Common Reasons for MOT Failures and How to Avoid Them

The annual MOT test is a requirement for most vehicles over three years old in the UK to ensure they meet key roadworthiness and environmental standards. While an MOT test is no guarantee that your vehicle is in perfect condition, failing to secure a pass certificate renders your vehicle illegal to drive on public roads.

According to data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), around 40% of vehicles fail their initial MOT assessment each year. Some common failure points are relatively easy to address before taking your vehicle in for its test, potentially saving you from an instant fail and the costs of having to get your vehicle retested.

Here are some of the most frequent reasons vehicles fail their MOT and tips on how motorists can try to avoid them:

Lighting Issues

Problems with a vehicle’s lighting systems are one of the biggest culprits for MOT failures. This includes headlamps, rear lights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lamps. Bulbs can blow or lenses can become cracked or hazy over time.

To avoid lighting failures, regularly check that all exterior lights are working and repair or replace any defective bulbs or lenses. Also ensure light fittings are secure and lenses are clean.

Tyre Condition

Excessively worn or damaged tyres are another major cause of MOT failures. Tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters for cars, with no bulges, cuts or other defects that could make them unsafe.

Check your tyre condition and pressure regularly, get tyres replaced when worn, and avoid putting off replacement of damaged tyres. Investing in new tyres could be far cheaper than having to retest after an MOT fail.

Suspension Issues

Problems with shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars and suspension bushes can all lead to MOT failures. Warning signs can include excessive vehicle body movement or uneven tyre wear.

Have any suspension issues professionally inspected and fixed ahead of your MOT. Replacing worn suspension components may be advised to ensure your vehicle handles safely.

Brakes

An MOT tester will assess the brake pedal, footbrake, and parking brake for any excessive wear or defects that could impair their effectiveness. Around 16% of MOT failures are due to brake issues.

If you notice any brake judder, pulling to one side when braking, excessive brake pedal travel, or a parking brake that doesn’t hold effectively, get it checked by a mechanic before your MOT.

Windscreen Damage

Damage to the windscreen or other automotive glazing that could impair the driver’s view is another common reason for failures. Cracks over a certain size in the driver’s critical viewing area are not permitted.

While a chipped windscreen may pass, larger cracks are likely to need the windscreen to be replaced before retesting. If possible, address any windscreen damage promptly rather than risk failing the MOT.

Other Reasons

Further potential failure points include excessive exhaust emissions, fluid leaks, excessive steering play or steering component wear, mirrors that are damaged or insecure, unsecured batteries, and seatbelt defects.

The best ways for motorists to maximise their vehicle’s chances of passing are to carefully maintain it all year round, act on any issues promptly, and get professional advice if you suspect any potential failure points.

Pre-MOT Checks

Many garages and mechanics offer pre-MOT checks where they will inspect your vehicle against MOT requirements and advise on any likely failure issues. This can give you the chance to address problems before taking the official test.

For a small fee, a pre-MOT check could highlight work that needs doing, saving you the costs and hassles of an MOT retest. It’s advisable to book one of these checks a few weeks ahead of your actual MOT due date.

Overall, avoiding MOT failures mostly comes down to keeping your vehicle in a well-maintained condition through regular servicing and promptly repairing any defects that could become bigger issues. A little preventative maintenance could be far cheaper than the costs and penalties of driving an unroadworthy vehicle if it fails.