle, and will have to get these items fixed at the garage who carried out the MOT.

All garages can provide services to make your vehicle road worthy, and pass your MOT, and will tell you exactly what repair work needs to be carried out. However in some cases with older vehicles, so issues can’t be fixed and the vehicle will need to be scrapped.

Once your vehicle has been repaired or serviced, you will need to book another MOT.

How can I avoid failing my MOT?

It’s easy to say ‘look after your car’ – but some issues are unavoidable, and damage is not always your fault. The best option to avoid failing your MOT is to have a regular service plan. These can be put in place every few thousand miles, or few months. Most new cars will have a service plan, and you can take out a new one with most garages and dealerships.

If you’d like to be sure that your vehicle will pass its MOT, it can help to take it in for a service before your MOT is due. Qualified, skilled professionals at Watling Tyres will be able to identify and fix any problems with your vehicle, potentially saving you the great expense that can come with an MOT failure.

Watling Tyres are proud to provide MOT testing for vehicles of all kinds across our branches. Our expert team are skilled and experienced in testing vehicles, and identifying and repairing faults that your vehicle may have.

For more information about our branches that carry out MOTs, see our branch finder page or MOT page. To find out more about our other services, get in touch with us today.